Do you want to make streams and don’t know where to start? Today we will explain to you how to livestream on YouTube step by step.
As we previously mentioned in our post about Lo-Fi music, live streams are taking an important role on YouTube. This is because users enjoy interacting with each other and feel part of the stream.
What are YouTube live streams?
YouTube Live is the tool that allows you to perform live streams on the platform. It allows you to stream a wide variety of content and has the necessary functionalities to manage streaming and comments from your audience.
YouTube Live is the platform’s tool for making streams
First of all, you should know that there are two ways to make streams on YouTube:
- Basic option: This option is the one you are looking for if you want to get familiar with streams. If you decide to start with this type of broadcasting, you will only need a laptop with a camera, a computer and webcam or a smartphone.
- Advanced option: The advanced option is the one used, for example, by video game streamers. You will need to have some experience making streams, as it is somewhat more tedious due to the use of encoders.
Encoders are applications or hardware that allow you to record what is happening on your computer screen or smartphone, sending it directly to the stream for live display.
Even so, you should keep in mind that both options to make streams on YouTube will be available for your channel when you have reached 1,000 subscribers.
To be able to live stream on YouTube you need to have at least 1,000 subscribers
Summing up, to make a stream on YouTube you will need:
- A webcam
- A microphone
- Encoder or screen capturer (optional)
How to do live streaming on youtube
Here we will explain, step by step, what you need to do to be able to make streams on YouTube:
1. Select the “Go Live” option.
At the top right, click on “Create” and then on “Go Live”.
2. Request access to live streams
If it is your first time doing live streams, the requirement to make streams on YouTube is that you verify your channel.
To do so, the platform will contact you by phone call or text message. After 24 hours for the request to be confirmed, you will be able to stream live from your channel.
We advise you to take this into account if it is the first time you organize a stream on YouTube, so that you can ask for verification a couple of days before.
You need to make a verification request before stream live on YouTube for the first time
3. Configure your stream data.
The next step is to fill in the key data for your YouTube stream. Examples are the title, the time you want to start or the stream privacy.
- The title: Think of a title that engages your audience and makes them curious to know what you are going to tell them in your stream.
- The description: The same strategy we use for the title. Think of an eye-catching description that will attract the attention of users who come across your stream while browsing YouTube. Don’t forget to add your Social Media!
- Category: In this section you will have the option to define which categories your stream belongs to. These can be music, movies, video games, animals, sports, etc.
A tip to have a better SEO on YouTube is to select several keywords and adapt to them to get greater results.
If you need more tips, here is our step-by-step guide on how to improve your SEO on YouTube.
On the other hand, YouTube streams also allow you to perform more advanced configurations:
- Indicate type of camera and microphone: Thanks to this option, YouTube looks for the best way to adapt to your hardware so that the stream can be broadcasted without technical problems.
Other settings: Likewise, YouTube allows you to configure and moderate the chat for subscribers, restrict ages to watch the stream or set paid advertising within the stream.
4. Check everything.
When you have filled in all the fields within the settings, YouTube will show you a final preview of how your stream will look.
5. Go live on YouTube!
And with that, you’re all set to turn on the camera and start your YouTube stream.
Remember! We recommend starting the stream in private so that you can make sure everything is working properly.
6. Promote your live on Social Media
Actually, this is an extra step, but it has the same importance as the previous ones.
Once you know what time you will start your stream, promote it on all your social networks! Once the stream has started, we recommend you to announce it again.
Find a message that reaches your followers and a characteristic image or create a trailer for your stream – you can also use the live thumbnail!
If you want to use YouTube streams to do live sessions of your music, our best advice is to have an Official Artist Account on YouTube.
Tips on how to live stream on YouTube correctly
1. Be sure about the main topic of the stream
Among content creators, when it comes to making a stream, it’s normal to beat around the bush while chatting with your subscribers.
For this reason, we suggest that you set a main topic for your stream. Is it to present your new song? Is it an interview? Whatever it is, remember not to stray too far from it throughout the stream.
2. Organize and plan your stream
Once you have decided on the topic, it is time to plan your stream. You can do this by answering these questions:
- What time will my live stream start?
- How long will the stream last?
- Will only I be speaking or will other people be speaking as well?
- Do I need anything else besides my basic equipment for this stream?
- Do I want to do a paid promotion on this stream?
Once you are sure about these questions, start preparing the script by imagining how the stream will be structured.
Remember! When choosing a start time, keep in mind the different time zones your audience may be in.
Take into account different time zones when choosing a start time for your stream
You can also check activity hours of your users on YouTube in order to choose the perfect time to start a live stream.
To do so, you have to go to YouTube Studio and the, Statistics:
3. Perform a test before the official stream
Before clicking “Go Live” check that everything is in order and rehearse a little in front of the camera to feel more relaxed afterwards.
Before you start, check:
- Internet connection
- Audio
- Video
- Background
- Noise and disturbing sounds
4. Talk to your subscribers!
When you are preparing the script for your stream, remember to add ideas to encourage your subscribers to participate! This way, you will improve your engagement on YouTube and get more views.
Answer their questions, conduct chat polls or send greetings. You can also offer exclusive content to people who are watching the live stream. By doing this, you’ll be giving them a reason to stay.
Regarding your subscribers, you can also improve your relationship and engagement with them by using YouTube Shorts. In this post we provide you with some tips and strategies for YouTube Shorts focused on artists and labels.
Tools for making streams on YouTube
It is worth noting that YouTube offers tools for content creators who are dedicated to making streams:
1. Premieres
With premieres, you will be able to stream pre-recorded videos with a live chat so that your subscribers can participate and talk to each other in real time.
2. Monetize your streams
YouTube also offers the possibility of monetizing both your streams and your premieres. To do this, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
By having monetization enabled, you will not only be able to earn revenue through advertising, but your subscribers will also be able to make donations thanks to features such as Super Chat, Super Stickers and Channel Members.
3. Best moments
YouTube gives you the opportunity to select the best moments of your stream to turn them into independent videos and upload them on your channel. This way you will have more content and attract users who prefer shorter videos.
Now that you know all the keys to streaming on YouTube, what are you waiting for to start live streaming and increase your subscribers?
