If you’re looking to start live streaming, then you’ll need to choose a platform. There are lots of different choices available that result in different qualities of video. Read more about how to choose between free and professional live streaming platforms, as well as loads of other live streaming tips on our blog!
A live streaming platform allows you to stream live videos to places such as your own website or blog, for example. Live streaming is more complicated than embedding standard on-demand videos and requires specific technology in order to make it possible. Website platforms themselves don’t have the capacity to live stream videos directly, nor give you as much control over your project, so you have to go through a third-party platform.
If you don’t have a website, but want to start live streaming videos, many platforms will also create a free website template to give you a place to showcase your video.
When it comes to choosing how to live stream video for your business or organisation, you’ll need to select which platform is the best fit for your needs.
There are currently only two platforms that offer free live streaming: Facebook and YouTube. Live streaming, as mentioned, is a complicated process which is why there are so few free platforms available.
Free platforms are basic, which is why they don’t cost. You can live stream quite simply, but you don’t have a lot of control over your stream — there’s not really any capability to tweak settings or customise your video.
Videos through live streaming platforms are also usually lower quality than those through professional, paid platforms. Your users might also have to watch ads, which you have little control over.
The biggest advantage is, of course, that they’re free, which makes them accessible to amateurs and hobbyists.
Free platforms tend to be best suited to hobbyists and nonprofessionals. They’re popular with gamers, for example, or people who are doing the most basic live streaming. It tends to be most used by people streaming from their phones, rather than with professional camera equipment.
When it comes to paid platforms, there are a few more out there to choose from including Zidivo. Be careful when searching for the right paid platform for your business, many come at high prices without high-price benefits! Compare prices and benefits carefully and try out free trials to get a feel for the platform.
Paid platforms have a lot more capability than free ones. They give you complete control over your video and stream so you can tweak and play with the settings to get your video exactly how you want it.
Unlike Facebook and YouTube, a professional live streaming platform will allow you to embed the live video into your own website, rather than viewers watching through the third party platform itself.
Many third-party platforms will also give you support. Zidivo’s support is unlimited as we’re here to help you in any way we can should you need us, making the process to go live as easy as possible.
Professional Platform Features Include:
The biggest advantage to a paid platform is more control over every element of your live streaming.
Professionals, businesses of all sizes and organisations. Loads of people choose a paid platform for live streaming including:
If you’re looking for a professional live streaming platform, try Zidivo free for 30 days.
Despite the obstacles that COVID-19 has thrown our way this Christmas, modern technology has meant that many businesses can efficiently work from home and stay connected with both their colleagues and their target markets. How? Primarily through video and live streaming, which has meant Zoom meetings, virtual concerts, online pub quizzes and more are the new norm. Zidivo is here to share their favourite Christmas video content ideas for 2020.
Cloud transcoding is taking over, leading the way by allowing businesses and individuals to offer a smooth and optimum playback experience for their entire audiences, without needing a huge team of staff or tons of equipment. Zidivo is here to clear up what cloud transcoding encompasses and who can benefit from it, as opposed to tackling all the encoding of your live streams in-house.
