How to live stream on a website

Updated on July 14th, 2022

What is live streaming?

Live streaming has made it easier to communicate in real-time and not necessarily be in the same room. Furthermore, for big seminars, webinars, conferences, and business meetings, not everyone can be present. This is especially true for multinationals and global countries that communicate with their partners abroad and remote workers.

Artists and musicians have also used the online sphere to promote themselves and broadcast concerts to their fans. The great thing about live streaming is that you can set up Free-To-View live streams, Pay-Per-View, Subscription, or even Private (Password Protected) live streams.

What is website live streaming?

Most platforms and social media apps like YouTube and Facebook are strictly managed and controlled. This may sometimes take away from creator’s art and content. Some risks that content creator’s are susceptible to include censorship, muting content, or random takedowns by automated bots. For this reason, many streamers are choosing to live stream on their websites, or even go as far as starting a website for their live streams.

There is greater control and they have the right to their own content and free speech over what they choose to broadcast. Furthermore, as a business, you can start monetizing your video content straight away as opposed to waiting to be monetized by certain 3rd Party Platforms. Streamers can also choose a White-Label platform like WpStream to add their own logo to their live streams and bring awareness to their brand.

When you create your own website, you also have a better idea about your viewer’s demographics, their interests, what they want to see, and curate your content based on that. This leads to more conversions and you can use Call To Actions (CTAs) to direct viewers to other events, joining your newsletters, or purchasing other virtual events/products from your website.

Tips for a successful live streaming service

Video Content

There are different types of content available for streaming platforms. For example, Twitch focuses on gaming while ESPN offers sports content. Other platforms provide more general content, such as Facebook Live.

The type of content you choose to stream will determine the target audience for your platform. For example, a platform that focuses on gaming will likely attract gamers as its target audience. Similarly, a platform that streams sports content will targeting sports fans.

When choosing the content for your platform, it’s important to consider a few things:

• What is the demand for this type of content?
• What type of content is already being offered by other platforms?
• How can you make your platform unique?
• Will you also add Video-On-Demand?

It’s also important to keep in mind that the content on your platform doesn’t have to be exclusively live. You can also offer recorded videos, highlights, and clips. This gives viewers a reason to come back to your site even when there’s no live content available.

Technology

Let’s discuss hardware. You’ll need servers that are powerful enough to handle live video streaming. You do not want is for your site to crash in the middle of a live stream. Make sure to also choose the right streaming software. There are many different options available, so be sure to do your research.

For software, you’ll need a good video player and a chat system. The chat system is essential for giving viewers the ability to interact with each other and the streamer in real-time. The video player should be able to handle live streaming without any lag or buffering.

Marketing

One of the most effective ways to market your platform is through influencers. An influencer is someone with a large following on social media or another online platform. If you can get an influencer to promote your platform, you’ll reach a large number of potential customers. You can even set up a page on your video streaming website where regular users or influencers can go live on your website.

Another good marketing strategy is content marketing. This involves creating and sharing content that promotes your platform. For example, you could write blog posts or create videos that explain how to use your platform. The more platforms that you use (your website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, the better).

Trends and statistics

• Streaming increased by 21% globally between Q3 2020 and Q3 2021.
• 44% of live streaming video viewers said they watch less TV as a result of live streaming.
• 80% of consumers would rather watch a live video from a brand than read a blog.
• 15% of people ages 18 to 34 watch live-streamed videos several times per day.
• 36% of enterprise streamers say their revenue has increased since they started live streaming their corporate events.
• Live Streaming for Churches, Education, and Fitness has also had an increase compared to previous years.

For more trends and statistics for 2022, check out this article.

Embed a Live Stream Into a Webpage

To add the Player shortcode to any page, you have two main options – You can edit your page with WpBakery or Elementor, and then search for the shortcode. Or you can add the text code manually into a page or post. Here is the code you need to add for reference:

[wpstream_player id="1234" ][/wpstream_player]

Once you add this code to your page, you will have to replace “1234” with the ID of your channel or video product.

To add this shortcode with WpBakery or Elementor, simply search for the shortcode in the library

WpStream Player

You can get your Live Channel ID by going to your WordPress dashboard, clicking on the WpStream Plugin options and then “WpStream Channels”. Each Live Channel you create has a separate ID that you will find under the title of the channel. More instructions by following these instructions. That is how you can embed a live video player on your website. Alternatively you can directly live stream on website.

Setting up your live streaming website

Create a plan

You need to consider who your target audience is, your demographic, what kind of subject you are tackling, research on the subject, and how to best approach it. If you are already an established brand and have been using Google Analytics, that is the best place to start.

Next, consider why you want to live stream. If you’re using live streams to build brand awareness, it’s a good idea to add a new page to an existing site. That way, viewers will have the opportunity to browse through your other content. If you’re using web streaming as a service model or if you’re using professional video hosting for paid virtual streaming events, you’re likely better off building a new site.

Set up your equipment

Setting up a broadcast requires minimal equipment and depending on the level of live streaming you would like to achieve, you will also need extra lighting and noise cancelling materials.

• Video Cameras
• Audio Equipment
• Mixing Equipment
• Encoders
• Mobile Live Streaming Equipment
• Video Streaming Accessories
• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)

Choose a Live Website Streaming Video Platform

WpStream can be used on any WordPress website and it is possible to stream using specialized RTMP broadcast software such as OBS, WireCast, vMix, Zoom, etc. To guide you, we have numerous video tutorials on our YouTube channel. Choose to monetize your sessions with WooCommerce or offer them for free.

Set it up a streaming website similar to Netflix with a global subscription model or multiple subscription plans where you can rent or sell live streams and on-demand videos. You will find that as a business owner, you can start monetizing your videos from the get-go. With Platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, you will need to reach a certain viewership to start making money.

Not only that, but your profits will depend on the ads. With WpStream, there will be no ads on you live streams (unless you choose to add your own). Moreover, if you are already an established company with multiple employees that plan to stream, you can also allow them (regular users) to broadcast on your WordPress website via the front-end.

Secure a Reliable Internet Connection

Broadcasters also need a reliable, fast internet connection to produce a high-quality live stream. Most cable internet speeds are sufficient for web streaming. Wi-Fi is another option but less reliable, so we recommend using it if you have no other live streaming options. However, both of these options are superior to cellular data when you live stream on your website.

There are some minimum upload speed requirements related to internet connection based on the video quality you’re aiming for. If you want a higher live stream video quality, you need a faster internet connection. We recommend an upload speed of at least half the quality at which you plan to stream. 

Adjusting your Video Bitrate

A part of your live streaming checklist, make sure you test your bitrate settings. Each piece of content is distinct and the motion determines the quality. Higher bitrates are required when more movement occurs (sports and gaming) .

On the other hand, having a smaller bitrate, FPS, and resolution in video streams that are ‘talking heads’ or lack quick movement can deliver great imagery. Therefore, consider the type of live streams you will be carrying out and based on that, you can adjust these settings.

The best thing to do is experiment with the video you plan to live-stream and choose the lowest bitrate that offers good quality output to deliver the optimal settings for your broadcast.

A higher bitrate is good for viewers who have better, more stable internet connections. However, to avoid continual buffering and lagging video streams, viewers with lower-quality and less consistent internet connections require a lower bitrate.

Adjusting your Frame Rate (FPS) before you live stream on website

Consider frame rate in the same way as you would a flipbook: the faster you turn a page with a single image (or frame), the more consistent and fluid the whole image appears. Slowing down allows you to view more of the individual images rather than one continuous, moving image. A lower frame rate will lead to more jerky or a slow video view compared to a video with a high frame rate. However, once again, there isn’t an ideal frame rate. It largely depends on what you are broadcasting.

For instance, a classroom with a teacher lecturing their students online will need a lower frame rate compared to a football match because the teacher is most probably sitting in one place and talking to her students. However, the football match will require a higher frame rate because players are running and the football is being kicked from one side of the field to another. You are supposed to capture every detail so thus, require a higher frame rate (and bitrate) when you live stream on website.

Test live streaming connections

• Streaming platform connection
• Test audio
• Test lighting
• Prepare location
• Practice live stream
• Have backup options for potential issues

Multi streaming on your website

Multi streaming is about streaming to multiple platforms at the same time. It is also known as ‘simulcasting’ or ‘streaming to multiple websites’. What happens is that you are able to stream to your WordPress website which gives you a white label solution to streaming. You can also simulcast to Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms.

This is especially useful for fitness instructors that add music to their workout classes, churches, musicians and artists, as well as teachers and professors that need to teach using videos. Live streaming on your website is also more professional and you can have a more hands-on approach with your content. This includes creating playlists, monetizing your videos, and recording your live streams to create on-demand videos for people to watch (and pay to watch) later.

The advantages of streaming on multiple platforms

• Reaching as many viewers as possible
• Linking your website and branding yourself
• If you have enough subscribers and viewer hours on YouTube, you can get monetized on that platform
• Some viewers may not have Facebook accounts but they will have YouTube (or vice-versa). Some viewers may not have either one and will be able to watch your live stream directly on your website which is accessible to everyone
• You may have different followers on each platform but by live streaming on all of them, followers from one platform can follow you on others. Show that you’re multidimensional!
• If one platform crashes during your live stream, you can always link other platforms that viewers can continue to watch on

Monetizing your live streaming website

While many YouTubers started with no intention of going viral or becoming famous, they still found themselves at the center of attention. Nowadays, many streamers wish to become famous on YouTube. The problem? Most YouTubers are looking towards the same goal.

In order to stand out, video content and streaming needs to offer viewers something that others are simply lacking. You need to be unique and put yourself out there in a flamboyant manner. The more alien, the better. What I mean to say by this is that your content needs to be out of this world but still related to the niche you are targeting.

Believe it or not, you do not need to get monetized by YouTube to start earning money. There are so many platforms out there for entrepreneurs, fitness enthusiasts, artists, musicians, etc. Think Patreon, OnlyFans, or GoFundMe and Kickstarter. These are all platforms where your viewers can donate or pay you directly for your work. 

Getting Donations from fans when you live stream on websites

Donations/tips are a great way to show love and appreciation. We always see the glass jars marked ‘tips’ at supermarkets and we often tip our kind waiters and waitresses at restaurants. While it is not a requirement for your fans to tip or donate, offering the option will encourage your fans. Pair this with your best shout out and make your thanks be known.

Subscription options

Getting tips once in a while from your most loyal fans is great. But what if you had the option of receiving regular payments from your fans? This is referred to as having a ‘subscription plan’ or ‘program’- depending on the platform you are live streaming on. 

In Stream Ads

Businesses are investing plenty of $$$ into promoting their products and services on different platforms. Google Ads, for instance, can reach you on your Search page, websites you visit, Apps, Email, and YouTube. But what do you as a streamer have to do with this? Essentially, if you are monetized by a platform like YouTube, you start making money streaming by having those ads on your videos.

Every time a viewer watches an ad on your video, you earn revenue. The business owner also gains exposure by having their ad on your page. It’s serious business and it would be a shame to neglect this revenue stream.

Brand Deals & Sponsorships

Sponsorships are less controversial than ads. This is because unlike with ads, you do have control over who you choose as a sponsor. You need to know what your audience likes, wants, and needs. When you started gaining followers, you probably noticed it was for a particular niche. Maybe you are a gamer, an IT expert, a make up artist, or a comedian.

Content related to your niche will often do best. No one says that you can’t be all four, but it is very difficult to gain a following by pushing content in all four spaces. However, if you are a gamer and most of your content is related to that, you can post your comedy skits once in a while. That may actually help drive traffic because your audience is learning more about you.

Affiliate Programs

Start researching your favorite companies and brands and see if they have affiliate programs that you can join. As an affiliate, you will be provided with a coupon code or a link that your followers can access which will take them to the brand’s website or store. Through your link or with your coupon code, they can get a discount on the brand’s products. 

Sell your Merch or Products when you live stream on website

What happens is that you set up your products on your website and make a list of your favorites, or of the seasonal trends. Once you have set up your products, you can then start announcing on socials that you will be going live to talk about these products.

Hype your viewers up and give them a sneak peak of what’s coming. Next, you will have to set up your live stream on the page with all the products you will be talking about and simply go LIVE!

Pay-Per-View Streaming

As the phrase reads, you pay to watch. However, many confuse this term with paying every time they watch which isn’t the case. If you wish to create a Pay-Per-View live stream, your viewers must pay before they can watch.

They can purchase an on-demand video as Pay-Per-View and have access to it for the duration of its life time. In other words, until the VOD is removed. They can also purchase your live stream with Pay-Per-View and have access to that ‘channel’ indefinitely. Viewers will choose to start off with Pay-Per-View before committing to subscriptions.

Create your video streaming website with WpStream

Instead of focusing on 3rd Party Platforms like YouTube and Facebook, white-label streaming on WordPress gives you more freedom. You can also start monetizing your live streams and On-demand videos from the get-go and post to your hearts desires. WpStream is available to anyone with a WordPress website so starting to live stream on website is easier than ever.