Preparation is a huge part of what makes any live stream successful. Producing a great show means putting in the time to build out your unique streaming setup before going live.
A streaming setup will typically have some general components like a camera, audio, encoder, and a strong internet connection to push out your stream. However, the components will vary based on what and where you’re live streaming, the resources you have available, and the goals of the event.
If you’re curious about how to build a live streaming setup, you’re in the right place!
In this article, we’ll cover two live streaming production workflows: on-site productions and remote productions. We’ll also share some tips on how to use your camera(s) to tell a compelling story and help you connect with your audience during your next stream.
Let’s dive in!
Basic streaming setup for live streaming
You have your content and your speakers. Now you need to know how to live stream your content.
The most common streaming workflow involves, at minimum, a camera, audio, basic lighting, an encoder, and internet. While there are some key must-haves for a live stream, there’s a variety of live streaming equipment to choose from for any budget.
You can supplement that with other production elements including laptops with slide presentations, videos, and graphics that can increase the production value of your content and allow you to deliver a more polished stream.
Cameras and microphone capture video and audio, and these signals feed into your encoder to be delivered to your viewers. Depending on your budget and resources, you may consider exploring other pieces of hardware for your workflow, like an audio mixer, to expand your abilities.
You may also need to determine if you need a capture device, especially if you’re not using a hardware encoder with the built-in capability. A capture device ensures proper video and audio capture for encoding.
In addition to a live streaming platform and hard-wired internet connection, you have all the basis covered of what you’ll need to stream. Next, you’ll want to think about where you’ll produce your stream: on-site or remote.
On-site productions vs remote productions
On-site productions are great for in-person events like company town halls, professional conferences, and other live events where the speakers and audience are physically present in one location. Production teams have access to all gear including cameras, lights, audio, live streaming hardware or software, and other equipment like mixers and encoders.
Remote productions happen when the audience and speakers are tuning in remotely and a production team only has access to the live streaming platform and encoder. Remote productions include virtual events and internal meetings like all hands meetings or a virtual SKO.
Streaming setup for an on-site production
An on-site production workflow can range in scope depending on your content, but you will typically find cameras, audio, lighting, and an encoder. Combine that with a strong, stable internet and you’re well-equipped to produce a stream.
Aspects of a workflow for a multi-cam production
When it comes to live streaming content, the cameras are the storytellers. They provide viewers with the perspective and what’s in the frame vs what’s outside helps viewers clearly demarcate the most important and engaging information.
A multicam production gives you the option to provide different angles, perspectives, and views to tell your live streaming story. Leveraging multiple cameras offers a more dynamic visual narrative that you can share with your audience.
A multicam workflow involves more than just a single camera, as well as a switcher to cut between the various cameras for the stream.
The cameras are usually positioned to capture different angles.
Two camera setup
Something as simple as having two cameras opposed to one allows for that extra coverage and certainly makes your content more dynamic for viewers.
Three or more camera setup
For instance, if you have 4 panelists on stage, you would likely have one camera to capture a wide shot that includes all 4 panelists, one camera that can alternate in capturing single shots of each panelist, and then possibly a third camera for additional coverage of the audience and their reactions.
For multi-camera workflows, a switcher is important. When you have a single camera, you can technically stream that camera directly to your audience. For single camera streams, switcher are not necessarily needed. However, when you have multiple cameras, you can switch between them since you are directing the experience for the viewer, and controlling what they see and when.
Where do you put your camera when streaming?
Taking the time to properly position your camera and frame your shot can make a big difference. If you’re on-site, there are more factors to consider when it comes to camera placement.
For example, you may be limited if your camera is set up on a tripod and there is an in-house audience. You do not want to obstruct anyone’s view, so you will likely have to put your camera behind the audience. In this scenario, consider the capabilities of your camera, especially the distance your camera lens can cover. Can you zoom in and get clean shots without including the heads of people in the audience? Will your talent be stationary or mobile?
Best practice is positioning your camera close enough to your talent in order to achieve your desired framing, without being too distracting. A medium shot or medium close up are probably the most common types of shots for single individuals. A medium shot frames the speaker from the waist up, while a medium close up frames the speaker from the chest up. These types of shots help feature an individual while still maintaining the surrounding environment. Wide shots and close ups are also common types of framing. Wide shots help establish settings, while close ups capture more emotion and specific details.
Sometimes, especially for stationary talent, it may be better to position your camera at a slight angle to add some depth to the shot. You should plan to spend time coordinating your shots before going live once you are in the space you will be streaming from.
As for camera placement for remote guests – odds are, they will be sitting in front of their laptop or a webcam. For the best shot, have your guest center-aligned with their camera, approximately an arm’s length away from the lens, with the laptop slightly propped up. You want to avoid low, unflattering angles which can result from a laptop or web-cam being positioned at standard desk-height. Also consider the lighting in the guest’s environment. Avoid sitting in front of windows or other harsh lighting sources, or else your guest may be dark and underexposed.
Streaming setup for a remote production
A lot of the tools for a basic remote workflow are similar to the tools needed for an on-site workflow. You still need access to cameras, audio, lighting, and an encoder. The main difference is that most of these elements will not be locally accessible to you, which means testing and rehearsing are an absolute must!
How to bring in remote guests to your live stream
The major factor to consider when it comes to a remote production is how to integrate your guests. Luckily, there are easy solutions to make it possible.
The Livestream studio software has a built-in remote guest functionality that can bring any guest directly into your program through a unique guest link that is easily accessible through a web browser.
Just make sure your guest has access to a camera, microphone, and stable internet, they can be incorporated into your stream from anywhere by simply clicking a link. While you may have less direct control over video, audio, and lighting in a remote environment, you can work with guests to utilize better hardware to ensure higher quality content.
Depending on your resources, you can also integrate guests by capturing a video conferencing software, such as Zoom. This could be done on a very standard level with a single laptop running a Zoom meeting that is then fed into your encoder.
Regardless of the method, when it comes to a remote workflow, it is most important to test and rehearse well in advance of going live, especially with your remote guests.
Streaming setup FAQs
What do you need for a streaming setup?
Every successful stream needs six main components: internet, encoder, camera, microphone, and lighting. Below, we’ve broken down the six parts you need to know.
Internet
- We recommend hardwired, dedicated network and not WiFI
- What is your upload speed?
Encoder
- Encoders are how you deliver your stream to the world
- Livestream Studio 6 software or third party encoder
Camera
- Entry-level options like a smartphone with a 12mpx camera.
- For intermediate options, consider the Canon XA15, Canon XF100, and Sony PXW Z90.
- For advanced options, consider the Sony FS5, Sony PMW 300, or Sony PXW X320.0)
Microphone
- For entry-level options, consider the Shure MV88 mic, Blue Yeti Nano Premium USB mic, or Rode VideoMic.
- For intermediate options, consider the Rode ProCaster.
- For advanced options, consider Shure SM7B or RodeCaster Pro audio mixer.
Lighting
- Easy and affordable options include the sun, a light bounce/reflector, and aperture MC.
- For intermediate budgets, consider Neewer’s ring light kits or GVM 560AS LED 3-panel kit.
- For advanced options, consider Aputure 300dii or mini dome diffuser.
Assorted bits & bobs
- Cabling
- Converters
- Laptop
What is the most common live streaming workflow?
The most common live-streaming workflow involves, at minimum, a camera, audio, basic lighting, and an encoder, whether it be hardware or software based.
What are the most common live streaming workflows for Vimeo customers?
A lot of Vimeo customers benefit from access to the Livestream Studio 6 software, which offers graphics, audio, transitions, and other high-end capabilities to produce a quality stream. Some customers may have access to a large variety of resources, while others may be under a more restricted budget. Regardless, every workflow involves at least one camera, audio, lighting, and an encoder.
What does an on-site production workflow look like?
An on-site production workflow can range in scope depending on your content, but you will typically find cameras, audio, lighting, and an encoder. Combined with a strong, stable internet and you’re well-equipped to go live.
