Using broadcasting hardware and software for working from home or live streaming video games requires some preparation. If you find yourself struggling with a certain platform, don’t worry; it’s not uncommon and there are some key factors you can use to find a more compatible service provider. These tips for selecting the right live streaming platform will help you reliably and professionally broadcast content to viewers.
Comfortable Functionality
At the end of the day, you need a platform you feel comfortable working with. If you’re new to a certain streaming platform, it’s understandable to feel outside of your comfort zone. This is why it’s beneficial to find platforms you can use for free or offer free trials—this way, you can play around with the user interface and available settings to determine if it’s the right fit. Not only do you want a platform you can use comfortably, but you also want one that has all the extra features you need such as text chats for interacting with viewers or archiving capabilities, so viewers can watch streams even after you’re no longer live.
Customer Support
Customer support isn’t a luxury you should feel proud to have—it’s a key factor in whether a live streaming platform is reliable enough to use. If your stream crashes while you’re live, viewers will only wait so long for you to return. Always choose a platform offering 24/7 customer support. Even if your streaming gear is top-shelf, technical difficulties can strike other components of the stream, many of which tech support can help you with. This is one of the top tips for selecting the right live streaming platform because without tech support, recovering from a crashed stream will likely take more time and result in more stress.
Hardware Compatibility
Your hardware is one of the most essential components of your live streaming setup. If you want to lead a professional stream, don’t compromise equipment quality for any reason. Having professional tech like broadcast studio lighting is essential for a good live streaming setup but in this case, the issue may be the encoder. Some platforms require streamers to use a specific encoder for going live on their service. Ultimately, you want a platform that can support your high-quality, third-party tech. Most streaming platforms will allow you to use third-party encoders but that won’t always be the case.