Graphic showing 4 different types of device with different live streaming platforms on the display screens

The Best Platforms for Live Streaming

Whether you are new to live streaming events, or you have done them before, choosing which platform to host your live stream from can be difficult, especially when there are so many to choose from. In this guide, we will discuss the best platforms for live streaming, what to look out for in a streaming platform, and how to choose one.

What is the best live streaming platform?

The live streaming platform you choose really depends on the event type and your audience.

For instance, if you have a corporate event to broadcast, an event platform could be the best option to live stream to your audience. Event platforms such as Brella, Slido, and RingCentral offer functionality such as ticket purchasing, registration, and attendance for both online and in-person attendees.

However, if you want to stream to your social following or customers, a social platform such as Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok may be better. Social platforms offer a powerful, but more informal platform to share your content.

With years of experience in live streaming a diverse range of B2B and B2C events, we can walk you through the pros and cons of all the platforms to help you decide on the best platform for your event.

What should you consider when choosing a platform for live streaming?

When you are looking for a live streaming platform for your event, there are many considerations to make sure you have the technical aspects of a live broadcast covered. A few key features to look for when selecting a streaming platform include:

Professional video hosting services
Video content management tools
The CDN (content delivery network)
RTMP (real-time messaging protocol) ingest, playback, and streaming support
Live streaming APIs for enhanced content management
Mobile streaming application support and an SDK for integration on iOS and Android
Video editing and embedding tools
Advanced video analytics
Cloud video encoding and transcoding for live or VOD content streaming
Encoding software for live video delivery
Pricing plans
Digital Rights Management for video on demand for an extra layer of protection to your content

How to choose a live streaming platform

In mapping your objectives and your target audience, it becomes clearer what live stream platform will best set you up for success.

The best way to choose a live streaming platform is first to consider your event objectives and your target audience. What tone do you want to set with your event? For instance, are you wanting to share the live action at a fashion show with your social following or are you live streaming a corporate conference to ticket-paying attendees? Perhaps you are uniting your international team at a live streamed All Hands Meeting where live engagement is crucial to the success of the event and key messages getting across to your team.

In addition, it can be useful to make a list of your requirements prior to looking into live streaming platforms, so you can find the best fit for the stream you would like to do. This could include registration, live engagement tools such as Q&A and polls, live commenting/reactions, simultaneous streaming to multiple platforms, the ability for your viewers to make purchases, if you have online speakers, your budget, etc. You can then compare your list with the features and benefits that each platform offers, and make your decision based on that.

Social media live streaming

Another popular type of live streaming is social media live streaming. Social media live streaming has been on the rise for a few years, with giants such as YouTube and Facebook initially dominating the space. However, recently, live streaming on Instagram and TikTok has become popular for businesses, especially B2C brands looking for instant interaction and engagement with their audience. LinkedIn Live offers businesses a social live streaming option that retains a professional look and feel and is a great option when targeting a professional audience.

It is important to note that for a professional-quality social media stream with a multi-camera production, third-party programmes such as Restream and Yellow Duck are required. These programmes enable you to sync your social media accounts to an RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) streaming service, allowing you to broadcast to social media from a PC for much more customisation and control.

We offer a specialist social media live streaming package that will cover everything you need to stream on social. Get in touch for a quote specific to your live streaming needs.

Live streaming services and more from London Filmed

London Filmed is a 360 content agency that provide video production, event production, event filming, photography, design, event streaming, branding, AV support, and more. Our digital, creative, and production flair combined with technical know-how allows us to provide the best level of service for your event.

We offer event live streaming packages that are suitable for all your event live streaming needs, as well as a specific social live streaming package.

Get in touch for a quote specific to your live streaming needs.