Social Media Live Streaming: How to Live Stream on Each Network

From Saturday Night Live and the Super Bowl to celebrity slaps at the Oscars, there’s no denying the thrill of watching the action unfold in real time. You just never know what might happen. This is why social media live streams are so appealing to viewers and why content creators should be part of the process.

Since the very first live stream on YouTube in 2008, internet users have gone from indifferent to obsessive about social media streaming. These days, nearly a third of all internet users report watching at least one live stream every week.

And can you blame them? The live stream is authentic, engaging and – we won’t deny it – a bit addictive.

What is social media live streaming?

Social media live streaming is live video posted on social media platforms (as opposed to videos that are filmed in advance and then posted to social media). It is sometimes referred to as “going live”and is most commonly used by creators and influencers who can use features such as live chats, polls, and question prompts to invite viewers to engage in real-time conversations with them.

Since most platforms also allow users to give streamers gifts that can be redeemed for cash, creators can also earn some decent money through live streaming on social media.

Source: Facebook

How to broadcast live on social networks

At some point, you will have a burning desire to go live on social media.

But the smorgasbord of social media streaming platforms can be downright overwhelming. Instagram or TikTok? Facebook or YouTube? Is Twitch just for gamers? (Note: no, it is not.)

The answer, however, is simple: you should stream wherever your audience (or future audience) hangs out.

Here is some useful demographic information about each of the major social networks to help you reach out to your target audience and figure out where to livestream.

Then read on for details on how to master live streaming on each of them.

How to go live on Facebook

Depending on your user profile and your device, there are several different ways to start broadcasting on Facebook.

If you are creating a mobile live video for a business page:

1. Click Create Post.
2. Click Live Video.
3. (Optional) Write a short description of your video.
4. Click the blue “Start Stream”button to start streaming.

If you are creating a mobile live video for a personal profile:

1. Tap “What’s on your mind?”at the top of the News Feed, and then click Live Video.
2. (Optional) Set up your audience in the To: field at the top and add a description. This dropdown menu also gives you the option to share your live video with your story.
3. Click the blue “Start Stream”button to start streaming.

If you’re creating a video for Facebook Live on your computer:

1. In the Compose a Post box in the News Feed, click Live Video.
2. Select Go Live. If you want to schedule a live stream at a later time, select Create Live Video.
3. If you want to broadcast using a webcam, select Webcam. If you want to use third party streaming software, please select Streaming Software and paste the streaming key into your software.
4. Choose where your video will appear, who can view it, and add a title and description if you like.
5. Click the blue “Start Broadcasting”button.

Once you go live, you will be able to see the names and number of live viewers, as well as a live comment stream.

When the show ends, the message is saved to your profile or page (unless you’ve only shared it in your story).

Source: Facebook

Learn more about how to live stream from Facebook here.

How to go live on Instagram

On Instagram Live (only available on the mobile app for now), you can collaborate with guests, ask questions of your followers, or use filters. When your session ends, you’ll be prompted to share your stream to your history if you’d like.

Here’s how to start broadcasting on Instagram:

1. Tap the camera in the top left corner of your phone.
2. Swipe right to access the Instagram Live screen.
3. Click the Start Broadcast button to start broadcasting.

Source: Instagram

More tips for using Instagram Live can be found here.

How to live stream on Instagram and Facebook at the same time

While there is no official way to live stream the same content on Facebook and Instagram at the same time, there are some third party companies that can help.

StreamYard, OneStream are multiple multi-stream platforms that can be configured (unofficially) to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously.

However, keep in mind that Instagram doesn’t officially support streaming outside of its own app.

If you want to keep the solution low-tech (and legal), you can also use two devices to record simultaneously, one for Instagram streaming and one for Facebook streaming from a different angle.

Keep in mind that double the number of streams also means double the number of comment threads to track. You can enlist the help of an engagement specialist.

Oh, we get it, you’re popular!

How to go live on LinkedIn

As of September 2022, LinkedIn Live is only available to users who meet certain criteria based on follower count, geographic location, and adherence to LinkedIn professional community policies.

To check if you qualify, click “Event”on the main page. If you see LinkedIn Live in the drop-down list of event formats, you are allowed to live stream on the platform.

Source: Linkedin

Unfortunately, LinkedIn doesn’t have the same built-in streaming capabilities as other social media platforms. Instead, you will need to use a third-party LinkedIn live streaming tool.

1. Grab two devices before you start streaming. One will be for videos, the other to track comments as they come in.
2. Sign up for a third party streaming tool like StreamYard, Socialive or Switcher Studio. Verify your LinkedIn account.
3. Press the Broadcast button on the third party tool and movie.
4. Use a second device to follow the comments (or ask a friend to be the moderator for you). Reply to the camera when they enter.

Note. When your broadcast ends, it will live on your LinkedIn feed to drive even more re-watching.

Get the complete guide to going live on LinkedIn here.

How to go live on Twitter

Videos are the perfect way to stand out from the crowd in a continuous stream of tweets. When you’re all done, you can share from the beginning to tweet the entire video.

How to go live on Twitter:

1. Tap the camera icon in compositor. Note. If you can’t see the camera, make sure Twitter has access to your photos in your phone’s privacy settings.
2. Tap Live. (If you only want sound and not video, tap the microphone in the top right corner to turn off the camera).
3. (Optional) Add a description and location, or invite guests to join.
4. Tap Go Live.

Source: Twitter

Here’s the full description of how to start broadcasting on Twitter.

How to go live on YouTube

YouTube was the first major social network to offer live streaming. Today it is the most popular place to consume live content.

A webcam or smartphone (if you have at least 50 followers) will get you started right away. More advanced streamers can use the encoders to stream from external devices or share the screen of this amazing Mario 2 speedrun.

Any broadcast less than 12 hours will be automatically placed on your Youtube channel for future generations to watch.

How to go live on YouTube using your desktop webcam:

1. Tap the video camera icon in the top right corner.
2. Select Go Live.
3. Select a webcam.
4. Add a title and description, and set privacy options.
5. Click Save.
6. Click Go Live.

Note: You will need to verify your YouTube phone number before you can start streaming from your desktop.

How to go live on YouTube on mobile:

1. Tap the plus sign at the bottom of the home page.
2. Select Go Live.
3. Add a title, select your location (optional), and set your privacy options.
4. Click “Next.
5. Take a thumbnail photo.
6. Click Go Live.

Note. Only users who meet certain requirements can go live on mobile devices on YouTube. You will need at least 50 subscribers, no live streaming restrictions, and be a verified channel.

How to go live on YouTube with an encoder:

1. Set up your channel for live streaming here.
2. Download encoder.
3. Select Go Live. Here you will be able to set up everything in the broadcast control room.
4. Select Stream.
5. Add a title and description, and set privacy options.
6. Launch the encoder and check the live toolbar to start previewing.
7. Click Go Live.

Source: YouTube

More detailed instructions on how to live stream on Youtube can be found here.

How to go live on TikTok

From 2022, TikTok live streaming is only available to users who have at least 1,000 followers and are at least 16 years old.

Have you reached the threshold yet? Here is a potential trick on how to go live on TikTok without 1000 followers.

If you have access to TikTok Live, here’s how to use it:

1. Tap the plus sign at the bottom of the home screen.
2. Swipe up to the LIVE option at the bottom of the navigation.
3. Select an image and quickly write an eye-catching title.
4. Click START LIVE.

Source: TikTok

How to go live on Twitch

Twitch differs from other social platforms in that it was built specifically for streaming, which means it’s essential for creators who want to break into live content.

This also means that getting started on the platform is relatively easy.

If you want to broadcast a video of yourself or your surroundings, follow the instructions on how to start live streaming in real life. If you want to stream yourself while playing a video game, follow the instructions for game streaming.

How to stream on Twitch in IRL:

1. Click the Create button at the top of the main screen.
2. Click the Go live button in the bottom right corner.
3. Select “Streaming Games”or “Stream IRL”depending on the type of content you’re streaming.
4. Write a description for your stream and choose your category.
5. Tap Start Broadcast.

How to stream games on Twitch:

1. Click the Create button at the top of the main screen.
2. Click the Go Live button in the bottom right corner.
3. Tap Stream Games.
4. Select your game from the list.
5. Click “Edit Stream Info”to add a title, category, tags, language, and stream markers.
6. Adjust volume and VOD settings.
7. Tap the “Start Broadcast”button.

How to stream to Twitch from your desktop

1. Go to the creator toolbar.
2. Download Twitch Studio.
3. Set up Twitch Studio and grant access to your device’s microphone and camera.
4. On the home screen, tap Share Stream.
5. Click “Edit Stream Information”to add a title, category, tags, and language.
6. Click Start Broadcasting.

Source: Twitch

8 tips for successful social media live streaming

1. Use operational analytics

As with any social media post, you should pay close attention to your analytics after you’ve spent a few lifetimes. Make sure you post at the right time to maximize views and engagement. Shameless Plugin: Hootsuite will tell you the best time to post based on when your followers are most active.

Record views, view time, average view time, engagement rate, and reach.

2. Promote your big moment

People can catch your video when you click the “Start Broadcasting”button. If your audience knows this is coming, you will only increase those numbers. When you plan your social media posts, be sure to include information about upcoming lives.

Start a countdown on various social platforms to spin the moment: your Twitter team may need a push to move to Youtube when it’s your time to shine.

3. Do it on time

Your live video competes for attention with millions of other existing videos. A well-timed “why now” hook will give your video an edge that more evergreen content lacks, like a one-day event (holiday concert!), seasonal release (interview with Santa!) or exclusive scoop (Santa Claus releases an album!).

Bonus: Read the step-by-step social media strategy guide for professional tips on how to grow your social media presence.

Get your free guide now!

4. Create a dream team

Streaming live with another influencer or expert in your field is one way to grab attention.

Whether it’s an interview with someone you admire or more collaborative work, this is a great way to turn your guest audience into your new followers. Share care, right?

5. Keep the context clear

The hope is that viewers will be watching from the start, but the reality (or maybe magic?) of a live stream is that your audience will come and go throughout your broadcast.

Make sure it’s clear to them what they’re up to by repeating the topic from time to time. A watermark, text, or logo that explains who is on the screen and what is happening can also be helpful.

6. Engage with your audience in the moment

The whole reason you make your video live is to connect with your viewers, right? So make sure they know they are part of the show.

Say hello to commentators, greet new viewers who have just joined the broadcast, and answer questions on the fly whenever possible.

7. Have a roadmap

The beauty of live streaming is that anything can happen. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a goal for what you want to do.

Financial pundit Josh Brown may have been responding to viewers live on Twitter, but the Q&A format gave the snap shows some structure.

Record your key moments or segments before you start your live stream to stay on top of the topic. Think of it not as a script, but as a roadmap.

8. Optimize your settings

While filming on the fly certainly has its charm, videos that are inaudible or poorly lit can be a challenge to save.

Set yourself up for success by doing a sound check before you go live. Look for bright natural light whenever possible, and use a tripod if a shaky hand is too distracting. (Why do they make these phones so heavy?)