12 Easy Tweaks To Improve Your Live Video Broadcasts
Since March 2018, I had been hosting a weekly show via Facebook Live. It was terrifying at first, but now is an exhilarating highlight of my regular schedule, and I would like to credit it with helping me improve my public speaking and stage fright.
This article lists different tweaks I have picked up along the way, which can help you give live broadcasting a try, as well as provide some behind-the-scenes stories.
Clean Up Your Audience’s Field of View and Background.
You want your content to remain the focus of the video, and not let your audience be distracted by a messy bedroom, or give your camera the chance to accidentally focus on something other than you.
Remember That Not Many People Tune In Live.
The biggest aspect about Facebook Live broadcasting no one tells you is that the magic is in the replays. Depending on the night, I will average 3-12 live viewers. However, by the end of the week, if I promote it properly, my viewership should be in the several thousand. So I love on my live viewers, but also make sure to welcome and acknowledge those who aren’t watching exactly at 9pm EST on Mondays (AKA my vast majority).
Launch Straight Into Content.
Because most people watching live videos after they have been broadcast, when they click play, it starts from the very beginning, as opposed to where you are in real time. An embarrassing mistake I see lots of content creators make with live broadcasts is that they start the live video, then just sit twiddling their thumbs, fixing their hair, etc… until someone tunes in and the show begins. So, if post-broadcast time viewers hit play on your video while scrolling in their newsfeed, they will be understandably bored (and confused!) by your content (or lack thereof), and will keep scrolling.
Chuck The Script.
A few years ago, YouTube was revolutionary because it let authentic people broadcast their authentic selves for the world to see – as opposed to television’s scripted and posed perfection. Now that YouTube has grown up and gone corporate, so have all the major creators on that platform. Facebook Live and other live broadcasting platforms are the new place to meet content creators and artists of all sorts communicating with and cultivating their fanbase. Be yourself, that’s what this platform’s for.
Write A Bullet-Point Outline.
While I fully advocate not memorizing scripted lines, if you are going to go the route of a “regular show” and are not a distinguished improv actor, I recommend putting a basic structure in place for fans to look forward to in every episode, and you to never draw an awkward blank or get lost down a long rabbit hole tangent.
Check Your Audio.
Make sure you can be heard loud and clear. I have filmed episodes with a microphone, and you can hear the difference in sound quality.
Check Your Angles.
You don’t want your head cropped off, or the camera’s upward tilt to make you look like an awkward seal.
Check Your Lighting.
For one summer, I had the crazy good fortune of sharing a gorgeous apartment with a professional lighting designer (the drawback involved months of sleeping on the living room floor, but that’s a story for another day).
Be Consistent.
This is the one leaf you should take from cable TV’s book: a consistent broadcasting schedule. Whether you go live weekly or daily, fans should know what time and when. If you can’t do it, let them know with as much advance notice as possible.
Keep Your Cool.
Technology is great… until it doesn’t work. I am not immune to these difficulties, which seem to always take place when I’ve invited distinguished guests onto my show.
In the case of Ryan Kairalla from Break The Business, the screen wouldn’t split, so we went forward with his audio only.
Encourage Audience Engagement.
The beauty of live broadcasting is that people can tune in live, and therefore interact with you in real time. Show these fans love, encourage them to talk to each other and ask them questions.
Austin James, a solo artist I recently interviewed, built a loyal fanbase that sends him money via a virtual tip jar, he created an online forum just for them, he makes a full-time living in Nashville via daily Facebook Live broadcasts.
End Strongly.
Last but not least, say goodbye to your audience as you sign off, letting them know what a good time you had with them. It’s all about making fans feel special.
Stay Colourful,
Clarence