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Streaming has long become more than a temporary trend — it is now an essential part of the digital landscape. Especially since the pandemic, live streaming on social media platforms has gained significant importance. Solo musicians, bands, podcasters and creators use platforms like YouTube, Twitch and Instagram to share their content and interact directly with their audience. For beginners, the question is which tools and equipment are required for a successful stream. This guide explains what to consider when you want to start live streaming.
Although streaming is a widely discussed topic, not everyone is familiar with the underlying concept. In general, we distinguish between on-demand streaming and live streaming.
With on-demand streaming, video or audio files are transmitted via the internet to a smartphone, tablet, computer or smart TV while the actual files remain stored elsewhere. In contrast to downloads, streamed content can be played instantly without being saved locally. Because the data resides only in temporary memory, it cannot be accessed offline.
Live streaming involves transmitting an event in real time. Whether sports, gaming, concerts, seminars or digital conferences — live streaming enables immediate audience interaction and direct engagement.
Since the pandemic, live streaming concerts have become a popular alternative to traditional in-person events. Many national and international artists and DJs now bring their performances online. High-quality productions allow fans to experience live music at home, and for up-and-coming artists, streaming can create a wider reach than a physical concert could provide.
A stable internet connection is essential for streaming. When streaming outdoors or over Wi-Fi, speed fluctuations may occur. If the connection drops or becomes too slow, viewers experience buffering, interruptions or poor audio and video quality. For smooth, consistent streaming, an upload speed of at least 6 to 10 Mbit/s is recommended. General rule: the higher the bitrate, the better the stream quality.
Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch and Instagram make it easy to broadcast live content to a wide audience.
YouTube
YouTube, with more than two billion users, is not only the world’s largest video portal but also the second-largest search engine. This makes it ideal for reaching a broad viewership through live streams. Before going live, creators can set up camera and audio sources, select titles, descriptions and visibility options. Interaction with viewers is possible through the live chat. To monetise streams via the YouTube Partner Programme, certain requirements must be met — including at least 1,000 subscribers. YouTube also supports live 360° video broadcasts.
Live streams can be saved and viewed later. YouTube supports an audio transmission quality of up to 128 kBit/s. Unlike Facebook or Instagram, viewers do not need an account to watch a stream.
Facebook Live
Facebook Live has been integrated into the platform since 2015. Streams can be started via the “Live Video” function and are visible only to users with a Facebook account. Viewers can comment and react in real time thanks to the built-in chat function. Recordings can also be saved for later viewing.
Twitch
Originally known for gaming content, Twitch has become increasingly popular among musicians, especially DJs. After reaching at least 50 followers, streamers can apply to the affiliate and partner programmes to earn revenue through ads or donations. Only users with a Twitch account can post comments, but streams can be watched without logging in. Past broadcasts remain available for 14 to 16 days depending on the account type.
Instagram Live
At present, Instagram Live can only be started via a smartphone, making it particularly suitable for spontaneous, short live sessions — up to one hour in length. Viewers must use the Instagram app and need their own account to watch. The platform offers strong real-time interaction through direct comments. Recordings can be saved and remain accessible for 24 hours.
Especially suitable for musicians and bands — Stageit and Stagetasy
Stageit provides a virtual concert platform where solo artists, DJs and bands can perform paid live shows. Through integration with social media, artists can expand their reach quickly. Stagetasy offers creators a dedicated channel after registering and submitting concert details. Support can be given voluntarily or through paid tickets.
The visual component plays a crucial role in how a stream is perceived. While a smartphone or simple webcam is sufficient for basic streaming, a dedicated camera significantly improves the overall quality. The camera signal is routed to an interface or video switcher, where all incoming video sources are managed. Here, you can select which camera is shown at any given moment and apply transitions, overlays, picture-in-picture effects and graphic elements. Well-known manufacturers of video switchers include Blackmagic Design, Roland and RGBlink.
The ATEM Mini models from Blackmagic Design offer extensive functionality while remaining budget-friendly for semi-professional environments. The ATEM Mini and ATEM Mini Pro support up to four HDMI inputs. All connected signals are synchronised inside the unit and can be processed with various effects. Audio/video synchronisation is handled by adjusting the delay on the audio source. The switcher connects to a computer via USB and is recognised as a webcam input by streaming software such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, Wirecast or XSplit, which then forwards the stream to the chosen platform.
For a more dynamic and engaging livestream — or to capture a band performance more effectively — multiple camera angles are recommended. In live music setups, fixed camera positions can record perspectives that are otherwise difficult to achieve, such as overhead drum shots or close-ups during a keyboard solo. A suitable switcher for larger setups is the ATEM Mini Extreme, offering eight HDMI inputs.
Lighting is equally important for a professional-looking stream. For smaller setups, compact lights designed specifically for streaming — such as those from Elgato — provide reliable and adjustable illumination.
For larger streaming environments, high-output lighting solutions are required to ensure even and sufficient illumination. Suitable panel lights are available from Eurolite, Chauvet and Showtec.
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Traditional theatre lighting can also be used effectively in livestreaming environments. Adding coloured lighting to the background helps create depth and atmosphere, contributing to a more polished look.
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Clear, intelligible audio is essential for any livestream. A good microphone significantly improves overall quality and ensures that viewers can follow the content without distraction. While headset microphones can be used, they usually involve compromises in sound quality. A dedicated microphone is often affordable and provides a noticeable upgrade to the entire streaming experience.
In a live streaming concert setup, instruments can be captured either directly or via microphones. The audio signal is then sent to an audio interface or mixing console, processed accordingly, and forwarded to the video switcher. There, audio and video are combined (embedded) before being encoded and transmitted to the streaming platform, where the final mix reaches the viewer.
Up to the mixing console, the signal flow of microphones, DI boxes and cabling is essentially the same as in a regular live show. However, it is crucial that every instrument heard in the room is also captured in the mix. Unlike a venue, where the PA sound interacts with the space and can be adjusted accordingly, a livestream delivers only the captured audio — meaning the mix must represent all sound sources accurately.
If possible, the front-of-house (FoH) position should be acoustically isolated from the band’s room sound. This ensures that the person mixing the stream hears only the actual signal from the console rather than the ambient sound, allowing for more precise decisions. The band can then carry out a standard soundcheck, adjusting levels and monitor mixes as usual.
It is highly recommended to minimise bleed between instruments. Many viewers will watch the stream on smartphones, laptops or small speakers, where phase issues become more noticeable — similar to a studio monitoring situation. A clean, well-managed signal chain is therefore essential to achieve a professional and coherent sound.
