The latest addition to the ever-expanding world of social media is a live video streaming application known as ‘Periscope’. Twitter’s co-founder Jack Dorsey briefly demoed the Periscope at a company party last year, and since then the app has been downloaded over 500 million times and been live streamed over a thousand different events, including the Golden Globes, the Oscars, and the latest episode of Game of Thrones.
While Twitter is best-known for its status updates and witty, 140-character posts, the platform has recently expanded into live video in order to keep up with the demand for video content.
And this is where we come in. We are going to tell you how to use Periscope to live stream your next event – whether that’s an exhibition, a concert, or a sporting event – and we are going to give you some useful tips on how to make the most of this new form of media.
Get A Periscope Account
Before you start streaming, you will need to secure yourself a Periscope account. Don’t worry – this is a very easy process and takes just a couple of minutes. Once you have your account, you can begin broadcasting live on your behalf without any further delay.
To get started, simply visit periscope.com and log in using your Twitter account. You will then see a small profile picture in the top-right corner. Simply click on this image to drop down a menu and select ‘Broadcast’.
From here, you can add an intro, choose a theme for your stream, and set the language of the broadcast. Everything else will be done for you. So, while you’re waiting for the wheels of innovation to turn, sit back and relax – this is pretty much all you need to get started.
Choose The Right Location
When planning a Periscope broadcast, the first thing you need to do is to find a suitable location. If you live in an urban area, chances are there is somewhere close by that is already equipped with the necessary infrastructure. However, if you are looking to stream from a more remote area, you might have to look into renting a studio or getting venue security to allow broadcasting equipment in.
Once you have found a suitable location, the next step is to think about the audience. Where are you targeting your audience? Are you looking to appeal to a global audience or a specific audience? Depending on the nature of your event, you might want to decide between a studio audience and an outdoor audience. A studio audience is best suited for events that have a more formal nature, such as galas and award shows. Outdoor audiences are great for more informal events, such as music festivals, where you want people to be able to see and enjoy the bands as much as possible.
Prepare The Goods
In addition to finding a location and audience, you also need to prepare the goods. This includes all the equipment and technology you will need to broadcast the event. Depending on the type of event you are organizing, you might need to consider buying a DSLR (a type of camera designed for photographers) in order to get the cinematic quality live streaming video you are after.
You will then need to consider the software you are going to use. Are you using an Apple device? If so, the default video software on the platform is Apple TV. Have you considered using a service like GoPro or Tern to get your hands on high-quality video footage?
Another important factor to consider is your mic. Are you using a smartphone mic? These sound terrible and can be severely muffled by even the smallest noise, such as a passing car or bird chirping. If you are aiming for impeccable quality, you might need to look into using a wired mic or a dynamic mic – if you are on a budget, consider renting a good-quality mic for the day of the event.
Get Ready For The Big Time
Once you have found a location, equipped your goods, and prepared the audience, it’s time to get ready for the big time. This means making sure you look your best and feel confident in front of the camera. This is where having a polished performance is extremely important. You don’t want to look like you are rushing or nervous, both of which are totally unappealing in an online video.
When getting ready for a Periscope broadcast, take your time – it’s not a race. Take a look at the performers’ guides for some inspiration. They will help you figure out what to wear and what to do with your hair and makeup.
Make sure to warm up before you start broadcasting. If you are streaming from an outdoor location, be sure to check the weather so there are no unpleasant surprises. If it’s hot, prepare for the heat – if it’s cold, prepare for the cold.
Another important tip is to practice. It’s not like performing in front of an audience – practice making your best effort before the big day and you will be able to deliver an impeccable performance.
Make Sure You Practice
Although it’s not always possible to practice in advance, it’s vital to do so if you are to achieve the amazing results that come from consistent and intense practice. It’s also important to record your practice sessions and watch them back – this will help you find any areas of improvement and allow you to focus on these before the big day.
For additional guidance, check out this handy guide to livestreaming events on Periscope. Don’t forget to practice your intro and outro – it would be best to record a few demos beforehand and listen to them back to get the perfect enunciation.
So, there you have it – how to use Periscope to live stream your next event. From finding the perfect location, to preparing the goods, and getting ready for the big time, these steps will help you make the most of this new platform and provide you with stunning results.