Livestreaming for Musicians: The Complete Guide
In today’s world of digital technology, many bands have found a new way to perform for their fans: livestreams! Livestreaming for musicians is low maintenance because you don’t need a go-between to perform. Just find a location, set up a camera, and you’re good to go. They are a great way to increase exposure, and bands can even earn money while they’re at it.
But one thing we must admit is, livestreaming does not promote as much energy as a live show. So how can bands make their livestreams more exciting?
The correct promotion, a fair amount of interaction with fans, and using a great backdrop are helpful. Bands can also build their livestreams around a theme such as a holiday or a record release to add to the entertainment factor.
If you are thinking of doing a livestream for your fans, this article will provide you some tips to get started.
Livestreaming for Musicians: Best Platforms for Livestreams
The first step in conducting a livestream is finding the right platform. Below are some options to get started:
Facebook is an excellent platform for streaming because most people already have a following established there. You can livestream on your musician page or your band page, and people will see the video as they are browsing. They can click in if they want to interact.
Once you record, it will stay on your page forever. You can share it in groups for further promotion.
Instagram:
Instagram is similar to Facebook in that once you record the video, it will show up in your live stream. This feature allows your followers to click in and interact.
Once the video is available, you can share it on your page and talk about it in a post. However, since there are no groups on Instagram, you cannot share it in groups or on other pages. The major drawback of Instagram: it cuts you off after 60 minutes.
YouTube
YouTube has changed a lot over the years. Only recently has it established a livestreaming platform that is competitive with Twitch. You can interact with fans, and it will automatically post to your channel when done posting.
Once posted, you can share it on a variety of other platforms. However, YouTube is known to have numerous false copyright claim issues. Be careful about what you play when using this platform.
Periscope
Periscope is a livestreaming platform that is becoming popular. As the “hot new thing,” members are growing every day. However, it is very susceptible to trolls. If you are sensitive, you may not want to include this one in your list of streaming services. It also does not provide a way for artists to earn tips or any income off their livestreams.
Twitch
Twitch is excellent for livestream interactions. However, it is primarily a gaming community. As a band, you may get a few views but don’t count on getting a lot unless you have a big following.
Restream
Restream is a service you can use to livestream to multiple platforms at once. This platform includes two Facebook pages (including your personal and band page), YouTube, Periscope, Twitch, and more.
Restream is a paid service, and you will have to use a separate app to connect to all these channels, but it may be worth it if you livestream often.
Livestreaming for Musicians: Options to Make Money
Many bands use livestreams not only as a way to connect with their fans but as a way to make money. There are several ways you can make money doing livestreams. These include the following.
- Pay Per View: With pay per view, fans will have to pay to see your livestream.
- Tips: You can set up a virtual tip jar that allows fans to donate while watching your band. Some platforms have these set up automatically.
- Play Ads: If you have a big following, you may be in a position where you can get advertisers to pay you for including ads on your livestream. This strategy will interrupt the viewing experience, but many viewers say they would rather see an interrupted video than pay to see it.
- Get Sponsorships: You may also consider partnering with companies to advertise their products during a livestream. In most cases, this will only bring in a profit if someone makes a purchase.
- Sell Subscriptions: This is similar to pay per view, but fans will not have to pay for each view. Rather, they will pay one subscription price to access your videos. A subscription may include other perks like exclusive content, free and discounted merch, and more.
Livestreaming for Musicians: How to Make Your Livestreams Exciting
A livestream takes some of the excitement out of the live show aspect, but it can still be a lot of fun. Here are some tips on how to make yours unique.
Advertise It
One of the nice things about a livestream is, anyone is likely to hop on. Once they see your video streaming, they may decide to get in on the fun. Unlike a club, they don’t need to go anywhere but to their phone or computer. Still, you’ll want to make people aware of the date and time.
However, if you want to add some excitement to the event, advertising will help make it seem like more of a thing. Create a flier and share it on social media just as you would for any other gig.
Be Visually Exciting
If you want to get more viewers on your livestream, look visually exciting. People are streaming by. If they see that you look interesting, they will want to check you out. Play to this by wearing fun clothing. Use a colorful backdrop. Move around and look animated.
At a live stream, it’s up to you to keep the fans engaged. If you dress in dull clothing and look like you’re half asleep, nobody is going to be excited about your performance.
Interact with Your Audience:
The nice thing about a livestream is you can interact with your audience. While streaming, your viewers will be able to write stuff into the chat, and you should take time to answer them. Even if you’re playing music, you should pause between songs to answer questions and determine what’s going on in your conversation stream.
This interaction will make viewers feel like they are a part of something, and they will be more likely to return for future livestreams.
Make is a Theme
Like a live gig, people will be more excited to see your band if you celebrate an occasion such as a birthday, a holiday, or a record release. Even if no theme exists, you can create your own by discussing a specific topic or dressing up as specific characters.
Stream Regularly
Another good idea is to do your livestream regularly. Doing it on the same day of the week or the first Friday of each month, for instance, will let fans know when and where they can find you.
Now that you know how to make your livestreams more exciting, what will you plan next time you want to interact with fans on a virtual platform?
Livestreaming for Musicians: FAQ’s
How do you make concerts more fun?
Both concerts and livestreams can be more fun if performers bring certain elements. These include the following.
- Know Your Audience: Know what your audience is like so you can use an approach that will appeal to them.
- Be Confident: If you are not confident on stage, people will lose interest quickly. Know what you will do, practice hard, and come on like you own the set.
- Interact with the Audience: While on stage, interact with the audience by telling stories and jokes. Maintain eye contact and single out guests every once in a while so they feel special.
- Change it Up: Mix slow and energetic songs to keep them on their toes.
Can I play covers on a livestream?
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act prohibits anyone from sharing copywritten material without permission. If you play cover songs on a livestream, you probably won’t get fined, but you run the risk of having it taken down. The platform may also close your account.
How do I view a livestream?
If you are on the other side of the fence, meaning if you are a fan who wants to enjoy a livestream, you will need to find out where the band you want to see is streaming. For instance, if they are streaming on Facebook live, go to their band page or whatever page they are streaming to, and the stream should appear.
Click on the video to view it full screen and interact. The band likely has a link to the stream that they can send you in advance if that makes it more accessible. You can view Livestreams on mobile devices and computers.
Why should you livestream?
Livestreaming is a great way to connect with fans. You don’t need to book a club where a promoter will expect you to bring a certain amount of people. You get instant feedback, and you can go where your fans are. It’s also a great way to make money if you choose to go that route.
Here are some other livestreaming tips that may be helpful.
Livestreaming for Musicians: Final Thoughts
It’s essential to treat your livestream with as much excitement as your regular shows. Otherwise, the viewers will be uninterested and unwilling to participate.
LIvestreamers are in a unique position to be able to see their fans communicate with greater ease. With regular access to a chatbox, you’ll be able to keep your fans engaged. Livestreaming for musicians is pretty similar when it comes to the importance of being engaging to the public.
We hope that your musical livestreams go well. For additional musicians tips, check out our guide on how to become a singer.
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