How to Broadcast a live video

Introduction to Live Broadcasts

A live broadcast is a great way to connect with your audience in the moment. Live content helps you build trust and improve engagement. Viewers can ask you questions while you're presenting live, creating personalized educational opportunities.

You can broadcast live from the field or your office. You can do demos, give PowerPoint presentations, interview experts and more. You can keep it casual or plan out every detail.

Don't worry about being perfect (this goes for any video project). Your audience won't mind a few mistakes. It's more important that you just get started.

Getting Started

Any time you begin a video project — whether it's live or pre-recorded — you should always ask, "Who is my audience and what do they want?" The answers to these questions should help you decide what topics to cover and how to present that information.

Next, you'll want to consider what platform is best for your project. Depending on your audience and how you want to format your broadcast, we will usually recommend using either Facebook Live or Zoom.

If you're planning on speaking to a more targeted audience, need registration or more advanced analytics, Zoom might be a better option. Please refer to our Zoom help page for more information.

Live Broadcasting Tips

• Schedule your live broadcast in advance. Include when, where and why. Consider creating an event on Facebook to help your audience plan ahead.
• Consider filming horizontally. Vertical video can work in some more casual instances, but horizontal footage usually lets your audience see more of the action.
• Plan ahead. Decide what you want to say in advance so that you stay on topic and keep your content engaging. You don't need a word-for-word script, but be sure you have an outline in mind.

For more information

Visit these help pages:

• The Complete Guide to Facebook Live Streaming in 2020
• Facebook Live Broadcasting Help Page
• Scheduling & Hosting Zoom Meetings
• Zoom Webinar Guide

If you have any immediate questions or would like to talk through your plans, fill out the below video help request form, and we’ll be in touch ASAP.