How to Live Stream Outdoor Events?

Live streaming outdoor events has become a powerful way to reach a global audience, turning local gatherings into global experiences. Whether you’re hosting a music festival, sports tournament, or charity run, live streaming can amplify your event’s reach and engagement. However, it requires careful planning and execution to ensure a seamless broadcast. Here’s a step-by-step guide to live-streaming outdoor events successfully.

Guide to Live Stream Outdoor Events

Almost 30% of internet users worldwide watched live-streaming content, whereas 34% of monthly livestream viewers streamed breaking news in the US. 

Source: (Statista)

Viewers are watching live-streaming sessions compared to the previous year. Events occur in every part of the world; however, most people are unaware of them. Decades ago, not attending the event physically meant missing out on the experience entirely.

Source: (Hubspot) 

With the introduction of live streaming services, multiple streaming providers and agencies have made it possible to be a part of an event while not attending it physically. Broadcast live-streaming services enable users worldwide to live-stream events from any corner over a working Internet connection.

However, since some events like sports, parades, rallies, outdoor activities, etc., take place outdoors, live-streaming also happens outdoors. Events occurring outdoors are lucrative. However, the basics of live streaming outdoor activity remain the same; one requires encoder software, internet, a processor, and other things. Here are a few essential tips for live streaming providers to stream outdoors.

Powerful Internet Connection

There is no getting around. To efficiently live stream outdoors, live streaming agencies and providers need a reliable and fast internet connection. The command mandate for live streaming is connecting with a 2 to 5 Mbps upload speed. It helps you to broadcast the streaming of events seamlessly.  

The video file size of live streaming depends on the content quality. You’re recommended to upload at the speed of:

• 2 to 3 Mbps for 480p (i.e. at least 600Kbps).
• 5 to 6 Mbps for 720p (i.e., at least 1.75 Mbps)
• 10 to 12 Mbps for 1080p (minimum 3 Mbps)

5G LTE networks are an excellent option for live streaming. Set up your smartphone as a hotspot option; however, the primary drawback is reliability. For a long-lived broadcast, relying on a smartphone battery would not be brilliant, as your cell phone battery won’t last long.  

Secure Bandwidth Availability

Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/concert-streaming-technician-venue-5471823/

There are many more concerns when it comes to live outdoor stream events. The one is bandwidth: streaming can suck it up. As a result, overage charges can create challenges. Bandwidth availability is crucial for live streams, hence ensuring a reliable one. Test the upload speed to ensure you have consistent bandwidth to upload your live stream.

Cloud Hosting Platform

There are numerous cloud hosting services available in the market these days. Each has its pros and cons. The choice of a cloud hosting platform primarily depends on multiple objectives and the type of content you want to upload. Hence, make sure to be smart while choosing the cloud hosting platform for live streaming service; ensure that the platform can transcode multi-bitrate streams and is auto-scalable.

Equipment Required For Live-Streaming Outdoor Events

The essential equipment needed for live streaming is limited to a few basic things:

• Camera
• Tripods for cameras
• Microphones
• Lapel mic
• Shotgun mic
• Handheld mic
• Proper lighting equipment (low light conditions)
• Portable Wi-Fi Device or the Internet
• Encoding software or hardware
• Optional production setup(if on-site)
• Audio mixer (not mandatory)
• Stabilizing equipment
• Extra batteries

If you don’t have expensive equipment, then you can use the things that you own. For example, you can quickly turn your smartphone into a professional-grade camera by using a streaming app. 

The app effortlessly broadcasts live videos directly from your camera without OBS troubles. Just log in to the app to monitor, analyze, and go live within seconds. The feature-rich solution eliminates the requirement for an additional setup, such as a professional OBS, camera, or laptop.

Choose the Right Live Streaming Platform

Select a platform that supports your event’s scale and format. Platforms like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, or specialized streaming services can work. However, to monetize your live stream, you need a ticketing platform like Yotix that integrates ticket sales with streaming access. This allows attendees to buy tickets online and access the stream securely.

Prepare for Wind, Water, and Rough Weather

The primary consideration is the weather. Wind can destroy an audio recording. However, any outdoor audio recording should involve the weirdly named “dead kitties” on all microphones. 

At the same time, the rain and other precipitation are a significant concern for live streaming outdoors. Photo Video stocks a voluminous range of rain covers for various types of cameras and recording equipment. You can choose to use weather-resistant cabling for outdoor broadcasts.

A significant logistical hurdle to an outdoor recording is power, given that you might not have access to electrical outlets. The solution is batteries: many batteries. For continuous live streaming, you need a battery system that enables “hot-swapping” without disrupting the stream.

Promote Your Event

Promotion is key to maximizing live stream attendance:

• Social media: Announce the live stream on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
  
• Email campaigns: Send reminders and highlight exclusive content to ticket holders.
  
• Event listings: Use your ticketing platform to list the event online, making it easy for viewers to purchase tickets and join the stream.

Encoder Settings

The key to hosting a successful outdoor live stream is proper live encoder settings. Live streaming depends on the destination of the broadcast; you can follow a few recommendations below:

• Video Codec: H.264 AVC or X264
• Audio Codec: AAC or AAC-LC
• Video Resolution: Your Choice
• VBR: Variable Bitrates
• Video Bitrate
• Frames per second (FPS): 30 is conventional; however, 24, 25, 50, or 60 are expected.
• Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds

Additionally, with Alphanso Tech’s streaming platform, users can make all essential settings. They can make settings for video, no matter whether it’s live streaming or video on demand. Choose from interpretations that include the resolutions as well as bitrates that meet the audience’s requirements.

Test Live Stream

Before going live, make sure to stream to a private destination to ensure everything is working perfectly. Adjust and test your video, graphics, audio, and switching. Do not forget to stop the test stream whenever not required; make sure to stream at the correct location once the test is complete.

Stay ready with the backup plan. Have quick access to cords, computers, cameras, etc., so that you can operate them whenever needed. Don’t forget to keep your devices loaded and ready at all times with additional battery backup.

Engage Your Online Audience

Engagement is crucial to replicate the excitement of an in-person event:

• Use live chat or Q&A features for real-time interaction.
  
• Offer polls, giveaways, or behind-the-scenes access to make the stream interactive.
  
• Highlight attendees who purchased tickets through your ticketing platform, like Yotix, to create a sense of community.
  

Post-Event Strategies

After the live stream ends:

• Provide recordings for on-demand access to ticket holders.
  
• Collect feedback via surveys to improve future streams.
  
• Analyze analytics from your ticketing platform to understand revenue, viewer engagement, and retention.

Conclusion

Outdoor live streaming can be complex, but the results are worthwhile. Outdoor live-streaming events are the most important and exciting to cover. However, the technology of live streaming has come a long way in recent years. With the essential tactics, we have covered everything in the article; we hope you can pull off streaming with minimal issues.

Do you own an online video platform for live streaming and hosting? Our streaming platform can help you out. It includes VOD hosting and live streaming delivery, streaming analytics, video monetization, and more – all available at a pocket-friendly price. You can create your account in a matter of seconds

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