How to Create a Live Streaming Website in 11 Easy Steps

Live streaming has come a long way. First of all, it is no longer complicated to set up and use. Second, the availability of platforms to broadcast live videos has only increased in recent years. This means, as a marketer, you are not only spoiled for choice but require less effort and time to go live. 

Also, Market Research Future predicts that by 2032, the market size of live streaming will grow to USD 559.63 billion. This further showcases the importance of live streaming for brands and content creators, irrespective of their niche. 

If you, for certain reasons, have yet to embrace live streaming, then this blog is made just for you. It features easy steps for setting up a live streaming site. But first, let’s understand –

Website live Streaming in a nutshell

Tech-savvy customers today expect more than just occasional interactions with the brand they deal with. This is where website live streaming comes into the scene. It allows you to easily broadcast video through your website. 

You are required to use a live streaming software host for such digital broadcasts. Your audience, on the other hand, just requires a stable internet connection to view the stream in real time.

You can transform any webpage into a live streaming site by integrating a professional video player into your website's source code.

How to develop a live streaming website from scratch?

Before you initiate the live streaming website setup, determine if you want to add the live stream to an existing business site or a brand new one specifically created for web streaming. 

For instance, if you wish to livestream in order to raise brand awareness, consider appending a new page to your current site. This will allow viewers to check other content on your site, too. 

And in case you wish to use web streaming software as a service, it is better to stick with creating a new video site. 

Now, let’s proceed with the setup below, shall we?

1- Refine the feature list requirements

Get things planned and implemented properly from the initial moments. That is how you can create an effective live video streaming site. 

Ask yourself questions such as –

1.1- What type of content do you wish to stream? 

For instance, you may require following a totally different process for a Q&A with an expert than streaming college games. 

1.2- Are you aware of your real audience? 

The idea is to determine who you want to produce your content for. This way, you can generate relevant content that influences your target audience correctly. 

1.3- How important is the streaming quality for enhancing user experience? 

When streaming videos on some sites, you will need to focus on better video quality. You will want HD videos, but you can get away with using SD when broadcasting certain live lectures. 

1.4- Who can access the best live streaming software you will provide on your site? 

Identifying whether there will be barriers to accessing the content is indispensable. These can include a signup page, paywalls, etc. If there is one, identify how they will factor into user experience and system design.

1.5- Are you planning on monetizing your broadcasts? 

There are countless methods to monetize live videos. The setup process for the same will depend upon your chosen monetization strategy. 

1.6- What happens if the live stream free fails?

It is crucial to have a plan B so you can navigate temporary setbacks easily. 

2- Establish a business model

Are you planning to not monetize your live video? Skip this step entirely. 

However, even if you plan to grab the attention of qualified leads for marketing, some of the following business models for monetization can come in handy to you.

2.1- AVOD (Advertising-Based Video on Demand):

• Generates revenue through ads.
• Videos are free to access.
• Ad formats include commercials, banners, affiliate programs, and sponsored content.

2.2- SVOD (Subscription-Based Video on Demand):

• Offers scalability options.
• Users pay a subscription charge to easily access the complete video library.
• Idyllic for presenters with good-sized audiences and wide-ranging content.

2.3- TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand):

• Costs a one-time charge for each transaction.
• Provides lifetime or limited-time access to content.
• Beneficial for content creators in niche markets.

2.4- Hybrid Models:

• Combine elements of AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD.
• Maximizes revenue by offering multiple monetization options.
• Examples include charging a premium fee for ad-free streaming or combining subscription and pay-per-view models.

3- Secure a web hosting and domain name

If you currently have a web hosting and domain name, skip to the next section. However, it's always good to stay updated on web standards and practices.

3.1. Choose a Domain Name:

• Hand-pick a domain name that replicates your brand and lines up with your occupational goals.
• Consider the availability of new top-level domain (TLD) options like .video and .stream to enhance your website's focus on live stream free.

3.2. Register Your Domain Name:

• Use a steadfast web hosting service. These include GoDaddy or BlueHost to list your domain name.
• Explore various TLD options offered by web hosting services to effectively communicate your website's purpose.

4- Acquire live recording equipment

Next, invest in professional audio and video equipment to enhance your live stream’s quality.

For webinars and basic broadcasts, even a simple camera setup may be sufficient. But for more advanced content, you will need TV-grade equipment or multiple cameras for a visually engaging experience.

Go for the high-quality camera with HDMI connectivity. It will help produce professional-grade streams. Also, invest in lapel microphones or shotgun-style mics for crisp sound reproduction.

5- Select an encryption program

Encoding transforms your video from a storage-optimized format to one suitable for web transmission. Thus ensuring seamless access for viewers.

Hardware video encoders digitize live or analog audio-visual events, typically in professional settings, due to their high cost and superior quality.

Software encoders, often more affordable, are favored by small-scale producers. 

Options include free and open-source live streaming software or RTMP encoders utilizing the real-time streaming protocol (RTMP) for video delivery or HLS ingestion.

6- Ensure stable Internet connectivity

Fast internet is critical for superior live streaming. Aim for an upload speed at least double your streaming quality; e.g., for a 3 Mbps HD stream, aim for a 6 Mbps upload speed.

Low upload speeds can result in pixelated, laggy streams that deter viewers. Test your true internet speed on testmy.net before streaming, as advertised speeds may differ.

Also, avoid streaming during peak usage times. This way, you can prevent quality issues caused by bandwidth sharing.

7- Choose a suitable live video platform

While platforms like YouTube Live and Facebook Live are popular, they come with limitations. Also, they cater to a broader audience, making it harder to engage with your target viewers.

Choose a dedicated video streaming service over social media platforms for superior performance and control. Professional, free live streaming platforms like OnTheFly, OneStream, ReStream offer tailored solutions for broadcasting. Thus ensuring a responsive and customizable experience.

A dedicated white-label streaming platform provides 

• better streaming quality
• branding options
• monetization features
• and privacy controls

8- Prioritize security and privacy measures

Adjust privacy and security settings on your chosen video player platform. To do so –

• Utilize password protection for private live streams.
• Consider implementing geographic controls to restrict access based on location. 
• Domain restrictions, watermarking, and DRM are additional security measures to safeguard your content, especially if you are monetizing it.

9- Generate an embed code for integration

Next, create an embed code for your live-stream broadcast. 

The process to generate the code will vary based on the free streaming software you wish to use. It is typically available on the admin dashboard and can be accessed once the live-stream event is scheduled.

10- Embed the live video stream onto a web page

Now, you will need to go to the code editor on your site’s management dashboard. Keep in mind that every site hosting platform has a different code-editing display. 

For instance, when it comes to WordPress, you will require –

• Clicking “edit” on the selected page/post.
• Then click on “tab” to access the code editor view.
• Now, paste the video code on a new line from the clipboard.
• Lastly, click on “update” or “publish” to implement the changes. 

11- Review, Enhance, Iterate!

No, the work isn’t done yet! You need to learn methods to lift up your live-streaming site and grow in the market. 

• Hence, stay focused on gathering user feedback by monitoring comments or sending our surveys. 
• You can also use tools provided by live streaming platforms for stream analysis in real-time. 
• Adding Google Analytics can further help gain insights. 

Live streaming stats and trends

• Live streaming helps gain more viewing minutes.
• 23.8% of internet users mention the reason behind using social media is to access live streams. 
• 31% of consumers believe that live video provides access to limited and special content or services.
• 80% of people are keen on watching live videos rather than reading blogs. 
• Read more about Live streaming stats and trends here.

Motives behind creating a live streaming site

• A dedicated live-streaming site looks quite professional. Also, you have the benefit of customizing everything, making the video more branded. 
• Free live stream platforms often result in hurdles for audiences. With a streaming site, you directly provide the link so the audience can access the stream easily. 
• You have a better level of control over what you wish to stream compared to free platforms, where the chances of being banned for silly reasons are quite high. 
• You can save yourself from copyrights and video being taken down. 
• Expand your reach to nations that have barred certain social media sites. 
• Professional platforms are available to support 24/7. 

Bottom Line

Well, that is how you create your dedicated live streaming websites. All you have to do now is start filming and streaming top-notch quality video content. Just ensure that you maintain consistency with your streams to create a familiar brand value across channels. 

Also, don’t wait a lot to embrace live streaming. It holds great potential to make your brand seen and accepted among tech-savvy customers!