The Complete Guide To Live Streaming On Any Platform

Live streaming is here to stay. With the rise of Twitch, as well as platforms like YouTube and Facebook Live becoming viable options, there’s no denying that this new medium of entertainment has entrenched itself in the mainstream. The best part? It’s now easier than ever to join in and start your own stream.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know to start streaming on any platform—and even stream to multiple platforms simultaneously. From choosing the right gear and streaming app to setting it all up and getting ready to go live, we’ll walk you through the process end to end.

ESSENTIAL STREAMING EQUIPMENT

First things first: you’re going to need a few tools. Luckily, you can get what you need to start streaming with very little investment. The three main elements you’ll need are a camera, light and microphone. Whether you prefer a super-streamlined setup or an ultra-versatile streaming rig, check out our top suggestions.

Best Cameras for Live Streaming

A simple, plug-and-play webcam is the easiest and most affordable way to get started. The Logitech StreamCam rests gently on your laptop or monitor (or mounts onto a stand), giving you full 1080p HD quality with frame rates up to 60 fps for a smooth, natural look. Smart auto-focus and exposure features let you look your best without having to mess with any settings.

If you want even more options, the ubiquitous Logitech C920 offers a 78-degree field of view for wide shots at a remarkably affordable price. The Logitech 4K Pro provides 4k resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology for cinematic quality and incredibly fast frame rates up to 90 fps. Noise-canceling mics keep annoying noises like computer fans, traffic and airplane noise out of your streams.

Some streamers opt to use professional DSLR cameras due to their bigger lenses and ability to interface with pro equipment like video switchers. These can give you excellent results but they require extra setup and accessories, so they may not be worth the investment for most streamers. This type of camera usually connects via HDMI, so you’ll need to get a USB converter or other video interface. 

Best Lights for Live Streaming

If you’re on a tight budget, simply use natural light and whatever lamps are at your disposal (but stay away from overhead fluorescent lights). Logitech webcams feature RightLight technology to help correct and balance your lighting, which will help you look your best in less-than-ideal lighting situations. For best results, try to get the best lighting you can with neutral, daylight-colored bulbs and let RightLight take care of the rest.

However, it’s definitely worth investing in one or more dedicated streaming lights to give your stream a professional look. Proper LED fixtures for streaming will give you greater control over color temperature, so you can dial in the right look for your skin tone and aesthetic. They also usually provide more diffused illumination for a softer look without hard edges and contrasting shadows.

If you’re really serious about getting a professional look (and have a decent budget for lighting), consider getting professional softbox- or umbrella-style lighting fixtures. A favorite of photographers, these devices reflect indirect light over a wide area to give you ultra-smooth illumination.

Best Microphones for Live Streaming

Great sound is just as important as crisp video for a professional-quality live stream. Built-in webcam microphones will suffice if you want to start streaming right away, but you’ll definitely want to upgrade to an external USB mic as soon as you’re able to. With larger capsules (the part that captures sound), more features and the ability to position the mic close to your mouth, USB mics provide a noticeable upgrade in sound quality with little investment.

If you’re looking for a super-streamlined USB mic that will give you great sound with a small footprint, Yeti Nano is our recommendation. Yeti X gives you the same crisp and clear sound with additional pickup patterns for different recording situations and a multi-function smart knob that controls a variety of functions. Both mics feature Blue VO!CE vocal effects for fine-tuning your sound.

Some streamers prefer XLR microphones, which interface with professional audio equipment instead of connecting directly to your computer. An XLR setup makes it easier to use multiple microphones, which is handy if you stream with multiple people or need a secondary mic for playing an instrument. Plus, XLR mics give your setup a truly professional look. Ember and Blackout Spark SL are two popular choices among streamers.

SETTING UP YOUR STREAMING RIG

Before you stream, you’ll need to set up your equipment properly to get the best results. Not a technology wiz? Have no fear—this step can be as simple or complex as you want. Depending on your equipment, setup can take as little as a few minutes of plugging in USB cables and clicking through menus (or you can spend as long as you like perfecting every aspect of your rig).

How To Set Up a Camera for Live Streaming

First, connect your camera to your computer. If you’re using a webcam, this step is fairly straightforward. If you’re using a DSLR or other professional camera, you’ll need an HDMI-to-USB converter or some other interface for sending the video feed to your computer.

Once your camera is connected, pull up a preview window and frame up your shot. Most people mount their cameras roughly at eye level. If your face is the main focus of your stream, you’ll want to put your camera right in front of you. If you stream games and your face cam only appears in the corner, a side-mounted camera might work, too. If you use multiple monitors, clipping a webcam onto the one you use for chat can help you connect with your audience.

Finally, adjust your camera settings for the right look. If you’re using a Logitech webcam, download G HUB software to easily customize settings like field of view, aspect ratio, resolution, white balance, auto-focus and more. G HUB also lets you access settings for Litra lights and Blue Yeti mics—and you can save all your settings as presets, so you’re always ready to stream.

How To Set Up Lights for Live Streaming

If you’re working with just a single streaming light, simply place it behind or near your camera, roughly at face level. Then, adjust the brightness until your face is well illuminated but not washed out. If you wear glasses, you may need to place your light higher or off to the side to reduce glare.

If you have a two-light setup, place your main light (called the key light) off to one side of your face, then add a second, slightly dimmer “fill light” to fill in the shadows on the other side. Adding a third light behind you will illuminate your silhouette and make you stand out from your background (this is called the three-point lighting technique). For an even more professional look, you can add a fourth light just to illuminate your background.

No matter how many lights you’re working with, you’ll need to make sure the color temperature is right. Color temperature exists on a spectrum ranging from warm (reddish) to cool (blueish). Some lights have only a few settings for color temperature, while others are freely adjustable. Start with a neutral daylight setting and make it warmer or cooler until you’re happy with how you look.

How To Set Up a Microphone for Live Streaming

If you’re using a USB microphone, connecting is as simple as can be. Blue USB mics are plug-and-play, but you can also download Logitech G HUB to access Blue VO!CE on compatible mics. If you’re using an XLR microphone, you’ll need to first plug it into your audio interface, then plug that into your computer. If you’re using headphones, plug them directly into the output on your USB mic or audio interface to hear yourself without delay.

Next, position your microphone to capture your voice cleanly and clearly. If you have a desktop USB mic like Yeti X or Yeti Nano, simply place it about eight inches in front of you and off to one side, with the front angled up toward your mouth. If you have an XLR microphone, a boom arm like Compass will let you position it in just the right place and move it out of the way when you don’t need it. Again, place the mic about eight inches from your face, off to one side.

Finally, if you’re using a mic with multiple pickup patterns, make sure you’re using the appropriate one for your situation. Cardioid mode is usually the best for streaming, as it captures sound only from the front and minimizes room noise. However, if you’re streaming with multiple people, you may want to try omnidirectional, bidirectional or stereo mode.

CHOOSING THE BEST LIVE STREAMING APP FOR YOUR NEEDS

The streaming app you use is just as important as any of your other gear. This choice will have a major impact on your streaming experience, dictating everything from how easy it is to go live to the customization options available. Many apps are free or offer a free option as well as premium plans with extra features. Streaming apps can be web-based or desktop-based, and each has its own advantages.

Web-Based Live Streaming Apps

Web-based apps like Melon, Be.Live and Restream are the best choice for people who want to get started right away. Since there’s nothing to download and setup is simple, you can start streaming in minutes. And, since all of the processing takes place in the cloud, you won’t have to worry about over-taxing your computer.

Our top choice for browser-based live streaming and recording is Melon, a super-streamlined app created by the team behind Streamlabs, one of the most popular desktop live streaming apps. Melon makes it easy to set up and customize your stream, broadcast to popular platforms, record to the cloud and invite guests to participate.

Melon is free, but you can upgrade to the Standard or Pro plans for additional features—including multistreaming capability. With Melon Standard, you can stream to three platforms simultaneously, while Pro lets you stream to unlimited destinations. Connecting your Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live and other accounts is super easy, and you only have to do it once.

Desktop-Based Live Streaming Apps

Desktop-based apps like Streamlabs Desktop, OBS Studio and Wirecast run locally on your computer instead of in your browser, meaning you must first download and install the program. These apps usually offer more control and customization options than web-based apps.

We recommend Streamlabs Desktop—with an easy-to-navigate user interface and plenty of flexibility, Streamlabs has more than enough capabilities for most streamers. You can customize your layout, add various video sources, apply filters and more, all with just a few mouse clicks.

Like Melon, Streamlabs Desktop is free, with the option of upgrading to a paid Prime plan for additional features. Streamlabs Prime gives you access to super-slick themes and overlays, multistreaming capability and dozens of handy apps that integrate seamlessly into your stream. You can even monetize your stream with sponsorships, tips and merchandise all in one place.

For more advice on the best live streaming apps, check out this blog from our friends at Melon: The Best Live Streaming Platforms.

START YOUR JOURNEY

Just like a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, the journey to a thousand subscribers starts with a single stream. You’ve got to start somewhere, so why not make it as easy as possible to get started?

If you want to start streaming right away, we recommend using Melon with a Logitech StreamCam and Blue Yeti Nano. This combination will give you HD video quality, ultra-clear sound and plenty of flexibility to customize your stream.

Once you’ve dipped your toes in the water, you can start upgrading your gear, continue customizing the look of your stream and expand your knowledge to get more professional results. For more tips to help you perfect your stream, check out Live Streaming Tips on How to Make a Great Live Stream, How to Increase Viewership For Your Live Streams, or some of our other live streaming blogs