Here’s Everything you Need to Know About Preparing for and Creating Streaming Video Content for YouTube Live.

If you find yourself tasked with creating live content for a client or for any work-from-home scenario (or if it’s just something you’re curious about), then YouTube Live is a great free streaming option. Let’s take a look at how to take your content from prerecorded to live in four simple steps.

1. Equipment

Before you hit the button to go live, there are a couple things to consider. First, the built-in camera on your laptop (if you’re using a laptop) is perfectly fine. However, if you want to ensure your stream is high-quality, with good auto-focus and auto-exposure capabilities, it might be worth looking into an external camera designed for streaming. The same goes for audio. There are high-quality microphones that capture professional-grade audio that are simple to set up and totally affordable.

2. Have a Concept and Thumbnail

Obviously, you need to have an idea what you will be doing and how long you plan on doing it. You need to map out this concept before you ever start rolling. Remember, you no longer get multiple takes when you’re going live. Develop an outline for your content and script out as much as you can.

The other very important aspect to consider is creating a thumbnail. YouTube gives creators the ability to “premiere” their stream. So, you can let your audience know ahead of time when you plan on streaming. To do this, create an enticing thumbnail to attract viewers. If you choose to premiere your stream, this gives you even more of a reason to plan out what you’re going to do ahead of time.

Check out the full article on the Ins and Outs of YouTube Streaming from Premium Beat, HERE.

Let’s start with YouTube. While Facebook has gotten a lot of attention lately, YouTube offers some distinct advantages. Let’s consider audience first.

YouTube doesn’t have a newsfeed or pages or groups. All it has is video. Sure, there are channels and playlists, but they’re just a collection of videos. Even the discussions on YouTube are centered around videos.

So, it should come as no surprise that YouTube wants you to watch videos. In fact, they don’t care (for the most part) which videos you watch as long as you stay on YouTube to watch them.

With that said, newer videos tend to be more relevant to questions being asked, so YouTube tends to promote those. Since nothing is newer than live, anyone searching on YouTube (or Google for that matter) is likely to get some live, or recently live videos as part of the search.

That means that YouTube is good at showing videos to people who might be interested in them, but who have no prior relationship whatsoever with the creator.

This doesn’t come without a downside, though. Since Google is so huge and has such deep pockets, they’re a target for lawsuits. To combat this, Google created the contentID system for YouTube.

In negotiating with copyright owners, like record companies, they have created a system which enables their copyrighted works to be used or not and monetized or not. For most people, this system works fine. The problem comes when your church has permission, via the CCLI live-streaming license or the Christian Copyright Solutions’ license, to live stream copyrighted worship music, but YouTube doesn’t have a way to know that … or anyone to tell… read more

How to multistream live video from your program channel in Pearl-2 using an RTSP loopback and stream to both YouTube and Facebook at the same time.

Epiphan Pearl-2 is the easiest 4K live video streamer, switcher, and recorder. (4K Requires additional 4K firmware upgrade). With less setup, less supervision, and higher overall confidence, Pearl-2’s integrated live event production workflow allows you to sit back, relax, and concentrate on producing your event. Start and stop online live streaming, local recording, and real-time video switching with the touch of your finger.

Pearl-2 works with video sources from SD to 4K. Connect up to six sources at once to encode and stream one 4K Ultra HD program or up to six 1080p Full HD programs. Use any combination of your video sources connected to the HDMI, 4K HDMI, 12G SDI, or USB video input ports, or from IP cameras over your network.

Click here to watch the video on YouTube

Click here to watch the video on YouTube

Wondering how to configure the Epiphan Webcaster X2? PhotoJoseph will take you through how to do it for both YouTube and for Facebook. Joseph is on the road for his vacation, (or in the air, depending on when you see this), so we are coming to you pre-recorded today. Sorry to those who enjoy the live show. 

1. Where can I stream to with Webcaster X2?

Webcaster X2 can stream to your YouTube Channel or Events you create on YouTube, to your Facebook Timeline, or to a Facebook Page, Event or Group for which you have permissions to post.

2. How does Webcaster X2 work?

Connect your HDMI source (camera, laptop etc.) to Webcaster X2. Connect to your network either with an Ethernet cable or configure Wi-Fi settings using an external display and mouse. Double-press the multi-function power button on the side of Webcaster X2 to toggle between Facebook or YouTube streaming. You will see a device code on the Webcaster X2 LCD with which you can pair your YouTube or Facebook account to the device. Once your device is paired, press the multi-function power button once to start streaming! See Quick start for more information.

3. What kinds of inputs does Webcaster X2 support? And how many?

You can connect one HDMI source to Webcaster X2. This is usually an HD video camera, but could also be a mixer or other device with HDMI output. A USB camera can also be connected, but this is a beta feature and is not fully supported.

4. Can I connect a USB camera to Webcaster X2?

You can enable a beta feature to support USB cameras with Webcaster X2. Because this feature is not fully tested, we cannot guarantee your success when using a USB camera. We’d be happy to hear from you regarding USB cameras you’ve found work or don’t work with Webcaster X2. Email info @epiphan.com with the camera model(s) and results. Visit the Webcaster X2 User Guide to learn how to enable USB cameras.

5. Can I stream to YouTube and Facebook at the same time?

No. Webcaster X2 streams to either Facebook Live or to YouTube.

6. Do I need anything other than Webcaster X2 to start streaming?

You’ll need your Webcaster X2, an account on Facebook or YouTube, and a network connection that has access to Facebook or YouTube. You can optionally connect a keyboard, mouse, and HDMI display to monitor your stream, view comments, engage with viewers and configure stream settings.

7. How do I start and stop my stream?

You can start and stop your stream by pressing the multi-function button on the side of the Webcaster X2 device. If using an external display, you can also end your stream by clicking the ‘Start’ or “Stop” button in the Webcaster X2 interface.

8. Can I save my streams as videos on Facebook or YouTube?

Yes – when a live stream is ended, YouTube and Facebook automatically saves video to your account. Note – On Facebook, streams set to continuous are not saved when finished.

9. Can I use Webcaster X2 to stream to someone else’s YouTube or Facebook accounts on their behalf?

Yes! You can easily unpair Webcaster X2 from your account, then your friend only needs to enter the device code shown on the LCD into their Facebook and YouTube account and the device will now be paired to their account.

10. Can I stream to pre-created YouTube Live Events?

Yes. You can configure your stream for a YouTube Live Event using the Webcaster X2 interface on an external display. See How to live stream to a YouTube Live Event for more information.

11. Where does the stream get posted within my Facebook account?

By default, Webcaster X2 posts to your Timeline, but can be configured to post to a Page, Event or Group.

12. Who can see my live stream?

You can use Webcaster X2 to configure the privacy of the video streamed to account. The stream’s privacy setting affects who is notified of your live stream as well as who can see it. You can also change the stream’s privacy setting from your Facebook or YouTube account once your stream is live. For more information, see Set Stream Privacy.

13. Is Webcaster X2 secure? I don’t want my YouTube of Facebook account getting hacked!

Webcaster X2 is a fully secure social media streaming solution. To pair the device with your account you need a unique randomly-generated code which gives the device limited access to your account.

14. How do I connect Webcaster X2 to my network?

You can connect Webcaster X2 to your network by wired Ethernet of WiFi. For details on how to configure your Wi-Fi settings, see the Webcaster X2 user guide.

15. How long can my streams last?

Webcaster X2 imposes no limits on the length of your live video stream. However Facebook Live only supports streams up to 4 hours in length, unless they are configured as a continuous live stream. See the Webcaster X2 user guide for more information on continuous live streams.

16. How do I configure advanced settings for my stream?

You can configure your Webcaster X2 through the device interface, by connecting an external display and mouse. See the Webcaster X2 user guide for more information on configuring your device.

17. Is Webcaster X2 linked permanently with my YouTube or Facebook account?

Webcaster X2 can be paired to any YouTube or Facebook account and you can unpair anytime. You can also configure your device to unpair from your account upon powering off the device.

18. How do I set my video title and description?

Titles, descriptions and other metadata can be setup using the device interface, by connecting an external monitor and mouse to your Webcaster X2.

19. How does audio work with Webcaster X2?

Webcaster X2 supports audio over its HDMI input port. For example, you can connect any wired or wireless mic to your camera to get professional HDMI audio alongside your video.

20. What input resolutions can Webcaster X2 accept?

Webcaster X2 accepts HDMI input from 720p (30 or 60 fps) and 1080p (30 fps or 60 fps) sources. Only these input types are supported. Interlaced signals and other frame rates are not supported.

21. What resolution can Webcaster X2 output? What about bit rate and frame rate?

Webcaster X2 supports output in frame sizes up to 1080p (1920×1080) for YouTube and 720p (1280×720) for Facebook. Webcaster X2 streams at 30 fps and at bit rates up to 4 Mb/s.

22. Will Webcaster X2 have firmware updates?

Webcaster X2 will have occasional firmware updates. Customers who have registered their device will be notified via e-mail of any new firmware upgrades. The product registration page can be found here.

It’s time for a quality side by side review of Facebook and YouTube Live. Here at PTZOptics we broadcast to Facebook and YouTube respectively every week on Wednesdays and Fridays. Our experience live streaming has been nothing but positive yet the platforms are quite different. In this blog post, I hope to share the key differences in each platform and encourage our audience to use both services effectively.

General Platform Statistics

We are talking about two of the largest social media networks in the world. So it’s safe to say that it would unwise to disregard the opportunity of reaching an audience on Facebook or YouTube with their live streaming offerings. Right now video content is being optimized for distribution in a big way. Live video on both platforms is distributed even more favorably with special notifications and social media triggers than ever before.

The biggest difference between the two platforms is the lifespan of your video content. Facebook operates like true social media where the latest content is available at the top of users news feeds and older content is lost into a digital abyss. YouTube works more like an automated video archive where the videos with most view time and relevance are recommended to reviews in a search engine style. Therefore you will find Facebook will usually return more short term exposure while YouTube will provide long lasting results. (More on where your time & money is best spent in this video)….[continue reading]

Click here to watch the video on YouTube

This video will show you how to Livestream to BOTH Facebook and YouTube at the same time! This is an update to a previous video, as Facebook and Wirecast no longer support the previous method. This video is all you need!

Facebook and YouTube are two of the bigger Livestream players, but until now there’s been no way to use them both simultaneously…

// How to Livestream on Facebook and Youtube AT THE SAME TIME! [Updated] //

Wirecast has added support for Facebook Live, meaning you can leverage all of Wirecast’s pro features like multi-camera input and management, and stream live to Facebook

BUT, more importantly, this ALSO opens up Livestreaming to MULTIPLE platforms…

This video runs through what the new Wirecast functionality enables, and how you can use it to livestream to Facebook and YouTube simultaneously.

If you found this helpful, we’d really appreciate a share, thumbsup or a comment. If not – thumb it down, we’d love the feedback! Make sure to subscribe over at http://PrimalVideo.com/subscribe to receive all our weekly updates – and I’ll see you next time.

Social Media Streaming Devices
Two New Video Encoders for Facebook Live & YouTube Live

Webcaster X1 for Facebook Live $299.95 MSRP

Webcaster X1 for Facebook Live
Stream your camera in HD to Facebook Live 

Stream any HDMI video source to Facebook Live. Stunning HD at 30 fps! Very easy to setup – just connect your camera or mixer to Webcaster X1, and enter the Facebook device code from the LCD into Facebook and you’re streaming! 

• Encode high quality audio video sources and stream to Facebook Live audiences
• Stream audio and video from cameras, mixers, displays, switchers to Facebook Live
• Stream to choice of Facebook Timeline, Events, Groups or Pages
• Encodes single live events and continuous streams
• Easy setup with device pairing code

 

Webcaster X1 for YouTube Live $299.95 MSRP

 

Webcaster X1 for YouTube Live
Stream your camera in HD to YouTube Live 

Stream any HDMI video source to YouTube. Stunning Full HD at 30 fps! Very easy to setup – just connect your camera or mixer to Webcaster X1, and enter the YouTube pairing code from the LCD into YouTube and you’re streaming!

• Encode high quality audio video sources and stream to YouTube audiences
• Stream audio and video from cameras, mixers, displays, switchers to YouTube
• Easy setup with device pairing code

Call your Broadfield Sales Rep at
800-634-5178 to order today!

DEALER WEBINAR TOMORROW!
THUR. DEC 8TH, 2PM ET

Thursday, 12/8 at 2pm ET
We hope to see you there!

Click here to register for our Dealer Webinar

Epiphan Webcaster X1 for Facebook Live Stream any HDMI video source to Facebook Live. Stunning HD at 30 fps! Very easy to setup.	Epiphan Webcaster X1 for Youtube Live Stream any HDMI video source to YouTube. Stunning Full HD at 30 fps!	Telestream Wirecast 7 Software All-in-one live video streaming software that enables unlimited capture, live production, and encoding of HD and SD sources for live streams broadcast to multiple servers and platforms simultaneously.	NewTek TriCaster Mini – Now with Advanced Edition! TriCaster Mini, create and publish great video content in minutes, stream it live, and make even the smallest presentation captivate audiences like network TV.
$299.95 MSRP	$299.95 MSRP	STARTING AT $495.00 MSRP	STARTING AT $7,990.00 MSRP

Matrox Monarch LCS Lecture Capture Monarch LCS lets you easily define profiles for live streamed and recorded lectures by mixing camera and presentation material from SDI and HDMI sources.	Epiphan Pearl Video switcher with live streaming and recording capability. Use the built-in scaler and video mixer to create custom picture in picture layouts from up to four HD video sources.	Telestream Wirecast Gear Portable computer workstation designed to run Wirecast Pro, for live event production and streaming. Has four HD-SDI or HDMI professional camera inputs and all the live streaming production features of Wirecast Pro, in a compact, powerful hardware system.	NewTek TriCaster 460 The most versatile and extensive TriCaster. Any-format, any-resolution, any frame-rate I/O and amped-up production capabilities let you connect any camera, access any available video source, and go live from locations you’ve only imagined.
$2,495.00 MSRP	$4,875.00 MSRP	STARTING AT $4,995.00 MSRP	STARTING AT $14,995.00

---

 

Matrox Monarch HD & HDX Streaming & Recording Device Monarch HD Professional streaming and recording appliance or HDX Dual-Channel H.264 Encoder for Broadcast Streaming and Recording.	Teradek VidiU Pro Enhanced WIFI Streaming / Recording Unit Features enhanced WiFi, built-in recording, and the ability to combine the uplink capability of 4 smartphones for a strong bonded connection.	Epiphan AV.io Frame Grabbers AV.io video grabbers – The simplest way to capture video. Automatic configuration with no software or drivers to install. HD, SDI, and 4K.	PTZOptics Robotic Cameras Pan tilt zoom cameras with HDMI, HD-SDI, USB 3.0, IP Streaming and/or CVBS video outputs. The ability to stream video and audio from every camera.
STARTING AT $995.00 MSRP	$999.00 MSRP	STARTING AT $349.95 MSRP	STARTING AT $1,599.00 MSRP