Five Q&A’s about livestreaming your wedding/event

1. What is livestreaming?
Livestreaming means showing video footage in “real time” (during the actual time the event is happening) as opposed to video footage that is pre-recorded.

2. Can you DIY (do-it-yourself) your wedding/event livestream?
Yes, you can. You would need a wifi-enabled device: smartphone or tablet and a platform to broadcast.

3. What platforms/equipment can I use to DIY my livestream?

• You can “go live” from a private Facebook group created for guests.
• You can use a Go Pro
• You can share an unlisted Youtube link with your guests (maybe via a digital invitation or an email). An unlisted Youtube link will keep your livestream limited to only those you choose to share the link with. To livestream via your smartphone, you will need to have at least 1000 subscribers to your channel. If you have less than 1000 subscribers, you can still livestream using a computer and webcam.
• There are other platforms/apps you can use, some are: Event Live, Twitch (available for iOS or Android) and Dolby On (available for iOS or Android)

4. What are the disadvantages of DIY’ing my livestream?
If you are using your smartphone, remember that you’re using your phone’s microphone for audio and this tends to get worse, the farther away you are from whatever you’re shooting. You are also subject to the battery life on your phone and the quality of the wifi, in the area you are filming. Unless you have a tripod, footage may not be as steady as you want.

5. Should I hire a professional to handle my livestream?

If you have the budget, this is highly recommended for a quality production. This company/professional will handle the technical set up of equipment, advise you on the number of cameras that are suitable for your event, ensure your audio and lighting is well-managed and can provide other add-ons such as: green screen, microphones or even add pre-recorded elements (e.g. your engagement photo session/other video clips) into your livestream.