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Livestream Your Next Recording Session
OpenReel has expanded beyond our strict remote point-solution capabilities to now include remote broadcasts for livestreaming! With this new feature, you can connect your recording to any custom RTMP destination. An RTMP — or Real Time Messaging Protocol — is simply a way to livestream video, and it’s supported by most destinations, including Facebook and YouTube.
Wondering why you wouldn’t just go live on your existing social platforms? The biggest reason is that OpenReel Live is part of our powerful 4K recording technology. While your livestream is limited to the resolution supported by the RTMP destination, you can simultaneously record in HD while you stream (though you don’t have to). That brings us to the second reason: if you choose to record, then you have powerful content that can be repurposed after the stream ends. This differs from going live directly on social, for instance, where you can only host and then end the stream.
Create an on-demand version of your stream by using your high-resolution recordings for anyone that couldn’t attend. Cut down highlight-worthy moments to reuse on social or embed on your website to show off the best conversations or interviews you’re hosting. Or give backstage access to a private audience while you record a remote shoot – perhaps your editing team, legal guidance or VIP access.
To go live in OpenReel, simply create a Project and change the Session Type from Remote to Remote + Live. That’s it. Once you enter the session you can easily navigate to the Live tab on the right side of the screen. Add subjects you want to stream and pull the stream into any RTMP stream destination, directly to YouTube, or an HLS player – or multiple destinations at the same time – giving your audience a front-row seat to your production.
Why should I livestream?
Livestreams are essential tools for marketers and sales teams. The primary reason for this is obvious: being able to interact with your audience in real-time is a unique way to drive excitement. The myriad of benefits goes deeper, however. In contrast to pre-recorded video or even a webinar, livestreaming is expected to be less polished; you can go live with your recording device of choice, and have an authentic conversation with viewers and with collaborators. Additionally, live video can be repurposed after the stream for on-demand, shareable content.
Need some ideas to get started?
These are OpenReel’s favorite live video ideas that any team can pull off:
Live interview
Going live with one or multiple people is the simplest and potentially best use of a livestream. Not only does this allow the audience to truly engage in an interview process, but, as a brand, you expand your audience by activating your interview guest’s audiences through the stream.
Broadcast a major event
Livestreams and live webinars are both strong ways to connect with your audience online. Opt for webinars when there’s a timely component. For instance, if you are counting down to a new product launch or you have an of-the-moment announcement, simply go live. Livestreams are built for excitement, and that’s what audiences are expecting. Choose webinars when you have more formal, planned learning moments.
Drive audience to another online element
Because livestreams get an audience online at one time, they are excellent as part of a larger campaign that also has an online component. For example, if you’re launching a new product that you want people to buy, a livestream can feed buyers directly to that. Simply use the momentum of a livestream and share the link to convert traffic to the site where viewers can buy the product.
Onboarding & training
Customer success, HR, and learning & development teams can all benefit from livestreaming. Live videos are ideal to provide learning moments to individuals or groups. By making them part of a livestream, it also invites others to join — for instance, if a veteran customer needs a refresh on a product or an employee needs an updated reminder of navigating the company portal — without the pressure or extra leg work of an individual invitation or registration. Additionally, by recording the stream, the videos can be reused to extend the life of the learning moment.
Events
A live, in-person event should not be limited to the physical audience. By going live during keynote speeches, walk-throughs of the trade show hall or interviews, you can dramatically expand the event’s reach and garner excitement for future events.
Behind-the-scenes
Remember how livestreams are powerful because they feel less rehearsed than pre-recorded content? Tap into that authenticity with behind-the-scenes videos. Whether you live stream a team brainstorm, a company event, or even backstage before a webinar, you are giving your audience or customers a deeper understanding of your brand, which can help them feel more connected and loyal.
Demos
A livestream demo of a product or service is a unique way to expand brand reach. Not only is this a way to reach prospective customers who may be at the beginning of their sales journey and not yet ready to book a demo, but it’s also a great way to great on-demand content that could be reused daily.
Want to film an HD video and simultaneously livestream to your audience? Get a demo today.
