By using YouTube users can watch, like, share, comment and upload their own videos. YouTube is accessible on PCs, laptops, tablets and via mobile devices.
With a majority of the population working remotely and engaging in social distancing, YouTube Live is an ideal feature for artists to interact with audiences and bring the music community closer together. YouTube has always been a hub for content creators, and now artists can provide their fans with a unique experience by live streaming performances from their homes or studios.
During this time, where staying home can literally save lives, we at The Orchard are sharing the below tips on how you can use YouTube to ensure that despite social distancing, your connection to your fans is still closer than ever. To help raise awareness, YouTube has created a call-to-action through a new campaign, #StayHome #WithMe, where they work hard to ensure your artists’ content will be promoted and surfaced on their platform. To participate, create a live stream on YouTube Live and in the title and/or description include #StayHome ______ #WithMe. For example: #StayHome & read The Daily Rind #WithMe. By using the hashtags, YouTube will be able to see your video and potentially surface it on their Spotlight Channel. If you let The Orchard know, we will keep track of your live streams on The Orchard Live Streaming Calendar. Together, especially now, we can continue to build the community YouTube’s platform has always fostered.
There are many ways to start a live stream on YouTube. Review these three options and determine which best works for you and your at-home setup:
- Webcam via laptop/desktop
- Mobile
- For a more technically advanced live stream, use Encoder Streaming
To enable YouTube Live…
- On a desktop, go to Creator Studio tools section, then go to the “Live Streaming” tab.
- On the YouTube app on mobile, click on create a live stream.
For more information on YouTube Live, please visit the YouTube website.
As an example, check out content creator Dámaris Gelabert hosting a family concert in her living room. Duo Adexe & Nau participated in a 10 minute Q&A with fans and Courtney Marie Andrews went live with two other fellow artists. Her Live stream ended being a Two hour Live Stream as she actively engaged with her fans on chat
In order to utilize YouTube Live, your channel must meet the following requirements:
- Channel must be verified and have no live streaming restrictions in the last 90 days.
- Must have 1,000 subscribers to go live via mobile.
Once you’ve confirmed that you meet these requirements, it’s important to have a well-structured promotional plan. To optimize views, be sure to promote prior, during, and after the live stream across your socials, as this will help increase overall views and allow new followers to discover your work. Take the time to educate your audience by picking a specific day and time on a weekly basis, and think of this as an opportunity to create recurring shows or an ongoing series with YouTube Live. Click here for more tips on live streaming. The idea is to feel comfortable and have fun with it; let it be natural and authentic to you and your brand.
Premiere
If you can not go the live route, it’s definitely worth exploring YouTube Premieres. YouTube Premieres let you and your viewers watch and experience a new video together. Think of it as a giant watch party with an in real-time chat room! By using the Premieres feature, you can schedule a video upload and create buzz around the video with a shareable watch page. Ultimately, you’d be sharing the real-time premiere of your video.
Recently, artist Darkovibes used the Premieres feature to release his new single Inna Song (Gin & Lime). Thousands of subscribers watched live and actively commented during the new video launch. For more information on YouTube Premieres click here.
During this unprecedented time of social distancing, now more than ever people are looking for ways to connect and engage with one another. Stay connected with your fans and subscribers through YouTube Live. Happy live streaming!
