Broadcasting live is certainly nothing new – history was made when the Beatles became world stars overnight after playing the Ed Sullivan show a LONG time ago. Since then, there have been a few changes to the world of live broadcast – to say the least!
When user-based online live streaming services began to surface, gamers were one of the biggest user groups of the service. DJs might occasionally wind up on virtual events like the Boiler Room (or Boiler Kitchen) but it wasn’t until clubs were forced to close their doors in 2020 that live streaming became a vital lifeline between DJs and their audiences.
With live streaming becoming an essential tool for connection, we thought it was time to break down how you can set one up yourself, and connect with your audience from anywhere. Let’s jump in.
Some Considerations for Live Streaming
Whether you’ve got an old iPhone in your bedroom or a full studio and production team at your disposal (would be nice!) there are some considerations that every DJ will have to account for before starting any live stream.
At the top of the list; What channel will you stream on? There are few different options, each with their own pros and cons. Let’s have a look:
Twitch
Twitch has been leading the way in the live streaming world. They started primarily serving gamers however DJs have been jumping on board because it is consistent and reliable.
The big reason you as a DJ will likely want to use Twitch is that you are probably playing and mixing bought music. Where Twitch really stands above is that they don’t use AI to detect copyright infringement.
While producers typically put tracks out in the hopes of having DJs play them and garner exposure, the AI that tracks copyrighted material doesn’t understand this unspoken permission. The only drawback with Twitch can be getting audiences to try the new platform. As it becomes more popular, this is less and less of an issue.
YouTube
YouTube – the world’s first and largest user-generated content sharing platform. They have recently begun offering live-streaming services. So, biggest platform, biggest reach – no brainer, right? Wrong.
They run copyright detection AI that doesn’t understand the world DJs and producers live in, so unless you are playing originals, we can’t recommend it.
Facebook/Instagram
These two are the same, though slightly different. Like YouTube, Facebook has some particularly cruel AI that will cut the live stream once it picks up copyrighted material. The thing that has made it attractive to some DJs is the fact that most of their audience is already on it.
Some clever DJs have been using Facebook’s cut-and-start live stream service as a way to hook audiences into trying Twitch. Instagram is much the same as Facebook, though it can’t be run off of a desktop – you’ll need to use the mobile app.
Zoom
This is more like hosting a virtual party than publicly broadcasting a live stream, but it is a great idea to take note of. Hosting virtual parties in Zoom allows you to see your audience grooving (or not!) which as DJs will know, is vital to reading the crowd and making selections.
You can also use services like Restream and Castr to stream to multiple channels – it’s basically a Linktree for your live stream.
Equipment and Set-Up
If you are simply using what you have – awesome! You can set up a live stream from just about any device with a camera, but with a couple of caveats. Firstly, make sure you stream with a proper audio setup – do NOT use the mic on your phone or laptop. You will get nobody sticking around to listen to that.
Using an audio interface like IRig Stream allows you to hardwire the sound to the stream and gives your listeners proper audio quality – and if the neighbors come yelling at the front door they won’t have to hear it!
If you are using multiple cameras you will need a program to hook them up to and a friend to switch them around. Having multiple cameras is definitely a great way to keep the audience engaged.
Visuals
If you have a friend who VJs – hit them up and collaborate. They can likely help with a lot of the software and equipment knowledge and usually are happy at the chance to self-promote. If not, just be sure to put some effort into your set. Clean up your room at the very least! Adding some tasteful décor – foliage, lava lamps, camo nets – it’s up to you! Choose a set that will compliment your set.
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