The 5 Most Important Live Streaming Software Features in 2020

The 5 Most Important Live Streaming Software Features in 2020

Which software to use for launching a virtual event is by far the most popular question I’ve received over the last four months. Although I do I have a report on the 70+ virtual event platforms I reviewed coming out this month; there isn’t an easy answer. My big focus has been breaking down each software into categories, but it event still it can get confusing, especially the group of LIVE STREAMING SOFTWARE. 

The solution you pick will often be determined by your unique scenario, which is why I created a full post on my favorite platforms by scenarios here. While scenario-based software selection can work for some, I believe it’s critical first to understand the features you need to accomplish your live streaming goals.

Since first “Pressing The Damn Button” with live streaming back in March of 2014, I’ve done over 3.5k live streams across every platform using 50+ different tools launching Facebook Live and Instagram Live for Fortune 500 brands. I’ve also produced 100’s of multi-streaming live shows and podcasts on Periscope, YouTube Live, and Linkedin Live.

Based on that experience and the current live streaming state in 2020, here are the:

5 most important features to look for when selecting your live streaming solution.

  1. API & Partner Friendly: How open the software is to work with other video production tools and live streaming gear.
  2. Personalized Multi-Streaming: Ability to customize the social post with unique customized titles and descriptions when multi-streaming.
  3. Approved to Live Stream on All Platforms: Approved partners with social networks you want to live stream on, especially new platforms such as Linkedin Live and YouTube.
  4. Easy to use Production Capabilities: Ability to create a high-quality live stream with lower 3rds and overlays without requiring a broadcasting encoder or production team.
  5. Zoom Style Interviewing without needing Zoom: Multi-person browser-based interviewing without requiring software installation for the guest or guests.

If you want to understand each of these features in more detail, watch the video below as I breakdown each element that exists within the software Restream, which is my number 1 choice for browser-based multi-streaming in 2020.

In full transparency, I’ve had multiple browsers based live streaming solutions approach me as an influencer to partner. Still, I hadn’t found one that included everything I needed and wanted to partner with until I started using Restream Studio in February of 2020.  

This is why I’m incredibly proud to have partnered with Restream.IO to power my new live video podcast PRESS THE DAMN BUTTON. This decision was easy thanks to Restream Studio as it’s the only platform that allows me to have up to 10 guests and stream to Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Twitch, and Linkedin. You can watch a recent interview I did here and made sure to follow the hashtag #PressTheDamnButton on Linkedin to get my next live stream in your feed.

Use this link here for special pricing on Restream: https://restream.io/join/PTDB

*In the video above, I leveraged eCamm Live to change cameras and share my screen, which is also the combination of tools I use for live streaming my virtual keynotes and more. The power of eCamm Live + Restream.IO is unmatched for live streaming across multiple channels, leveraging multiple cameras while integrating different scenes and transitions! 

Top Live Streaming Video Software for Virtual Event Speakers, Teachers and Webinar Presenters

Top Live Streaming Video Software for Virtual Event Speakers, Teachers and Webinar Presenters

Live streaming isn’t new and in 2014 it drasticatly disrupted the marketing and social media world as apps like Meerkat took over SXSW, Twitter launched Periscope, Facebook went all in with Facebook Live and even YouTube, Instagram and Linkedin integrated live streaming.

Presenting at SXSW 2015 on Meerkat Live Streaming

For professional speakers and event planners’ live streaming was a “nice to have” for marketing and it did make the broadcasting of the opening keynote more accessible to a larger audience but it impacts truly was felt in the wake of Covid19 canceling offline conferences forcing everyone online.

Since 2014 I’ve done 3500+ live streams including launching live video campaigns for my clients on Facebook Live, Blab, Instagram, Periscope as well as webinars and online summits. But much how the world is changing to adapt to working from home so have the live streaming platforms and software in regards to functions, features, ability to multi-stream, custom overlays, multi-person integration and this is across a wide-range of solution types.

I’ve had so many questions about live streaming that I wanted to create a live stream showing the tools I use and what scenario is best for each… So if you are a virtual event speaker or running live zoom calls or wanting to make your live webinar more dynamic here are the tools I use…

I break the live streaming software into these categories:

  • Web-based
  • Mac encoder
  • Mobile manager
  • Zoom + live overlays
  • Multi-streaming

As I say in my most popular keynote program: PRESS THE DAMN BUTTON

As I stated in the video I do have a relationship with these tools but I also have a relationship with other tools that I didn’t show as these are my favorites for presenters, teachers, meeting leaders, and keynote speakers!

The tools I tested included Streamyard, Ecamm Live, Switcher Studio, Restream.IO, Wirecast, OBS, Be.Live, Zoom, GoToWebinar, On24, VMix and BrandLive.

If I misspoke or something has changed since I recorded this I will add updates in the comments of this post!

You can check out my Virtual Event Home Studio set up on my Amazon Store Here.