3 Steps to Start Streaming

In today’s world, there are countless ways to start live streaming, and with so many options, it can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve simplified the process into three clear steps to help you start streaming quickly and confidently.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Step 2: Choose Your Video Source
Step 3: Pick the Right Streaming Provider
Final Thoughts

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

No matter how you stream, who you stream to, or which streaming provider you use, every live stream begins with an internet connection. Most people are used to being consumers online, but as a live broadcaster, you become a creator. That means download speed doesn’t matter nearly as much. Instead, what you really need is a strong, reliable upload speed.

A quick visit to speedtest.net will show you exactly what kind of upload bandwidth you have at your streaming location. Many providers recommend at least 10 Mbps of upload speed, but depending on where you are, that can be difficult or costly to achieve.

That’s why we’ve built our platform to deliver high-quality, reliable video streaming even with much lower upload speeds.

Step 2: Choose Your Video Source

Next, you can’t have a live stream without a video source. If you’re just getting started, chances are you don’t have a full arsenal of video gear sitting around ready to go.

The good news is, you don’t need a complex setup with a video switcher and multiple cameras to begin streaming. What your audience really wants, especially if it’s your first time broadcasting, is a single, clear camera that lets them experience your event comfortably from home or wherever they’re watching.

Because there are so many choices out there, we partnered with the Cleveland Video Company to recommend a few great cameras for different budgets and experience levels. You can check out their list here: Top 5 Live Streaming Cameras: Beginner to Pro.

While you can technically go live using your phone or a webcam, investing in a professional camera will make a noticeable difference in your stream’s quality and your brand’s presentation. Your viewers will definitely appreciate it.

Step 3: Pick the Right Streaming Provider

The final piece of the live streaming puzzle is choosing the right streaming provider. When making this decision, there are three key areas to focus on that will help you determine which option best fits your needs.

First, pay attention to their streaming protocol. This is essentially the set of rules for how your video and audio data travel from your camera to your viewers. Some protocols, like RTMP, have been around since the 1990s and aren’t ideal for efficiently streaming modern HD content. At BoxCast, we’ve built our own custom protocol to keep your stream running smoothly even during network disruptions, and we pair it with H.265 compression to deliver high-quality broadcasts on lower upload speeds.

Next, consider the encoding options the provider supports. Some allow third-party encoders, while others only work with their own proprietary hardware. Our platform is designed to be flexible, letting you use virtually any popular encoder you prefer, or our own Spark encoder, which we built in-house for thousands of streaming customers. Spark comes in both HDMI and HD-SDI versions, so it’s compatible with nearly any camera or switcher setup.

Finally, take a close look at their features and pricing. In today’s world, you’ll want to simulcast easily to your website, app, and social destinations. You’ll likely also want features such as archive storage, unlimited viewers and events, automated scheduling, viewer chat, live captioning, and advanced analytics. Of course, you’ll also want all of that at a fair price. That’s why we’ve always kept our pricing straightforward and affordable, while including extras like a free modern website builder to give you the most value from your streaming plan. Oh, and don’t forget onboarding, training, and support. You’ll want someone available to be in your corner from time to time for when questions or problems arise.

Final Thoughts

Professional-quality live streaming doesn’t have to be complicated. With a reliable network connection, a great camera, and a feature-rich streaming platform, you can be up and broadcasting in no time. We’ve even created a free trial experience that lets you start streaming without any commitment, so you can see what it’s like to use a top-tier provider firsthand.

To get started, just follow the link below. And as always, happy streaming!