Change Your Live Stream Service Provider (Without the Headache)

BoxCast launched in 2013, and since then we've helped tens of thousands of organizations with their live video streaming needs. In our early years, the most common question we heard from soon-to-be customers was, "How do I start live streaming?" Many organizations had never gone live before and were looking for their first live streaming service provider.

Fast forward a decade, and the streaming landscape looks different. We still help those new to streaming, but the burning question now is often, "How do I switch from my current provider?" Even experienced streamers feel overwhelmed by this. We get it: changing live streaming services means more than just launching on a new platform; it requires careful planning to successfully move everything over and discontinue your previous service.

It's easy to feel daunted by all the potential hurdles when changing providers, but we aim to help you simplify that process. We’ll highlight only the essentials, giving you a concise checklist that makes the switch feel far more manageable.

Table of Contents

• The Essentials
• Navigating the Switch
• Starting Fresh
• Final Thoughts

The Essentials

Switching streaming platforms doesn't have to be a hassle. While every transition has its unique aspects based on your current and new providers, here are the key steps your organization will need to take.

Back Up Your Content

If you've historically saved and displayed recordings of your live streams on your previous provider's platform, be sure to download them to a hard drive or cloud storage before you leave. Otherwise, all of your previous content will be lost.

Review Your Contract

Search your inbox for your earliest communication with your previous provider, then locate and review the contract you signed. This is crucial because they might require a 30-day notice to stop billing or include other important details for your transition.

Pick a New Provider

You’ll want to avoid any gap in streaming during your switch. This step likely involves some research—and possibly reaching out to the new provider with a few questions. Let them know you’re planning to switch to their platform and by what date. They may offer specific tips and can confirm their service meets all your requirements

Navigating the Switch

Internal Announcement

For those with a team managing your live stream or video production, it's crucial to give them advance notice. Inform them about the switch: why it's happening, which provider you're moving to, and when. This sets clear expectations and gives your team time to research the new platform and begin familiarizing themselves with it.

External Announcement

Your audience is accustomed to your previous provider's interface and experience, so a heads-up is important. Let them know your live stream isn't going anywhere, but the platform is getting an upgrade to improve their viewing experience. Share a general timetable for the switch, and consider asking for a little grace in case any small hiccups occur during the transition.

Notify Your Provider

Reach out to your current provider and let them know you’re ending service. Include the date you’d like to stop, and ask that your data not be deleted before then. If you’re up for it, share a bit of feedback about why you’re leaving. They’ll likely pass it along internally to help improve their service, which is always a good thing.

Starting Fresh

Start with the Basics

Now's the time to connect with your new support team. They should be able to guide you through the initial setup and point you to key next steps, such as configuring your encoder, embedding streams, setting up simulcasting and scheduling, enabling live captioning, and uploading past recordings. Don't forget to explore their support center for helpful articles and videos, too.

Train Your Team + Update Docs

Once you're comfortable with your new service, take time to walk through it with everyone involved in your live streaming and production. Be sure to allow ample time for questions and hands-on practice. If you had existing documentation for your old workflow, update it to reflect your new process.

Progressively Roll Out Advanced Features

Take a breath. Don’t feel pressured to implement every new feature in week one. Instead, create a staggered plan for rolling out advanced features over time. For example, at BoxCast, we offer remote audio mixing, custom streaming apps, a website builder, donation tools, post-production highlight sharing, and more. Group these features into segments and plan to roll out new functionality every month or so until you're making full use of your new provider.

Final Thoughts

Changing live stream service providers doesn't have to be a headache. By following these core steps, you can make the transition with clarity and confidence. Ultimately, switching isn't just about solving current problems; it's about opening the door to better technology, smoother workflows, and an enhanced experience for your viewers.

If you haven't explored new options in a while, now's a great time. Testing out a new platform is often easier than you'd think. Whether through a free trial, a no-strings-attached account, or a quick 20-minute demo, a small investment of time now can lead to a significant improvement in your streaming presence. If you're curious about BoxCast, we'd be happy to answer your questions and help you explore what's possible.