Live Streaming Podcasts: How And Why You Should Be Live Streaming

The Q'd Up Podcast on Podcasting

You might not realize it but live streaming is one of the largest markets out there and podcasters aren’t taking advantage of it. On this episode of the Q’d Up Podcast on Podcasting, John Luckenbaugh and Matthew Stevens take a closer look at why live streaming podcasts make too much sense and how you can get started sooner than you think.

With more than 16 billion hours of live streaming content watched in 2020, it’s clearly a great way to distribute engaging content. While live streaming might not make sense for every podcast and every podcaster, there are plenty of ways businesses and independent podcasters could be leveraging this audience.

Show highlights:

Introduction

New equipment (0:49)

Matt upgraded his setup a little bit, moving on from the Blue Snowball microphone and onto a more conventional condenser mic. Matt and John talk about all the equipment Matt is using and their price points.

Apple Podcast stats: May 2021 (5:11)

With May just wrapping up, John and Matt check in on Apple Podcast stats. As Matt and John note, the insane growth we saw over the pandemic is starting to slow down but should those numbers be fully believed?

Apple Podcast subscriptions slow start (8:16)

Despite Apple saying they’re happy with the results, Apple Podcast subscriptions haven’t garnered the type of submissions many would have expected. Matt and John take a look at what that actually means for short- and long-term.

Netflix hiring for a podcast director (10:44)

Netflix is launching another platform called N+ but with their recent job posting, they appear to be getting into podcasting. Netflix is looking for a director of podcasts, which points to the streaming giant creating a bunch of podcasts to accompany their other content.

What is live streaming? (12:41)

While the answer will likely differ, live streaming is simply the act of streaming live content online.

Why should you be live streaming? (13:51)

Live streaming doesn’t make sense for everyone but it can be especially valuable to a few types of content producers. John and Matt look at why podcasters should consider live streaming their shows.

The stats behind live streaming (15:41)

There’s a lot of power behind live streaming that you might not realize. With more than a trillion minutes of content watched in 2020 and a bunch of other impressive stats, live streaming is a market worth looking at a little closer.

Who should be live streaming? (18:45)

Clearly live streaming is big business but who should be taking advantage of it? Matt and John discuss what type of organizations should be considering live streaming their content

Live streaming software (21:28)

John breaks down some of the top live streaming software and where you might want to consider streaming to.

Live streaming equipment (23:13)

John gives a quick rundown on the basic equipment you’ll need to start live streaming.

Live streaming graphics (26:00)

If you’re thinking about starting, you’ll need to consider what live streaming graphics you’ll need. While that will depend on what type of content you’re producing, you’ll likely need some type of background. Matt provides a few reminders of things you’ll need to do before hitting the broadcast button.

Audience engagement when live streaming (27:49)

One of the benefits of live streaming is the ability to interact with your audience on the spot. John and Matt talk about the different ways you can improve audience engagement during your live streams and what considerations you should make about monitoring the chat.

Choose your live streaming location carefully (29:19)

As John points out, the location you’re recording at will have a major impact on your quality. The same goes with your internet connection, according to Matt.

Links:

Q’d Up - Website

Q’d Up - Instagram

John - Email

John - LinkedIn

Damian Burns Twitter - Twitch’s 2020 stats

Rex Woodbury Twitter - Weekly hours comparison

Inside Radio - Apple says ‘hundreds’ of podcasters have embraced subscriptions

LA Times - Streaming giant Netflix is expanding its podcasting footprint