How to Live Stream Concerts and Music Events

The live streaming industry is growing rapidly, having been accelerated by the recent pandemic. According to Amp.live, 67% of live video viewers are more likely to buy a ticket to a concert or event after watching a live video of that event or a similar one. Also, music concerts and festivals are the second most popular type of live content being consumed, at 43%. Plus - over a quarter of music fans in the US and UK said they'd be interested in seeing more music events broadcasted going forward (source).

Planning a virtual music event? Maybe playing live in front of an online audience? Then, you must be wondering how to live stream concerts on YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch or any other platform. Live streaming virtual music concerts requires some basic elements:

• streaming software - like OBS, Wirecast, Restream, Castr, Streamyard, etc.
  Alternatively, you can use the native streaming app of the live music streaming platform you're going to use.
• a professional sound card / mixer and microphone, if you plan to sing or speak.
• video camera - can be dedicated but you can also use your mobile device's camera.
• a solid Internet connection so your viewers and listeners can experience the best quality audio-video without any stutters or lag.

This article shares how to live stream concerts online without any Internet connectivity problems.

Although music is most important when you're live streaming music, we're assuming you'll also be live streaming video, to complete the vibe of your music. A typical 1080p video at 30 frames per second requires upload speeds between 3 Mbps and 6 Mbps - this is without counting the extra upload bandwidth needed for other online activities. That means that you need to make sure your Internet connection can steadily support that.

What you need to do is run an online speed test on the Internet connection you're going to use and with the setup you will have when live streaming your virtual concert. Notice the upload speed. If that's over 10 Mbps in general for a full-HD video, you should be fine.

If you're not getting that, you need to troubleshoot your Internet connection.

As mentioned above, Internet connectivity is what makes or breaks a successful concert stream. If you're having Internet problems, you need to solve those before doing any kind of live streaming.

A connection problem can originate either from your ISP or your own setup. To rule out the ISP issues just check for any outages or maintenance works being done in the area (e.g. Comcast, Cox). Also - check to see if your ISP is throttling you.

Getting back to how to live stream concerts, here's what you do to fix slow and unreliable Internet on your side:

• restart your modem / router, as well as your computer or mobile device you'll be streaming from.
• move closer to the Wi-Fi router - or get that closer to your DJ setup.
• use wired Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi, where available.
• disconnect any other devices from your wireless router so you get all the upload bandwidth for live streaming your DJ set.

If all the above failed, check for an additional available Internet connection. Look in your pocket, for example - the cellular data from your smartphone.

Use  your home or concert venue Internet connection along with additional ones at the same time. You need a channel bonding service like Speedify for that.

Speedify is the only app that can combine multiple internet sources into one bonded super-connection for more stable and secure live streaming, video calling, and web browsing. As long as you're connected to more than one ISP, chances are you will not get disconnected completely from the Internet, thanks to Speedify's automatic failover protection. That way, you can live stream your concert without any problems.

Creating an Internet "super-pipe" that provides increased speed and reliability is especially important when:

• live streaming - Speedify actually prioritizes live streams over other types of Internet traffic. So your Twitch, YouTube or other platforms you want to live stream your concert should be protected.
• working remotely - you will stop getting pixelated video or buffering in video conferences, as well as being in touch with your colleagues in real time, not waiting for messages or attachments to go through.
• online gaming - you will not lose the game because of an Internet glitch or be thrown out of the game because of laggy Internet.

More is better than one - that's why Speedify is the best solution to live stream concerts online.