4 Common Mistakes New Live Streamers Make

Live streaming is used all around the world and for any topic you can imagine. From chefs explaining their processes to stay-at-home moms showing a day in their lives, there is a live stream for everyone. If you’ve ever looked into live streaming yourself, you know there is a lot involved in starting a stream that people will actually want to tune into. Follow along as we dive into the most common mistakes new live streamers make so you can avoid them when you start streaming.

Poor Lighting and Sound

Have you ever watched a video or live stream where the person talking is just a shadow? Or your volume is cranked, and you still can’t hear them? Most likely, you turned it off and found someone else to listen to. These are things you want to avoid with your own live stream. 

You don’t have to invest a lot to get great lighting and clear sound. A large ring light and a small microphone you clip to your shirt will suffice for lighting up your face and making your voice heard. 

A Lack of Confidence

When watching a live stream, viewers expect an authority on the topic they are discussing. When they spot a lack of confidence in the streamer, it’s easy to question if that person really knows their stuff. The best way to build confidence before a live stream is to prepare.

Not speaking clearly, forgetting what you are saying, or using “um” too many times is a dead giveaway that you might be lacking confidence. Consider investing in a teleprompter and avoid the hurdle of losing your thoughts and words. Teleprompters improve video content by putting your well-thought-out dialogue right in front of you. When used properly, your audience won’t notice it; they’ll just hear a well-spoken streamer.

No Test Run

It takes a brave soul to jump on a live stream for the first time without first taking a test run to make sure everything is working properly. Still, it’s one of the most common mistakes new live streamers make. Anything and everything can go wrong, from camera malfunctions and poor lighting to forgetting what you want to say. Hook up all the equipment and do a test before going live to ensure everything is set to go. 

Poor Interactions

There is a happy medium when it comes to interacting with your viewers during a live stream. You need to interact somewhat to acknowledge the people who are taking the time to watch you, especially when you are new and have few fans. However, too much interaction with only one viewer may cause others to feel left out and drift away from your stream. Try to spread your thanks and conversation evenly with those who want to say something. 

Avoid these common mistakes, add your dazzling personality, and before you know it, you’ll have your first successful live stream.