How to Add a Live Camera Feed on My Site
If you do a random search on Google, I bet at least one video will show up in the midst of the organic listings.
I typed in "Star Wars" and there was a video on top of the page.
Then, completely switching gears, I typed "How to create a WordPress website?" there was a YouTube video on the 5th spot.
Did your search return a video result? Chances are it did.
Video marketing techniques are flooding on social media and websites. These days any type of business would benefit from the production of a short video to introduce their product or service.
In fact, according to KissMetrics, 64% to 85% of consumers are more likely to purchase a product that has a video representation. This means video marketing is a key element of online marketing as it helps to establish a personal connection with buyers.
Innovative marketers must always keep an eye on what's trending and incorporate it into their strategy to remain relevant.
Based on the insights gathered by our digital marketing team, we've discovered that live streaming videos on your website is a game-changer in the digital marketing scene and the next best thing for businesses.
So now is the time to start using live streaming videos on your website to build awareness and expand your reach.
In our article, we will explain how to live stream videos on a website.
Let's get started!
COVID-19 Update
During uncertain situations like COVID-19, live streaming will help to interact with your audiences and help to combat isolation. So, we have prepared a detailed document for those with little-to-no-experience to live stream videos on various platforms.
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We have collected some tools that will allow you to experience the human connection of office work while also preserving your freedom to work from wherever you want.
How to Embed Live Streaming Video On Your Website?
In the past, live streaming videos were limited to only those who had access to expensive television equipment and licensing. But, today, everything has changed.
Thanks to broadband internet and advancements in technology live streaming video on your website have now become easy.
To add a live stream video on your website, you have to consider these 3 things,
- Hardware for broadcasting
- Software platform to host the stream
- Embedded code to add on your web page
Below we have added the possible solutions to stream a live video on your website. Keep in mind that for implementing any of the below solutions, you need a good internet connection.
1. Livestream Using Platforms Like YouTube or Vimeo
You can use free platforms to add a live stream video on your website. Some of the popular third-party providers are:
All of the above hosting solutions have their set of advantages and disadvantages, so choose the ones that will suit your marketing needs. However, third-party hosted websites help to get more media views, better ranking for the content and improved brand impression.
Additional points to keep in mind
To add this live stream on your website, you have to embed a code on your website. The steps for doing this are pretty straightforward. For example, to add YouTube live stream to your website, these are the steps.
- Go to the page where your YouTube video is posted
- Click 'share' and then again click on 'embed' to copy the HTML code
- Paste this code in the page you want the video to be displayed
- Update the page and you'll have the live video stream ready
2. Livestream Using Paid Streaming Host
You can opt for streaming services like Ustream, YouNow or Livestream. They will provide the required bandwidth that will allow you to share the live stream with others. Plus, you don't have to go through the trouble of installing an encoder.
Most of these service providers will have a free plan or a trial plan, you can try it out before you go for the paid plan. We recommend you to go to the paid plan if you have to add more live stream videos and if you require more viewer hours and storage. Depending on your requirements, the price may vary.
Embedding the videos from such service providers on your website is also quite easy. All you have to do is copy and paste the embedded code to the page you want it to be displayed.
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3. Livestream Using NGINX + FFMPEG
For example, if you need the functionality of Ustream and other extra features without paying, you can blend NGINX server and FFMPEG library. To implement this solution, the standard website hosting will not be enough. You will need a virtual server like DigitalOcean.
Even though this method is free, you will need technical knowledge to get things done. You can use this solution when you don't want to depend on third parties like Youtube or Ustream, require full control over streaming content, and need complete security.
4. Livestream Using Software or Hardware Encoders
The technologies for live streaming videos are readily available and simple to use. Below is a list of the most basic piece of equipment you'll need. They can be easily packed and moved around, so it's perfect when you want to capture videos on the move. These are the equipment you will need to live stream a video,
- Camera
- Microphone if you want to stream audio
- High-speed internet connection
- Tripod for camera
- Memory card
- Batteries
How to Live Stream Videos in the Web Using Encoders?
Televisions have constant and standard quality. But for live streaming videos, you have to put up with bad internet connections, cell phone service, and unreliable wifi connections.
For this reason, live video streaming uses a unique protocol that is designed to match variable bandwidth situations.
You'll need an encoder (hardware or software) to convert the feed from your camera to streamable data.
What Are the Popular Software Encoders?
- Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder™
- Telestream Wirecast
- Teradek VidiU
What Are the Popular Hardware Encoders?
- Teradek VidiU
- NewTek TriCaster
- BoxCaster
- Digicast DMB-8800A Premium
Do you Need Software or Hardware Encoding to Live Stream Videos?
The ultimate goal is to get the best possible option for the money you are about to spend. Affordability plays a major role in the decision-making process.
Hardware encoders are expensive and you may need to buy additional stuff to fill the gap due to lack of functionality.
High-end software encoders can also be quite expensive. To run the encoders, sometimes you may even need a dedicated computer.
There are no free hardware encoders. But there are free software encoders like OBS Studio.(useful for people who want to learn about encoding).
We would recommend you to go with a reasonably priced software encoder and a decent computer that performs well. A hardware encoder is a main requirement only for professional broadcasters. If you are not one, a software encoder is less expensive, more flexible, easy to use and a winner in most of the situations.
How to Post a Live Streaming Video to Your Website?
After you make the decision about the encoder, you will need to use a professional-grade video streaming host platform like IBM Cloud Video, or Livestream.
We've come to the final step, embedding live stream video into your website. Once you complete this step, you can start broadcasting your video.
- Connect your camera and encoder to your live stream video host
- The website streaming host of your choice will provide the required tools to embed on your website
- Create an 'event' or 'channel' on your host website
- Give a title for your broadcast and you can go live immediately or schedule a time for the live stream
- After you've created a channel, you'll get the options to embed videos on your website
- Either choose Javascript or iframe for the embed code. Generally, Javascript is recommended for most websites but, WordPress sites have to use iframe
- Once you've got the embed code, copy it into an HTML page to insert the video on your own website
All of this may sound complex. But its fairly simple. Make sure to test the setup before you launch your first broadcast.
Now that we've known the steps in involved in preparing your website for live broadcast, we can now move on to how to add a live video to your WordPress site.
As the most popular content management system(CMS) available, it is no surprise that WordPress offers many options to live stream videos.
The above steps are applicable for live streaming videos on your WordPress website too. Just grab an embedded code from your video host and paste it into your post or page directly.
You don't need a special theme or plugin. However, if you want to incorporate additional features, like a live chat, you have to find a plugin.
What Are the Best Live Streaming WordPress Plugins?
- VideoWhisper
- Publishpress Embeds
- Divi Code Module
What Are the Indexing API and Structured Data For Live Streaming Videos?
Even though live streaming videos is becoming easy, it is hard to determine which videos are currently live and when to tune in.
Google has recently introduced live stream structured data and the Indexing API. Through this, you can let Google know when you're live so that you can get the 'red live' badge. Here is an example.
Click here to learn more about how to add live stream structured data to your page and how to update Google quickly with the Indexing API.
How to Go Live on Social Media?
Live Streaming Websites Examples
These are some of the websites that live stream videos on their websites.
1. News Live Streaming Websites Examples
france24
aljazeera
c-span
2. Sports Live Streaming Websites Examples
cricfree
streamwatch
streamhd
streamsports
3. Concert Live Streaming Websites Examples
ello concerts
enda reilly
concert window
LiveList
livestream
4. Church Live Streaming Websites Examples
Elevationchurch
Olive Baptist church
The potter's house
Prestonwood
Best Website Live Streaming Services Companies Around The World
Top Website Live Streaming Services Company in US
1. Xtream Angles
2. Watson Media
3. Verizon Digital Media
4. Proper Medium
5. Live U
6. Bands In town
Top Website Live Streaming Services Company in UK
1. Blue Cat Media
2. Wave FX
3. Vonage
4. Stream Works
5. TeleStream
6. Solo16
7. Noba
8. News Worthy Vision
9. Maxwell
Top Website Live Streaming Services Company in Canada
1. Webcast Canada
2. Vualto
3. Streaming Store
4. Live Learning Canada
5. Kast
6. ICastpro
7. Finder
8. eWallHost
Winding Up
Each type of live stream broadcasting involves specific tools and steps. Adding live videos to your website could be interesting and fun to work with. It will bring you a bigger number of users, especially if you're broadcasting some popular events.
Online marketers must begin experimenting with different types of video content to better connect and engage with the audience, boost conversion and increase brand awareness.
Using live streaming will help you stand out from the crowd. They show your audience that you are forward-thinking and open to implementing innovative and up-to-date solutions.
On the whole, video content can really help your brand to be more memorable.
Source: https://colorwhistle.com/live-stream-video-on-website/