The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically disrupted the live music experience for performers and listeners alike. Thanks to technology, live streaming has become a popular alternative. With a growing competition in the virtual space, how much do you know about the challenges and benefits of performing live through an app? How does one make a stand-out show that will retain viewers and keep them coming back for more?

In this Part Two of live streaming tips for indie musicians, (missed Part One? Take a look here) I’ll be sharing some recommendations from musicians as well as my own observations after attending 150+ virtual concerts in the span of six weeks.

Here are 7 tips to help you reap the most benefits from your next live stream.

1. ATTRACT AND GREET NEW FANS

Unlike promoting shows at your local live music venues, live streaming allows you to reach potential fans from all over the world. Embrace social media’s global reach and prepare your show announcements with prospective fans in mind. Adding a time zone is critical. It also helps to include a few words to describe yourself and the type of music you will be sharing.

Once you start streaming, say a quick introduction to explain who you are, what to expect during the show, and what your regular streaming schedule is, if you plan to go live regularly. Your new viewers will appreciate getting to know you, and it makes a great opening for a video, should you decide to share it after the live event has ended. More on that in tip #6.

2. CREATE CONSISTENCY

Many of the live streams that I’ve enjoyed in the past weeks are presented on a consistent schedule. “Stick with a consistent time each week (or day or month) if you can, so fans always know when and where to find you,” said singer-songwriter Lee Davis. Another bonus of committing to a regular streaming timeline? “This can help you stick to a consistent schedule [in your daily routine], which I find really helpful these days,” Lee added.

3. PERFORM!

As obvious as it seems, streaming live in front of an audience is a form of performance. Plan your show as you would any other in-person shows. Structure it in advance so you know how to divide your time between talking and performing (hint: avoid excess rambling and get to the core of your show as quickly as you can.) And more importantly, bring your smile, your energy and enthusiasm into your performance. Monotony is your enemy!

The fact that viewers can leave the live stream with one click or swipe makes it more challenging to retain an audience. But don’t despair. There are unique opportunities to connect with your audience that cannot be achieved in live concerts. While you work on your on-screen charm, consider this next tip.

4. INTERACT WITH YOUR VIEWERS

Quite simply, engage with your viewers as if you’re having one-on-one conversations. Most experienced live streamers read and respond to comments throughout their shows, and that helps build a rapport with your audience. If you’re able to acknowledge some of the viewers in attendance, even better. A simple “Hi Louise/Offstagetunes” is usually enough to keep me watching for longer. To not stay after being greeted feels like the equivalent of bumping into a friend on the street and leaving immediately after the person says hi – it just feels rude. So add a friendly greeting to let people know you appreciate their presence.

Some musicians have created their own ways to interact. The Train Walkers use a projector to chat with friends on Facebook (read here). French jazz singer Chloé Perrier sets up her live streams in front of her house so the neighbors can listen in from their homes. You can hear her neighbors clapping in between songs, adding an authentic liveliness to the overall ambience. “The neighborhood is happy and we get a little safe audience,” said Chloé. Balconies and windows can work just as well, assuming your neighbors are open to the occasional musical serenade.

5. KNOW YOUR PLATFORM

Each streaming platform (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Zoom, Twitter and Periscope are some of the most popular ones) has its own features that can enhance the experience for streamers and viewers alike. I won’t go into details on each platform here, except to share that researching the capabilities for your chosen service is worth the time and effort before going live.

An example singer-songwriter Rory D’Lasnow gave me was that “you can pin a message in an Instagram live so it stays throughout the event. I didn’t know that for a while and it’s very helpful.” If you didn’t know this, pinning is easy: 1) select a comment or type in your own; 2) tap on the comment; 3) select ‘pin comment’ and now the comment will remain on screen throughout your Instagram live stream. Highlight a comment you love, or let people know which mobile payment apps you are using to accept tips.

6. REPURPOSE YOUR LIVE STREAM VIDEOS

Here’s another tip I received from Lee Davis: “Remember that there’s a lot of competition these days, so don’t rely exclusively on your live stream.” She suggests making live stream videos easily available in as many ways as possible to “help increase interest and excitement for your next live stream.” YouTube, Facebook and Instagram’s IGTV are some of the most widely used social media platforms where you can upload your videos and make them available for future replays.
As for competition in the virtual space, Fridays seem to be particularly popular for going live. Whether that means joining the competition or finding another day to run your virtual show should depend entirely on your own preference. When in doubt, experiment with different days to test response, or ask your fans when they would prefer to see you go live.

7. INVITE OTHER MUSICIANS

Add some variety to your show by inviting other musicians to join you. You can do this remotely to create fresh musical content with your guests while observing the social distancing measure. You’ll help promote each other, share creativity, and continue those human interactions that we all miss.

Need more ideas? Check out the live streams of musicians mentioned above, or find another one from our list here.

Lee Davis – Fridays at 6pm EDT on Instagram @leesingseverything

Rory D’Lasnow – Mondays at 7pm EDT and Wednesdays at 7pm EDT (featuring guest musicians) on Facebook and Instagram @rorydlasnow

Chloé Perrier – Wednesdays at 8pm EDT and Saturdays at 2:30pm EDT on Instagram and Facebook @chloeperrierjazz

Written by Louise Lau. Connect on social @offstagetunes