Live streaming is the broadcast of video over the internet in real-time with minimal delay and on-demand streaming is video made available to the user to watch at any time.
To use a real world example - tuning into the 6pm news is a live stream and watching Netflix afterwards in on-demand.
As video producers we are often challenged with figuring out the right service the client is after that will best suit their needs. Just because live streaming is the flavour of the month does not mean it's right for you.
Here are a few questions I ask to help decide which is the most suitable for your event:
Is the information you are communicating time sensitive?
Surprisingly when I ask this most people answer 'no' and with that they almost always answer their own question of which service to use.
So what is the value of going live?
As mentioned above time sensitive material could be: emergency crisis updates, stock reports, AGM's, sports results, funerals, weddings, graduations and the list goes on. Seeing something live allows you to be informed in the moment without delay or to share an experience and connect on an emotional level.
Why not do both?
This is actually becoming the norm as most live streams are recorded and will eventually be uploaded online for others to view - essentially becoming on-demand. This double approach maximises your exposure to two sets of audiences. The live group will often pay a premium to be first with access and are the biggest fans or have the most to gain from the content. The on-demand viewers continues your exposure long after the event has ended.
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