We constantly hear a recurring message: live video is intimidating. Make no mistake about it, becoming comfortable in front of a live broadcast is a common challenge for both novice and advanced video bloggers.

Most people cringe when you mention broadcasting live on Facebook. They seem to be focused on trivial things like how they look on video or flubbing their lines. Fear can paralyze most marketers from taking action. Along with fear of being on camera comes an uncomfortable sense about using video technology.  

The reality is that your audience is more focused on the message you are conveying and less on your delivery. Just be organic and real.  We regularly offer our clients’ coaching, along with new ideas and techniques, all aimed at removing some of the unnecessary anxiety and fear of live video.

Keeping in that spirit, let’s look at some first-rate apps for going live. We found that the easiest to apps to navigate are web-based.

BeLive

BeLive may be one of the most well-known live streaming apps on the market. They offer a free trial period, and you can broadcast up to a full 20 minutes per week. Feel like starting a podcast? You can add up to three people on screen at one time. These features are only available with Facebook Live, and BeLive will brand the video accordingly unless you sign up for their Lite Subscription.

BeLive also provides you with the ability to add your own custom logo and screen share. It’s an easy-to-use web-based app that works well with both Mac and PC. Keep in mind that minor glitches tend to occur (which is true of any web-based video app).

Ecamm

Ecamm Live is a basic, inexpensive alternative (with a one-time fee of $29.95.) Ecamm is a Mac-only app that integrates directly with Facebook. It allows you to broadcast directly from your profile with any page or group.

An advantage to Ecamm Live is that they offer HD video streaming and chat options. On the thumbs-down side, adding guests to your broadcast is difficult. Using Skype or Zoom is an option but in order to capture the audio properly, you need to use another tool like Loopback for the sound option. Ecamm Live does not support screen-sharing or dropping in images during your live broadcast.

Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing tool that’s great for webcasting. It’s a lot like Skype, which cuts down on the learning curve. There are also several add-ons that allow for large guest audiences, along with live streaming to YouTube and Facebook Live. One of the biggest perks is the ability to save your live video. On the downside, it does not support image or video added into your broadcast.

Crowdcast

Adding multiple guests to your live video broadcast is a breeze with Crowdcast, and they offer a chat feature that gives your broadcast a neighborhood feel. You can easily simulcast to YouTube, Facebook, and Periscope, but keeping comments in check can be a bit messy. One in-your-face drawback is the price ($89.00 per month) which for most can be a deal breaker.

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is one of the most powerful apps in the grouping and it’s completely FREE. It is designed for the advanced level user, but we would be remiss if we didn’t at least mention it. OBS Studio is available for both Mac and PC with broadcasting range to Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Periscope.  

The advanced scene feature includes a “coming soon” element that has professional-grade transitions and music. There are many other features worth experimenting with, too.

On the down side, it is more resource hungry so it will not run on some PCs. The learning curve is much steeper, and it isn’t as intuitive as some of the other apps mentioned above.

Some other apps that deserve a mention are Wirecast, Lightstream, Switchboard, and Live Leap. With so many live streaming options available you are certain to find one that works well for you and your brand.  Any of these apps can get you started down the live broadcasting path, and you will be able to put your tech phobias to rest once and for all.

Advancing your social image today includes video. We can help you build your comfort level with the concept of live video, as well as finding a video app that you are most comfortable using. Shake off your fear and give some of these apps a try. Many people end up enjoying the live connection with their audience, and the audience appreciates it, too.