Streaming Solutions to Broadcast Live Corporate Events

Corporations of all sorts are increasingly choosing to broadcast live corporate events. Today, live streaming and online video are increasingly essential to modern business. Whether for product launches, conferences, meetings, and other functions, companies of all kinds can do live stream their events online.

Our modern, interconnected world relies heavily on video. As of 2019, more people are subscribed to video streaming services than to a cable connection. Relatedly, one-third of all online activity today is spent watching video. A full 79 percent of all global consumer web traffic bandwidth will come from video by the end of this year.

In this blog article, we’ll look at streaming solutions for broadcasting live corporate events. Specifically, we’ll consider why corporations are increasingly using live video. Then, we’ll look at several categories of corporate events that are suitable for live streaming. Next, we’ll look at essential features for corporate live streaming. And finally, we’ll finish up by comparing professional streaming solutions.

Why corporations are increasingly using live video

The global enterprise video market is expected to reach $40.84 billion by 2022. Put another way, that represents an annual growth rate of more than 20 percent. It’s no wonder that enterprises and businesses of all sizes are investing heavily in video.

This points to one reason why corporations are setting up live video streaming more than ever. It’s profitable! Corporations can use live video to directly generate revenue, indirectly market and sell products and services, and for general communications and training.

In short, people really enjoy videos. In one poll, 82 percent of viewers said they prefer watching a live stream rather than a brand’s social media content. And it’s not just customers. Executives also love watching videos; 59% of business executives would rather watch a video than reading text.

Examples of corporate events suitable for live streaming

Now, let’s shift gears and take a look at some examples of how companies broadcast live corporate events. There are many different types of events suitable for corporate live streaming. We’ll look at three examples here: conferences and conventions, live product announcements, and streaming meetings.

In addition, keep in mind that live streaming makes sense for events of all sizes, not just huge events. Corporations are using live streaming at all levels of their operations. Let’s turn now to some key examples of why and how to broadcast live corporate events.

Conferences and conventions

The first type of broadcast live corporate events that we’ll look at here are conferences and conventions. This kind of event is either organized or attended by corporations of all sorts. Video can be used to stream keynote events, provide commentary via a “talk show” style, and more. This can be a great opportunity to broadcast live corporate events.

Of course, some event planners fear that live streaming will decrease in-person attendance. However, research demonstrates that the opposite is actually true. In total, 67% of live video viewers say they are more likely to buy a ticket to a concert or event after watching a live video of that event or a similar one. Around 30 percent of people who watch a live stream event will attend in person the following year.

Thus, live streaming provides a boost in two ways. First, it can help boost overall revenue or attendance by getting more people to watch online. And second, it can help increase in-person attendance in the future. It’s a win-win situation.

Live product announcements

Announcing new products or services via live video stream can be a great way to build excitement. Live streams engage the audience and build buzz as the date and time of the event approaches. There are many businesses that do live product/service announcements. These include Nvidia, Microsoft, Sony, and Google.

However, Apple is the gold standard these days for live product announcements. They’ve been holding keynote events for over a decade now. These gatherings, such as the latest iPhone release, are broadcast live corporate events. Viewers can tune in for free on Apple’s website and watch the event. Millions of customers do, as well as journalists, competitors, and vloggers.

In short, the Apple model is one you can follow as you work to broadcast live corporate events.

Streaming meetings

Live streaming can also be used for various types of meetings. These include internal communication, all-company meetings, stockholder and governance meetings, and more.

Meetings are essential for the functioning of a business. The larger the business, the more difficult it can be to communicate. And video eases this task. Many different corporations are using live video for meetings, as well as for training.

Essential features of enterprise-grade streaming solutions

White-label system

White label refers to a video streaming platform that doesn’t include outside branding. Instead, you can use your own branding, logos, and colors. This is essential for making sure your branding remains front and center and maintaining a professional appearance.

Professional-quality CDN

“The video has just been buffering for five minutes!” That’s something you never want your viewers to say. The best way to avoid this is to look for an online video platform that uses a professional-grade CDN (Content Distribution Network).

A CDN is a global network of servers that distributes bandwidth-heavy content like video. Using a scalable live streaming CDN can reduce buffering and lag while increasing speed for users located around the world. Not all CDNs are created equal, either. Look for one with a large, robust network.

Security features

The costs of cybercrime could reach $6 trillion by the year 2021. You don’t want to be part of that statistic. Sometimes you may even have legal obligations.

Ideally, live streaming solutions to broadcast live corporate events should have substantial built-in security features. For example, these can include password protection, HTTPS delivery, restricting video embedding, and more. Don’t skimp on security!

Video API

Next, look for a streaming solution built upon video APIs. A video API, or Application Programming Interface, is essential for many professional users. An API specifically helps programmers to create new apps and integrate video platforms with services.

In a corporate environment, a video API can be used to integrate video into existing web portals, web apps, SSO (Single Sign-On) systems, mobile apps, desktop services, and more.

Customer support

Finally, we strongly recommend that you look for a video live streaming solution that provides robust customer support. Ideally, this should include phone support and a 24/7 option. That way, you can reach them whenever you have a technical issue, even if it is right in the middle of a broadcast live corporate event.

Comparison of professional streaming solutions to broadcast live corporate events

With the above features in mind, let’s take a look at a few leading video platforms to broadcast live corporate events.

Dacast

First up is Dacast, our own streaming solution. Dacast provides professional-grade video hosting and live streaming functionality to a wide range of businesses and organizations. (For more information, have a look at our case studies.) It’s the perfect platform to broadcast live corporate events.

• White-label service is included on all Dacast plans, starting at just $39/month.
• All Dacast live streams and videos reach viewers via the Akamai CDN. Akamai is the largest CDN in the world, with more than 240,000 servers globally.
• Security features on the Dacast platform include password protection, HTTPS delivery, referrer and geo-restrictions, and more.
• The platform includes a video API, starting with plans costing $63/month (event plan).
• Customer support is available 24/7 for all plans, including phone support on the $63/month event plan and above.
• Our advanced video hosting features supports China’s video hosting for your VOD content.

Vimeo

Next, let’s look at the Vimeo streaming service. Since acquiring Livestream in 2017, Vimeo now offers an OTT service for media businesses that are launching their own streaming service. Overall, Vimeo has positioned itself as an upscale video streaming provider.

• White-label service is included, but only starting with plans costing $999/month and up.
• CDN is an internal server network with partner CDNs. They also offer an eCDN, something we’ve discussed before. Specifics are not shared.
• Security functionality includes password protection and embeds restorations.
• Includes a broadcaster API, starting with plans costing $999/month.
• Customer support via email included at $75/month, phone support limited to $999+ plans.

IBM Cloud Video

Next up, we’ll examine is IBM Cloud Video, formerly known as UStream. It’s a robust lives streaming and VOD platform but shares an expensive feature-set as with Vimeo Live.

• White-label service starts only with more expensive plans at $799/month and up.
• Their CDN is an internal multi-server network.
• Features for security include password protection, embed restrictions, and more.
• Includes a broadcaster API, but only on custom priced plans costing well over $999/month
• Customer support is available 24/7 via phone and email.

Brightcove

Finally, let’s take a look at Brightcove. Brightcove provides video services focused on marketing. Their platform includes live streaming and VOD, plus the following features:

• Live streaming only available at $499 and up.
• All Brightcove plans are white-label.
• Brightcove is a bring-your-own CDN service, which can be good but requires additional labor.
• Security features include domain restrictions on all plans (starting at $199/month and up).
• API access is available for Brightcove, but only with Professional plans priced above $499/month and up.
• Customer support is based on a ticket system, with responses typically taking several hours or more.

Conclusion

That’s it! You’re well on your way to streaming success. We hope that this post has offered a solid overview of the options you have to broadcast live corporate events. When it comes to choosing a video platform for agencies, we think Dacast is a great option. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Instead, you can sign up for our 14-day free trial (no credit card required) to test our streaming solutions for yourself. We’d love to help you get started with our live streaming today!

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Finally, do you have questions or comments about any of the topics we cover in this post? If so, we’d love to hear from you in the comment section below. We’ll do our best to get back to you as soon as we can.  For exclusive offers and regular live streaming tips, you can also join our LinkedIn group.