Over the last few years, virtual concerts have soared in popularity. If you're a music lover, you’ve probably already attended a virtual music concert. However, if you're also a musician or in a band, maybe you want to host a virtual concert online instead.
This article will provide you with some actionable tips to make your online concert a success. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
1. Choose the Right Streaming Platform
The biggest question when hosting a virtual concert is which streaming platform you’ll use. Either you can go with social sites like Facebook/Instagram Live and YouTube or host the concert on live broadcast platforms such as Twitch, Dacast, and/or Brightcove.
With the plethora of streaming options available, picking the one that best suits your needs becomes tricky. To give you an idea, here are a few things to consider.
- Audio and Video Quality: A compromise on audio/video quality means ruining your audience’s experience. Always ensure that the platform provides top-notch quality and reliability.
- Viewers Limit: In an online concert, the number of viewers can easily exceed your expectations. If there’s a limit on the number of viewers, make sure you won’t run out of space.
- Paywall and Monetization: Though we’ll discuss monetization later in this article, check if your platform supports your preferred monetization method.
- Security: While hosting your online concert, beware of the cybercriminals who can spoil your event or misuse/resell your content.
- Archiving: You can use the recording of your concert for marketing and redistribution purposes.
2. Set Up Your Equipment
Other than your musical instruments, you need to select and set up live streaming equipment properly before the show. Although you can go live with nothing other than your mobile phone, having proper gear is necessary to ensure the best experience for your audience.
Some of the essential pieces of equipment are:
- An HD Camera: For recording high-resolution videos
- A Microphone: To record a crystal-clear voice
- A Mixer: To effectively combine voices of multiple singers and instruments
- An Encoder: For compressing the video file so that it’s streamed easily
- A Powerful Internet Connection: For streaming high-quality video and audio files without interruption
3. Choose the Right Time to Stream
Online concerts differ from physical ones, so you'll have to choose the time accordingly.
If your fans are spread around different parts of the world, find a time suitable for most of your audience. Hosting live events like concerts on weekends is always a good idea. You can either stick with it or use Facebook Audience Insights to find the day and time most of your audience is online.
4. Promote Yourself and Your Gig
No matter if your concert is held online or in a hall, marketing it properly is the key to its success. But for virtual concerts, you’ve to adjust your marketing efforts accordingly.
First, let your fans know well before in advance about your concert through your social channels.
A single post won’t do the job. Keep posting frequent updates and reminders to hype up your fans and ask them to spread the word.
You can also run digital ads and collaborate with other musicians to increase your viewership.
5. Monetize Your Concert
There are different ways to monetize your virtual concert. Depending upon your preference and your audience, you can choose the one that would be most convenient and lucrative for you.
Ticketed Concerts
Just like physical concerts, you can host a ticketed concert online. For this, you’ll need to pick a platform with a secure paywall. A paywall ensures only those participants who have purchased tickets can enter the stream.
If you have several fans willing to pay for your virtual show, this is a quite profitable way to monetize your event.
Tip Jar
Alternatively, you can set up a virtual tip jar that enables the viewers to tip you for your awesome performance. YouTube and Facebook have built-in features for supporting live streamers. To show their support, your audience can send Super Chats or Super Stickers on YouTube, and Stars on Facebook.
The other option to receive tips is to add your PayPal.me or GoFundMe links in the video description.
If your prime purpose of your gig is to expand your fanbase, setting up an online tip jar is a better way than selling tickets, as anyone can join and view your concert without having to pay upfront.
Sponsors
The most lucrative monetization option is to get someone to sponsor your concert. To attract sponsors, you don’t necessarily need to have millions of fans or be as famous as Ariana Grande.
With the rise of influencer marketing, brands are more interested in partnering up with influencers who have a small-but-staunch following and suit their brand personality. To find the sponsor for your next concert, you can either pitch directly to companies or use sponsor marketplaces.
6. Get Your Room Ready
A concert is more than music. To give a complete, fun-filled experience to your fans, prepare your room for the stream. Decorate the background to match your concert’s theme and remove distractions.
Other than background lighting, make sure your face is prominent with proper lighting.
Tip: If you can’t tidy up your room for the stream, use a virtual background as it is far better than a messy room.
7. Do a Test Stream
To avoid embarrassment in front of your audience, it’s a good idea to do a test stream at least a day before the actual show. By doing so, you will have ample time to figure out any technical glitches either with your equipment or the software.
Moreover, you’ll get accustomed to the interface of your broadcasting platform. This test stream will give your confidence a boost and help you perform better during the live concert.
You’re Now Ready to Entertain Your Fans
Now, it’s time to go live and delight your fans with your performance.
To give a brief recap, choose the right streaming software, equipment, and time to play. Spend enough time promoting your concert and work out your monetization method. Finally, tidy up your room and do a test run to ensure everything works fine.
If you’re a remote band of musicians and want to host a live event, jamming online is a smart way to get into the rhythm before the actual show.