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The Complete Guide to Band Live Streaming | From Starting No-Audience Live Streams to Monetization on YouTube Live, Twitch, SHOWROOM, and TwitCasting

2026/07/23 · メンバー探しの旅

バンドのライブ配信完全ガイド|YouTube Live・Twitch・SHOWROOM・ツイキャスで始める無観客ライブから収益化まで
table of contents

1. Why are bands doing live streams now?

Playing with other bands in live music venues, practicing in studios, and relying on word-of-mouth – the fundamentals of band activity remain unchanged. However, in recent years, "streaming" has become an integral part of band activities. What once required special equipment and expertise, live streaming can now be started by anyone with just a smartphone and an app, and has become an established way for bands to deliver their performances to fans even without an audience.

There isn't just one reason why bands are taking up live streaming. Firstly, it allows them to overcome geographical limitations. Without streaming, it wouldn't have been easy for bands based in rural areas to perform for fans in Tokyo, or for Tokyo-based bands to connect with listeners in rural areas or overseas. Even if one member moves to a different location due to work or school, streaming can be a way for them to continue working together. Secondly, it can be a "low-risk debut platform" where they can gain experience in a way that is similar to their first live performance. The nervousness of performing in front of an audience remains the same, but streaming from home or a studio allows them to start with a smaller step than performing at a live music venue. Streaming can function as a kind of practice ground for the steps outlined in the guide to performing at a live music venue for the first time . Thirdly, it can increase contact with existing fans and create a pathway to acquire new fans. By streaming not only live performances but also rehearsals and the production process, there are significantly more opportunities for people to see the "face" of the band.

And there's another important reason that's often overlooked: welcoming members who are enthusiastic about live streaming broadens the scope of the band's overall activities. Having someone in the band who is not only skilled at playing but also good at operating streaming equipment and responding to comments makes it much easier to continue streaming. When looking for new members on a member recruitment service like Membo , simply adding a phrase like "I'd like to try live streaming" to your profile can increase your chances of finding like-minded individuals.

This article compiles practical information for bands to continue live streaming smoothly, from choosing a streaming platform and necessary equipment to tips on sound and video quality, practical methods for promotion and attracting audiences, interacting with viewers, a roadmap to monetization, and dealing with common problems. The "recording" aspect of editing and saving filmed footage afterwards is covered in detail in our guide on how to preserve band photos and videos , so this article will focus on the streaming itself, which allows you to "connect with fans in real time."

Disadvantages and points to be aware of before starting live streaming

It's not fair to only list the benefits. Before you start streaming, honestly understanding the following points will help prevent you from later thinking, "This wasn't what I expected."

Firstly, there are the costs of equipment investment and time . If you start focusing on sound and video quality, you will need to invest tens of thousands of yen, as will be explained later, and setting up and cleaning up for streaming takes a certain amount of time each time. The burden on band members who are responsible for preparing for streaming in addition to preparing for the performance is by no means small. Secondly, there are copyright risks . If you use cover songs or existing sound sources as background music, you need to check the rights clearance, and failing to do so may lead to muting or the stream being stopped (see below for details in "5 Tips for Improving Sound Quality" ④ and "Common Streaming Problems and Solutions"). Thirdly, there are the difficulties in the initial stages when it is difficult to attract viewers . When you first start streaming, it is not uncommon for the number of viewers to be in the single digits, so you need to find ways to maintain motivation. Fourthly, the sense of presence in a live venue cannot be conveyed as is. The sound pressure you feel from the loud PA system and the sense of unity created by the audience cannot be fully reproduced through a screen. If you think of streaming not as a substitute for the actual live performance, but as a different experience, you can avoid disappointment due to excessive expectations. Even with an understanding of these drawbacks, it's still well worth trying live streaming.

The difference between live streaming and posting pre-recorded video.

Live streaming is a system that delivers video and audio recorded in real time over a network. Unlike posting edited videos later, its greatest feature is the interactive nature of the communication with viewers through comments that occur in real time. According to the Wikipedia article on "live streaming," this system does not require broadcasting licenses or complex review procedures, making it accessible to a wide range of users, from individuals to small groups. Thanks to this system, even a small band, without the equipment of a television station, can start streaming today.

To briefly explain the technical mechanism, streaming apps and software like OBS Studio encode (compress and convert) the video and audio from the camera and microphone, send them to a streaming server via the internet, and the server then re-broadcasts them for each viewer. When using the official smartphone app, this process is completely automated, so the band doesn't need to worry about complicated settings. On the other hand, when streaming to YouTube Live or Twitch from OBS Studio, you simply enter a string of characters called a "stream key" issued by each platform into the software, and the software automatically handles the video and audio compression and transmission process. Even without fully understanding the mechanism, the experience of "opening the app or software and pressing the broadcast button" is surprisingly simple.

2. Complete Comparison of Streaming Platforms | YouTube Live, Twitch, SHOWROOM, TwitCasting, and more

Each streaming platform has vastly different audience demographics and monetization mechanisms. The platform a band should choose depends on "who they want to reach."

YouTube Live | Archive assets and broad audience

According to YouTube's official help page , YouTube Live requires channel verification and offers four methods: mobile streaming, webcam streaming, encoder-based streaming, and game console streaming. Wikipedia explains that YouTube Live officially launched in April 2011, and the requirements have since been relaxed to allow channels with 50 or more subscribers to use it. It features live chat and Super Chat (donations), and a major advantage is that streams are automatically archived after they end, accumulating as searchable content. With viewers worldwide, it offers the potential to reach a wide range of ages and nationalities.

Twitch | Music category that originated from game streaming culture

According to Wikipedia , Twitch started in June 2011 as a service specializing in game streaming and was acquired by Amazon in August 2014 for approximately $970 million. Originally a platform primarily focused on game streaming, an official music streaming category was introduced in January 2015, and the number of creators streaming music production processes, DJ sets, and band performances has increased. The audience mainly consists of game and culture enthusiasts in their late teens to 30s. Twitch's official music guidelines state that music used in streams should only be used if the necessary rights and permissions are clearly obtained. Original songs and live performances are generally fine, but caution is advised when using existing music as background music.

SHOWROOM | Bridging the gap with fans through a "virtual live space"

According to the SHOWROOM official website , SHOWROOM is a streaming platform based on the concept of a "virtual live space," originating in Japan and launched in the early 2010s by SHOWROOM Co., Ltd. A wide range of streamers, including idols, singers, voice actors, and models, are active on the platform, and viewers can support performers by purchasing items called "gifting." Because a portion of the gift sales is distributed to the streamers, it is well-suited to monetization through donations and is ideal for bands that already have a fan community to build closer relationships.

TwitCasting | Incredibly easy to use and an option for audio streaming

According to the TwitCasting official website and Wikipedia , TwitCasting launched in February 2010 and is currently operated by Moi Co., Ltd. (listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Section in April 2022). Its concept is "easy broadcasting without being overly concerned with quality," and it is characterized by the fact that users can choose not only live broadcasting with video but also audio-only "radio broadcasting." The psychological barrier to equipment trouble is low, making it an easy platform to use, such as starting a broadcast spontaneously during a break in practice.

Voices heard from people who have actually used TwitCasting and SHOWROOM

When we organize the feedback we often hear from amateur bands who have tried live streaming on TwitCasting and SHOWROOM, several trends emerge. Regarding TwitCasting, many say, "The ease of starting—just opening the app and pressing a button—was beyond our expectations," and "We started with audio-only radio streaming mode and switched to video once we got used to it, so we made fewer equipment mistakes." The low barrier to entry is highly valued. On the other hand, there are also frank comments such as, "It feels lonely until the number of viewers increases," and "It's difficult to maintain motivation on days with few comments," which overlaps with the initial difficulties mentioned in the "Disadvantages and Points to Note" section above. Regarding SHOWROOM, some say, "The gifting system is easy for viewers to understand, and the feeling of being supported is stronger than on TwitCasting," and "Since it's a platform with many idol and voice actor fans, the approach of band performance itself is easily received as something fresh." However, there are also realistic points such as, "The main audience and the band's fan base don't overlap much, so initial audience acquisition is almost entirely dependent on announcements on social media." Regardless of the platform, it seems more realistic to start by streaming a few times to see how well it suits your band, rather than expecting a huge response right from the beginning.

Other options | Instagram Live / TikTok Live

For bands that already have followers on Instagram or TikTok, Instagram Live and TikTok Live are strong options. Since existing followers receive notifications when a broadcast begins, it requires less effort to attract new viewers, and you can start broadcasting as an extension of the daily posting methods introduced in our SNS usage guide . However, the way archives are kept and the conditions for monetization differ from platform to platform and are often subject to change, so it is recommended to check the latest conditions on each service's help page before broadcasting.

platform Year of establishment and operation Main audience The core of monetization Ease of streaming
YouTube Live 2011/Google A wide range of age groups and international audiences Super Chat, Membership, Advertising Supports everything from smartphones to professional encoders.
Twitch 2011 / Amazon (acquired in 2014) Ages 10-30, gaming and culture demographic Bits Subscription It's a bit pricey because it's designed for PC streaming.
SHOWROOM Early 2010s / SHOWROOM Co., Ltd. Idol and voice actor fan base Gifting (in-app purchases) Easy to use with a smartphone app
TwitCasting 2010 / Moi Co., Ltd. A wide range of age groups Tip/Supporter function Very easy to use (audio only is also available)
Instagram Live Meta Management Focusing on existing followers Gift badges, etc. Integrate with existing SNS operations
The audience, illuminated by orange and purple stage lights, holds their smartphones high in both hands to film the live performance.
From audience members holding up their smartphones to take photos, to bands using tripods and apps to stream their performances, there are many ways to "deliver the energy of the moment in real time."

Criteria for choosing a platform

If you're unsure which platform to choose, we recommend answering these three questions. First, "Where do I already have a fanbase?" If you have a platform with a large following on existing social media, starting your broadcasts there is the easiest way to get a response. Second, "What kind of interaction do you want?" If you prioritize interaction through comments, TwitCasting or YouTube Live's live chat are suitable. If you prioritize visible support, SHOWROOM or TwitCasting's gift function are better. Third, "Do you want to turn your broadcasts into an asset as archives?" If you want to create a long-term asset, including from the perspective of search traffic and SEO, YouTube Live, which automatically saves archives, is a strong option. You don't need to limit yourself to one platform; it's not uncommon for bands to broadcast simultaneously on multiple services once they become more comfortable.

3. Three types of streaming: Live performance without an audience, live streaming, and rehearsal streaming.

The term "streaming" encompasses a wide range of formats, and the specifics vary greatly depending on the purpose. Here, we'll introduce three representative patterns.

① Live streaming without an audience | Studio/live house recordings

This format involves renting a studio or live music venue and performing according to a setlist without an audience. The advantage is that it allows you to maintain a similar level of tension to a real live performance while easily focusing on equipment troubleshooting and adjusting camera angles. The song order techniques outlined in the setlist creation guide are equally effective for audience-less live streams. However, the absence of audience cheers makes the ability to engage the audience through MCing even more crucial.

The general flow for conducting a live stream without an audience is as follows: First, ① book a studio or live music venue and confirm with the venue in advance whether streaming is possible (Wi-Fi environment, number of power outlets, permission to film). Next, ② bring in and set up the equipment , arranging cameras, microphones, and streaming computers or smartphones, and running the cables. Then, ③ do a sound check to check the volume balance of vocals and each instrument, and the monitor sound. Following that, ④ conduct a streaming test for a few minutes, and it is advisable to confirm that the video, audio, and comment section are functioning without problems using limited access or private settings. If there are no problems with the test, ⑤ proceed to the actual stream , performing according to the setlist with MC segments. After the stream ends, ⑥ set the archive to public so that viewers who missed it can watch it later, and the stream itself will remain as an asset.

② Live Streaming Concert | Hybrid format combining talk and performance

This format involves streaming from home or a studio, blending performance with conversation. Its greatest appeal lies in the close connection with viewers, as performers can respond to requests in the comments section and engage in casual chat. It's also the easiest format to start, with low equipment requirements.

③ Rehearsal streaming | A format for sharing the production process

This format involves streaming the process of refining arrangements for new songs and parts of rehearsals. Showing not only the finished performance but also the trial-and-error process creates a sense of unity with fans. It's not about focusing too much on streaming; even starting with something as casual as "just leaving a camera during your usual practice" is perfectly worthwhile. In terms of recording practice, it's compatible with the filming habits introduced in our guide on how to keep photo and video records , and the archived stream can be used directly as a record of practice.

When planning a rehearsal stream, it's helpful to decide beforehand with the band members what to show to ensure smooth operation. While the performance itself should generally be streamed as is, it's effective to pre-determine what you don't want to show, such as arrangement discussions or detailed conversations between band members, or to limit the camera angle to only the performance area. The pre-announcement doesn't need to be as elaborate as for the actual performance; a simple announcement like, "We'll be streaming a practice session for a new song starting at [time] today," is sufficient. This casualness is precisely the charm of rehearsal streams. Bands that regularly stream rehearsals have commented that "the process of trial and error generates more comments than the finished song" and "it's less nerve-wracking than a live performance, so it's also good practice for getting used to streaming itself."

4. Required Equipment and Setup | 3 Plans Based on Budget

It's more practical to acquire streaming equipment gradually, according to your purpose and budget. Here, we'll introduce it by dividing it into three budget categories.

Plan 1 | From ¥0 | Start with just one smartphone

If you just want to try it out, a smartphone is all you need. You can start streaming without any additional costs by using the official app for each platform. If you have a tripod, which will cost a few thousand yen, you will get stable footage without camera shake and help prevent viewers from dropping off.

To avoid confusion when trying smartphone live streaming for the first time, organize the steps as follows: ① Install a streaming app and set up an account (install the official app of YouTube, TwitCasting, or SHOWROOM and set your channel name and profile), ② Fix your smartphone on a tripod and make sure the entire performance space is visible , ③ Check the Wi-Fi or mobile network signal strength , ④ Do a test stream for a few minutes with private or limited access settings to check that the video and audio are transmitted without problems, ⑤ Announce the streaming URL on social media , ⑥ Start the actual stream , ⑦ After the stream ends, set whether the archive will be public or private . Don't worry if there are hardly any viewers for the first few times; the goal is to get used to this series of operations, which will make it easier to decide on the next step, investing in equipment.

Plan 2 | Around 30,000 yen and up | Improves sound quality

If you want to avoid situations where "the sound is so bad that the performance can't be conveyed," the next thing you should invest in is your audio setup. By introducing a USB microphone or audio interface and recording sound using an external input instead of the built-in microphone of your smartphone or computer, the impression of your live stream will change dramatically. At this stage, many bands also add a simple ring light for video.

As for specific products, for standalone USB condenser microphones, models in the 15,000 to 20,000 yen range, such as the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ and Rode NT-USB Mini, are standard choices. If you want to connect and mix multiple instruments and microphones simultaneously, a common setup involves introducing an audio interface such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or Steinberg UR22C, and connecting dynamic and condenser microphones to it. At this price point, a total of around 20,000 to 30,000 yen will be a worthwhile investment in "clear and easy-to-listen-to streaming audio."

Plan 3 | Around 150,000 yen and up | Professional setup with multiple cameras and a switcher

If you want to stream continuously and create more engaging content, you should consider a full-fledged setup combining multiple cameras, a video switcher, and a dedicated audio mixer. This will allow you to switch between multiple angles in real time, such as a drummer's perspective, a vocalist's perspective, and a wide shot showing the whole scene, greatly improving the viewing experience.

budget range Main equipment Suitable stage
From 0 yen Smartphone + Tripod First, I'd like to try streaming.
Around 30,000 yen and up USB microphone, audio interface, and simple light. I want to improve the sound quality.
Around 150,000 yen and up Multiple cameras, video switcher, audio mixer We want to seriously begin continuous streaming.

OBS Studio: The central choice for PC streaming.

If you want to seriously combine video and stream, the standard choice is "OBS Studio," a free, open-source software available on the official OBS Studio website . It allows you to create "scenes" combining multiple camera feeds, window captures, text, browser screens, and more, and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. It also supports output to major streaming platforms such as YouTube Live and Twitch, making it a useful hub for simultaneous streaming to multiple services. For information on choosing musical instruments, please also refer to our guide to band equipment and effects pedals .

A person sits in front of a computer in a studio with bluish lighting, surrounded by multiple monitors and sound equipment.
As we begin to focus on live streaming, our production style will move closer to one that combines multiple monitors and audio equipment.

5. Five tips for improving sound quality

In live streaming, sound quality is even more important than video quality in determining whether viewers will continue watching. Here are five tips you can start using today.

① Do not rely on the built-in microphone

Built-in microphones on smartphones and computers tend to pick up ambient noise, often obscuring the subtle nuances of your performance. Simply switching to recording via an external USB microphone or audio interface can significantly improve the sound quality.

② Check the volume balance of each instrument in advance.

Just before streaming, do a rehearsal to check the volume balance. Checking whether the vocals are getting buried or if the drums are standing out too much using the actual equipment and speakers (or headphones) you'll be using for the stream will help reduce panic during the actual broadcast. The basic knowledge introduced in the Band Sound and PA Beginner's Guide can be directly applied to mixing for streaming.

③ Implement measures to prevent echo and feedback.

When streaming in a small room, "echo" (where the microphone picks up the speaker's sound and creates a doubled sound) and "feedback" are more likely to occur. Even basic measures such as using earphones for monitoring and increasing the distance between the speaker and microphone can often improve the situation.

④ When using background music in a live stream, be sure to pay attention to rights clearance.

While there are generally no copyright issues when performing your own original songs, you will need to check copyright information if you play existing songs as background music or perform cover songs. According to the JASRAC official website's page on video distribution , recording procedures are not required for real-time live streaming, but the handling of usage fees for non-profit organizations and individuals distributing content differs depending on whether the stream is free or if advertising revenue is earned. In addition, for songs not managed by JASRAC, there are cases where other copyright management organizations, such as the NexTone official website, act as the point of contact. For detailed considerations regarding cover songs, we have summarized them in "Basic Knowledge of Cover Performances and Copyright ," so we recommend that you be sure to read it before distributing.

⑤ Check the music usage rules for each streaming platform.

Some platforms have their own music usage guidelines. Twitch's music guidelines explicitly state that cover performances must be either "live performances by the artists themselves or use audio sources for which permission has been obtained from the rights holders." Before starting a stream, it's a good idea to review the music-related guidelines of the platform you'll be using to avoid problems later on.

6. Three tips for improving your live stream video

While not as critical as sound quality, the clarity of the video is also a factor that influences viewer retention rates.

① Just adding one light can change the impression

Natural light or room lighting alone can sometimes make faces and instruments appear dark and muted. Simply adding a ring light or LED panel light costing a few thousand yen can make the performer's facial expressions clearly visible, dramatically changing the viewer's impression.

② Avoid monotony with multiple cameras

Streaming with a single camera at a fixed angle tends to create a monotonous impression. If your budget allows, combining a wide-angle camera to show the whole scene with a close-up camera for vocals or guitar solos, and switching scenes using software like OBS Studio, will significantly improve the viewing experience. The selection of shooting equipment itself is explained in detail in our guide on how to preserve photos and videos , so please refer to it when choosing a camera for streaming.

③ Understand the basic settings of OBS Studio.

When using OBS Studio, first learn the basic operations of adding camera footage, text, logo images, etc., as "sources" within a "scene." Having a "Live Streaming Soon" waiting screen scene at the beginning of your stream will help viewers feel at ease as they gather. Setting up hotkeys will allow you to switch scenes with a single touch, even while performing. Keeping a text overlay image displaying your band name and social media accounts on a permanent layer can also encourage viewers who stumble upon your stream to follow you on social media.

A photograph shows a silver-colored laptop screen opened in a dark, backstage-like setting, displaying multiple video panels resembling those found in video editing software.
The real challenge of multi-camera streaming begins with installing software like OBS Studio on a single computer.

7. Implementing Announcements and Customer Acquisition Strategies

No matter how well you prepare, you won't attract viewers if your announcements are insufficient. Attracting viewers to a live stream requires different strategies than attracting audiences to a regular live event.

The streaming URL will be fixed and announced in advance.

Instead of sharing the URL right before the broadcast, if possible, announce it a few days in advance with a notice saying "The broadcast will start on [Month] [Day] at [Time]" along with the URL. If you're using YouTube Live, you can also take advantage of the system that sends reminders to viewers by creating a reserved time slot before the broadcast starts.

Advance notice and reminders on social media

On the day of a live stream, timelines tend to scroll quickly, and it's not uncommon for announcements to be overlooked if only one post is made. As explained in our SNS usage guide , the basic principle is to make announcements multiple times at multiple times. The general approach to announcing live events is summarized in our complete guide to attracting audiences to live events , and many aspects of it can be directly applied to announcing live streams.

Use the archive to attract future customers.

If you use a platform like YouTube Live that keeps archives available after the broadcast, the broadcast itself becomes an asset. By cutting out highlights from the broadcast and posting them on social media afterward, you can share the performance with people who couldn't watch it in real time, and it can also serve as a way to attract audiences to future broadcasts and live shows.

8. Techniques for Audience Interaction

The unique appeal of live streaming lies in its interactivity, allowing for real-time communication with viewers. By leveraging this characteristic, a sense of closeness with fans that cannot be achieved in a regular live performance can be created.

Reading comments aloud creates a sense of immediacy.

Simply reading out viewer comments during the MC segments between performances greatly enhances the sense of unity in the live stream. Having one member focus on responding to comments, or having members who aren't performing take turns checking them, can reduce the chances of missing any comments.

We value responses to tips and gifts.

It's important to react immediately to viewers who support you through YouTube Live's Super Chat or SHOWROOM/TwitCasting's gift function, such as calling them by name and thanking them. Knowing that you're getting a response will encourage them to support you again in the next stream.

Request performances and viewer participation projects

By allowing viewers to request parts of the setlist in the comments section, or by having them vote to decide the next song to play, you can help them feel like they are "creating the stream together" rather than just "watching." For tips on how to leave room for flexibility in the setlist structure, you can also refer to the setlist creation guide .

9. Roadmap to Monetization

To develop streaming into a revenue stream for your band activities, a step-by-step approach is helpful.

Check the monetization requirements for each platform.

For YouTube Live, the platform sets its own conditions regarding advertising revenue, memberships, and subscriber count. As explained in YouTube's official help section , the prerequisites for streaming and channel verification requirements are updated regularly, so if you aim to monetize your content, be sure to check the latest official information. SHOWROOM and TwitCasting have systems in place that make it easier to generate revenue even with a small number of followers, through a revenue sharing system for tips and gifts.

Considering the degree of dependence on donations and Super Chats

Instead of relying entirely on donations for revenue from your streams, setting up channels that lead to music streaming and merchandise sales will diversify your revenue streams and make them more stable. The complete guide to releasing music provides detailed instructions on how to start streaming , and the complete guide to merchandise production and sales explains how to develop merchandise in detail.

Accumulate small successes

Instead of expecting huge profits from the start, focusing on accumulating small successes, such as "I had 5 more viewers today than last time" or "I received my first donation," will be what sustains you in continuing to stream for a long time.

The goal is to use streaming as a starting point to encourage viewers to explore live performances, music, and merchandise.

If you're thinking about monetization from a long-term perspective, it's also effective to view streaming itself as an "entry point." By informing viewers who have become interested after watching your stream about upcoming live performances or sharing links to the music being streamed, you can create a cycle where streaming, live performances, music, and merchandise complement each other. By combining the know-how for attracting audiences at live venues, as introduced in the complete guide to attracting audiences at live performances, with the know-how for attracting audiences through streaming, you can broaden the reach of your entire activity.

10. Common problems and solutions for live streaming

Live streaming is prone to different kinds of problems than live performances. Anticipating these issues in advance can reduce last-minute panic.

Audio sync issues and video stuttering.

Symptoms such as audio and video being out of sync, or video stuttering, are often caused by insufficient processing power on your computer or smartphone, or an unstable internet connection. Before streaming, lower the bitrate and resolution settings of your streaming software and perform a test stream to confirm that you can stream stably even with an actual internet connection.

Preparations for connection drops and unstable communication

In venues with unstable Wi-Fi, simply switching to a wired LAN connection can significantly improve stability. For added peace of mind, choose a streaming app that allows you to use your smartphone's mobile data connection as a backup. In venues like live music clubs where many pieces of equipment connect to Wi-Fi simultaneously, simply separating the streaming connection from other communications can reduce the likelihood of problems.

Overheating and battery management during smartphone streaming

During long-duration live streaming on a smartphone, the device may overheat, causing processing to be automatically limited and resulting in distorted video. When using a tripod, choose a well-ventilated location, remove the case before streaming, and use a fan to gently circulate air. To prevent the battery from running out, it's essential to keep a mobile battery or power adapter connected at all times while streaming.

Copyright-related reporting / BGM muting

Streaming cover songs or existing tracks may lead to copyright infringement, resulting in muting or reports. Twitch's official music guidelines also explicitly state that you should avoid using tracks with unclear rights. It is important to check the basics of cover performances and copyright beforehand and to make the decision to exclude any songs you are unsure about from your stream.

What to do in case of equipment trouble

If you experience equipment problems during a live stream, don't try to hide it. Simply stating "We're currently dealing with the problem" in the comments section will be enough to get most viewers to wait. The process of dealing with the problem itself can even be an opportunity to reveal your personality as a streamer.

11. 5 Tips for Continuing Live Streams

Live streaming truly shines when it's done consistently, rather than as a one-off event. Here are five tips for keeping it going.

① Fix the day and time of delivery.

Fixing the day and time of your broadcasts, such as "Every [Day of the week] at 9 PM," makes it easier for viewers to come and watch regularly. Creating a fixed rhythm, even if less frequent, tends to lead to longer-lasting engagement than irregular broadcasts.

② Don't get too excited or discouraged by the number of viewers.

When you first start streaming, it's not uncommon to have only a single-digit number of viewers. Don't get too caught up in the numbers; the key to continuing to stream for a long time is to keep going with the mindset of "I'm playing for that one person who's watching right now."

③ Keep a record of small successes.

Keeping a record of small events, such as encouraging comments from viewers or your first donation, can be a source of support when your motivation wanes. The archives of your live streams themselves should also be managed in conjunction with the preservation principles outlined in our guide on how to preserve photos and videos, as they serve as a record of your band's journey.

④ Divide roles among members

Dividing the members into those who focus on playing and those who handle equipment operation and responding to comments will help maintain consistent streaming quality. If everyone wants to concentrate on playing, simply deciding on the timing for responding to comments beforehand will make the operation smoother.

⑤ Don't aim for perfection

You don't need to aim for high-quality streaming from the start. Even if the audio is a little muffled or the camera angle is slightly tilted, people will watch if the performance itself is appealing. It's more realistic to prioritize continuing and gradually improve your equipment and skills as you stream more.

12. Summary | Streaming is a means of connecting friends and fans across distances

In this article, we've looked at everything from why bands should start live streaming, to the characteristics of each platform, types of streaming, necessary equipment, tips for improving sound and video quality, promotion and audience engagement, viewer interaction, a roadmap to monetization, dealing with common problems, and tips for continuing.

Streaming isn't meant to replace live performances in a music venue. It's another way to connect with fans and friends you might not have met before, transcending geographical and audience limitations. All you need is a smartphone and a tripod, and you can take your first step today. Why not start by simply streaming a snippet of your next practice session?

If you haven't yet found enough bandmates to perform live, or if you're looking to form a band, try searching for members on Membo . Membo's recruitment list features bands of various formations and genres, and you can expect to meet members who are enthusiastic about live streaming. If you're unsure how to use it, be sure to check out Membo's help page , user guide , app usage page , announcements page , and writers page. Live streaming is a new stage that will surely take your band activities one step further.

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