How do your make your DJ live stream sound & look better? Best tips and tricks to build an audience & keep them there!
How to make your DJ live stream SOUND better:
The first thing we talked about was connecting to your laptop. Although there are cheaper options out there, the way to make your live stream sound the best is with an external USB output mixer. There are two big advantages to going this route. 1) You may already have one, so nothing new to buy. 2) It will be a multi-purpose tool and a better investment long term. What the USB mixer does is basically replace the sound card in your computer. This allows you to plug any analog component that you want (DJ controller, instruments, microphones, etc). Then have that sound converted into a perfectly leveled digital input to your computer.
That same application is why this is such a great tool to own no matter what. Why buy a $40 item that you’ll never use again when you can buy something a little more expensive and get years of use and enjoyment out of it?
DJ Live stream getting “Muted” or “Shut down” by the “Social media copyright & intellectual data police”?
We talked about this issue and explained some of the reasoning behind it. We then touched on the following tips to stay on longer or possibly not get flagged at all. The first tip is “Talk on the microphone” (another reason why you NEED a USB mixer). This disrupts the listening algorithms thus helping to keep you on longer. We can’t say exactly how much or how long, but at least 1 time per song would make sense as a rule of thumb. Let’s not get too chatty, ok?
Tip number 2 is mixing and cutting faster or scratching. This also will disrupt the algorithm and make it more difficult for them to catch up to you. This also makes it more fun for you while keeping your audience engaged longer. Tip number 3 is playing your songs “out of key.” Again, you’re disrupting the algorithm set to listen for the “Radio edit” version and key of a song. If it can’t pick that up, it again gives you another potential loophole to work around this issue. Hopefully, you stay on longer.
When asked, DJ Jordan Nelson told us that by applying all of the above techniques he has had several live streams where he was not cut off. Only after had the recording been “partially muted”.
Interested in learning about purchasing a digital license from the publishing companies?
You’ll want to reach out directly and see if it makes sense for you to buy a yearly license. There are 3 available. You may not need them all, but if you can afford it may be something that makes sense to invest in.
BMI – Music licensing website HERE.
ASCAP – Music licensing website HERE.
SESAC – Music licensing website HERE.
How to make your DJ live stream LOOK better:
This is a topic that may be more or less important to you depending on your objective. If you’re a business owner or full-time performer, putting yourself in front of the world should be taken seriously. If you’re taking it seriously, that means that you are going to make sure that your setup looks the best that it can be.
Place your DJ setup where the background of the video screen is solid and clean. Think of a white wall if possible. We certainly can’t tell you NOT to set up in the laundry room, but that may not be the best representation of your brand. Having a neutral background will allow you to be more creative whether you decide to use lighting. A TV or possibly a green screen is used when you are showcasing other things.
The next thing is that we recommend spicing up your live stream by incorporating your lighting. Whether it be wash or effect lighting, just be mindful of your audience. Make sure it’s not “Annoying” as it should enhance, not detract from your look. Remember, all your audience is going to see is the FRAME that your camera captures. Make sure that FRAME is as engaging as possible if you’re looking to keep people watching.
The last thing we discussed was “Attire.” Although we all thought a tuxedo t-shirt was a great idea, we also talked about funny outfits and things like that to really put your mark on what you’re trying to create. At the end of it, you want to be memorable and BUILD your audience.
How to get people to watch and KEEP them watching:
What fun is live streaming to 0 people? Might as well just make a mix, right? We talked about promoting your live stream in the same way you would if you were having a club event. The only difference is the club and your audience have changed. Now you need to ensure they know where to go and when. Also, why should they watch? If you’re “Just doing a live stream” and decide to just “Go live” whenever you feel like it, then you better hope you have a great following and you play some great music otherwise you shouldn’t expect much.
Are you looking to use this as a tool? A way to stay relevant and possibly make some extra money? A way to book some future gigs? Then maybe you should come up with a theme and take it seriously the same way you would if you were going to be playing a live event. Set up a Facebook event. Cross-promote it on your social media platforms. Tell them where your stream will be and why they should come!
Keep People Watching
Now that we’ve got them there, how the heck are we going to keep them watching for more than 3 seconds? Simply stated, BE ENGAGING. You’re on social media of some sort now. That platform only shows your organic posts and streams to those they think will be engaged by it. Be engaging in general and, more importantly, engaging back with comments in your stream. You will get a bump and get shown to more viewers, thus widening your organic reach.
We already talked about the microphone and how this helps keep you on longer disrupting the copyright algorithms, well guess what it’s also great for engaging your audience! Shout out to each new member who joins your stream, I guarantee you they stay longer or maybe even send you a tip! We are DJs and our job is to entertain, if you’re putting yourself out there in video form to be seen then we think you should do something more than just stand there. This is your own personal live show, have some fun with it and more importantly better your brand and maybe make a couple of bucks while doing it.
Is live streaming the future? Is this a service that will live after life returns to normalcy?
Lastly, we talked about the potential for current business and future ways of doing business and reaching clients and potential clients. We feel live streaming to your audience will be part of the DJ future and those who embrace it and learn how to capitalize on it now will have it pay dividends for them in the future. We’ve already seen LiveStream events to hundreds of people in the comfort of their own homes and just as “Streaming movies” has changed the movie business this could be a way to break into the future and pave a new way of doing business.
Questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below or feel free to contact us directly. If you need help, our coaching services are perfect for setting-up live streams and working on how to do all of the above-mentioned. Let us know how we can help and check out our coaching sessions page for more info.
