In this episode of The Guide to Live, Tara and Ben share insights on balancing preparation and spontaneity in live streaming, emphasizing the importance of planning a "run of show" to reduce stress and create engaging content. They recount the thrill of winning TikTok's Outstanding Content Award, explore the evolution of live streaming from its raw beginnings to a professional medium, and highlight the role of community in fostering authentic connections. With real-life examples, including working with hosts at the New York Comedy Festival event, they demonstrate how preparation elevates live content while leaving room for magic.

In this episode of The Guide to Live Streaming, hosts Tara and Ben dive into the balance between nurturing a dedicated community and growing a broader audience, exploring why striking this balance can be one of the biggest challenges in live streaming. They examine creative ways for streamers to diversify their content while staying authentic and discuss how building a multi-faceted audience can bring new opportunities.

They also answer a listener’s question on whether it's better to aim for high concurrent viewership or longer watch times, weighing the benefits for both engagement and monetization. To wrap up, Tara and Ben share tips on leveraging community-building tactics, reminding creators that growth doesn’t mean losing their core fans but rather expanding on what already works.

Welcome to The Guide to Live Streaming, where hosts Tara and Ben explore the latest insights and trends shaping the world of live content. This week, they’re diving into the evolution of live entertainment and how it’s paving the way for today’s streaming landscape.

In today’s episode, Tara and Ben examine the power of real-time interaction, featuring examples like the reimagined Ringling Brothers Circus and the growing preference for live content. They ask the big question: Are people hardwired for immediate, in-the-moment entertainment? And could live streaming soon become the dominant form of entertainment?

They’ll also share updates on Live Fest, now in full swing, and respond to a listener question from the UK. Join Tara and Ben as they break down what makes live content so engaging and why it just might be the future of entertainment.

• • The balance between advertising and viewer funding is crucial for sustainability.
  • The future of live streaming may lean towards viewer-funded models.
  • The entertainment industry is at a crossroads, with potential for significant change.
  • Live streaming is a unique form of entertainment that allows for individualized content.

In this conversation, Ben and Tara discuss the evolution of podcasting and live streaming, highlighting the transition from live broadcasts to studio recordings. They explore the features of Streamlabs, a cloud-based software for live streaming, and how technology has made streaming more accessible. The discussion also touches on the cultural shift towards live streaming in mainstream media, the confusion surrounding the term 'live' in streaming contexts, and the importance of defining it clearly. They conclude with a light-hearted conversation about Halloween costumes, inviting community engagement.

In this week's episode of The Guide to Live, Tara and Ben dive into the nuances of live streaming, exploring how to build a sustainable schedule and maintain engagement over time. They discuss the importance of consistency, frequency, and community connection in growing your live audience. The episode also features a fun "Feature or Fake" segment, where Tara tries to identify the real TikTok Live effects from the fakes. Tune in to hear insights on the art of self-promotion as a live creator, the unique challenges of the live streaming world, and why battling on TikTok can be a powerful tool for growth. Whether you're new to live streaming or a seasoned pro, this episode offers valuable tips and a lot of laughs. Don’t miss out—join the community conversation!