Technical Pre-Live Checklist (THE AGENCY): Implement a checklist with the 50 essential points to review before each live stream.
Requirements for THE BRAND
Checklist
Video:
- Delivery: 1 week before the event.
- Resolution: 720p (1080x720).
- FPS: < 30.
- Bitrate: > 2500 kbps.
- Video Length: Recommended maximum of 30-45 minutes (based on best practices).
- Product Count: No more than one product per minute of streaming (e.g., 90 products is too many for a single live session).
- Clear Initial Message: Videos must clearly communicate that the event is live, emphasizing the excitement of the occasion.
Products:
- Delivery: 1 week before the event.
- Format: CSV.
Surveys, CTAs, Chyrons:
- Delivery: 1 week before the event.
- Format: Excel to capture from client and then create manually.
Joint Tests for Pre-Recorded "Faux Live" Streams:
Session 1:
- 48 hours before the event, including full streaming to the client's test social media accounts.
Session 2:
- Morning of the event, with a full rehearsal including streaming, games, and surveys.
For Real-Time Live Streams (Not Pre-Recorded):
- Session 1: Conducted at least 96 hours before the event at the actual location and under the exact conditions of the live stream. This ensures connectivity is thoroughly tested.
- Test the complete route that presenters and cameras will follow to confirm minimum required conditions are maintained throughout.
Connectivity Requirements:
- Ensure a dedicated internet connection for the production team (not shared with other users).
- Minimum: 200 Mbps upload speed with 70 ms maximum latency (tested via www.fast.com) in all areas covered during the live stream.
- Ensure all technical equipment (computers, peripherals, cameras, etc.) used by the production team complies strictly with the standards outlined in this document.
If Connectivity Tests Are Unsatisfactory:
- THE BRAND must:
- Provide the necessary means to meet minimum connectivity requirements (200 Mbps upload & 70 ms latency), such as upgrading internet services or technical equipment.
- Adjust the route during the live stream to cover only areas that meet these requirements.
- Have a pre-recorded and edited backup video ready to broadcast as a faux live stream (apply the previously stated video requirements).
Action Plan for Potential Incidents
Case 1: Internet Connection Failure
- The system sustains operation for up to 5 minutes without intervention.
- Steps:
- Restart the router and reconnect (THE AGENCY, THE BRAND).
- Connect to a mobile hotspot if necessary (THE AGENCY, THE BRAND).
- If the issue persists beyond 5 minutes:
- Display a chyron or stop the stream.
- Disconnect social media streaming from THE AGENCY and post a story with a video or image stating:
"Oops! We're experiencing some internet connection issues. We're working to fix them and will be back shortly. Stay tuned!" (THE AGENCY).
Case 2: Poor Image Quality on the Website (More than 1 Minute)
- Display an image with the message:
"Oops! We're experiencing some internet connection issues. We're working to fix them and will be back shortly. Stay tuned!" (THE AGENCY posts the image; THE BRAND provides it 1 week prior). - Display a chyron with the same message (THE AGENCY).
- Momentarily pause the stream (THE AGENCY).
- Disconnect social media streaming (THE AGENCY).
- Post stories on major social platforms (THE BRAND).
- Troubleshoot:
- Check the connection (THE AGENCY, THE BRAND).
- Ensure the computer is adequately powered (THE AGENCY, THE BRAND).
- Verify OBS resolution settings are correct (THE AGENCY, THE BRAND).
- Resume the stream, reconnecting to social media platforms (THE AGENCY).
Case 3: Social Media Issues (Image or Sound Problems, Web Is Fine)
- Identify which platform is affected and act accordingly:
- If it’s Loola, disconnect and post creatives on social media (THE BRAND) redirecting viewers to the website.
- If it’s all platforms:
- Display an image:
"Oops! We're experiencing issues with social media connections. We're working to fix them and will be back shortly. Stay tuned!" - Pause the stream (THE AGENCY).
- Disconnect social media platforms (THE AGENCY).
- Post creatives redirecting viewers to the website (THE BRAND).
- Continue the stream on the website only (THE AGENCY).
- Restart the video at the interruption point.
- Add a short intro video before resuming (THE AGENCY posts it, THE BRAND provides it 1 week prior).
- Display an image:
Case 4: Sound Issues on the Website
- Check OBS to ensure sound is being broadcast (volume) (THE AGENCY).
- Verify the microphone is functioning correctly (THE BRAND).
- If neither the microphone nor OBS sound is working:
- Display an image with the message:
"Oops! We're experiencing some sound issues. We're working to fix them and will be back shortly. Stay tuned!" (THE AGENCY posts the image; THE BRAND provides content 1 week prior). - Display a chyron with the same message (THE AGENCY).
- Momentarily pause the stream (THE AGENCY).
- Disconnect social media streaming (THE AGENCY).
- Post stories on social platforms:
"We're experiencing sound issues and will be back shortly." (THE BRAND).
- Display an image with the message:
Prepared Content for All Incidents
(Provided by THE BRAND 1 week before the live stream):
- Images or videos for THE AGENCY and the brand’s social media platforms:
- Internet connection issues → We’ll be back soon.
- Sound issues → We’ll be back soon.
- Technical issues → We’ll be back soon.
- General issues → We’ll be back soon.
If the Live Stream Cannot Be Resumed:
- Provide images or videos for the brand’s social media platforms:
"We couldn’t resolve the issues in time, but we’ll try again soon." - Send a newsletter to participants with updates.