Creating and sharing art is more accessible than ever, and livestreaming takes it to a whole new level. Imagine connecting with art lovers in real-time, showcasing your process, and building a community around your creations. Livestreaming art is a fantastic way for these.
This guide will walk you through the setup process and introduce you to four fantastic platforms for livestreaming your artistic journey.
Preparation:
PC/Laptop
Webcam or phone - capture videos of the drawings or you
Microphone - to narrate the process and engage with audience
Proper hardware preparation is key to a smooth and professional livestreaming experience.
1. Camera: Use a tripod to fix the camera position.
Place at eye level and is able to capture head and shoulders;
Connect the camera and PC using a USB cable (Usually, there is no need to install drivers on the PC);
Set up your camera in OBS for a webcam window: Open OBS > Sources > + > Video Capture Device > Name it as webcam > Device > Select the camera name.
2. Microphone
Connect the microphone to the PC via USB
Set up the microphone in OBS: Open OBS > Sources > + > Audio Input Capture > Name is as microphone > Device > Select its model name.
3. Lighting
These lights are commonly used for streaming: Softbox Lights, Ring Lights, and LED Panels.
Set Up Software to Livestream Art
Step 1. Install OBS Studio and Set Up.
OBS Studio is a free and open-source tool for livestreaming. It is available for streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live, and more.
After you complete all settings, just click the Start Streaming button on OBS and your content will be pushed to the connected platform at once.
Now download and install the software from the official website, and open it on your PC.
a. Click Settings on the bottom right corner.
b. In Stream, you can select a platform and then enter the stream key to connect it with OBS. This way, you can directly push media content onto the platform.
c. In Output, you need to configure Output Mode, Streaming, and Recording. Commonly, you can set them as follows:
Output Mode - Simple
Streaming - Video Bitrate (3,000-6,000 kbps for 1080p at 60 fps), Audio Bitrate (160 kbps)
Recording - Format (MPEG-4.mp4)
d. Go to Audio, select Stereo in Channels; then, select your actual microphone in Mic/Auxiliary Audio.
e. You can set the Resolution as 1920x1080 for Full HD in Video.
Ongoing testing and adjustment of these settings is recommended.
Step 2. Install Screen Mirroring Software and Cast Your Tablet to the PC.
As an art creator, you may use a tablet and digital art apps like Procreate, Fresco, Sketchbook, ArtRage, and Krita during art livestreaming. With a screen mirroring tool, you can cast the tablet screen to the PC and add the window to OBS.
Simultaneous creation and explanation are common in livestream. Here's how.
a. Install Kingshiper Screen Mirroring to your PC and tablet.
• Android tablet user need to install the mobile end app from Google Play Store or the official website. • iPad or iPhone user do not need to install it.
b. Connect to the same WiFi on both devices.
c. Open the Kingshiper app on your tablet and tap the desktop name. The mirroring process will start soon.
Step 3. Add the Tablet Screen to OBS.
a. Sources > + > Window Capture.
b. Select KSScreenMirroring: HUAWEI.
c. Adjust the size for the window.
Try opening the painting app and draw a few strokes. You will see the real-time effect is projected onto the preview area of OBS.
Step 4. Connect Streaming Platforms to OBS.
Multiple platforms are supported by OBS, such as Twitch, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Kick, Instagram Live, TikTok Live, LinkedIn Live, and others.
Here we will take YouTube as a demonstration.
a. Get the YouTube stream key via: YouTube Studio > + Create > Go Live > Right now > Streaming software > Stream Settings > COPY.
b. Go to OBS > Settings > Stream.
c. Select YouTube - RTMPS in Service.
d. Click Use Stream Key and paste the key. Click Apply.
In this way, your YouTube Live broadcast will link OBS, allowing you to stream directly to your YouTube channel.
Step 5. Start Streaming.
Click Manage Broadcast in Controls to complete the info for the livestream.
If you test everything is fine, click the button of Start Streaming.
4 Best Platforms to Livestream Art
Now that you're all set up, let's explore four excellent platforms where you can share your art with the world.
Platform
Advantages
Monthly Users
Top Art Category
Hot Hashtags
Picarto
Artist-focused, high-quality streams
900k
Creative for 1 m followers; Drawing for 16k followers
Picarto is a dedicated platform for artists, focusing exclusively on creative content. It's a go-to choice for illustrators, animators, and other visual artists who want a space tailored to their needs.
Key Features:
Artist-Focused Community: A platform dedicated solely to creative content.
High-Quality Streaming: Supports high-definition broadcasts for detailed artwork.
Privacy Options: Allows both public and private streams.
Why Choose It:
1) Built for Artists: specifically designed for artists and creative individuals. This means you'll find a community that understands and appreciates the artistic process.
2) Picarto uses categories and tags to help viewers find art streams that match their interests, making it easier for you to connect with your target audience.
3) Focus on Community: Picarto fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging interaction between artists and viewers.
2YouTube Live
YouTube Live offers a robust platform for artists to stream their creative processes while benefiting from YouTube's massive global audience and powerful search engine.
Key Features:
High-Quality Streaming: Supports up to 4K resolution for clear, detailed art broadcasts.
Content Archive: Automatically saves live streams for future viewing.
SEO Benefits: YouTube's search engine can drive traffic to your streams.
Why Choose It:
1) Massive Audience: YouTube boasts a huge user base, giving you the potential to reach a vast audience.
2) Discoverability: YouTube's search and recommendation algorithms can help new viewers discover your art streams.
3) Archiving: You can save your livestreams as videos on your YouTube channel, allowing viewers to watch them later.
3Twitch
Twitch, initially known for gaming, has evolved into a versatile platform supporting a wide range of creative content. The "Art" category on Twitch is bustling with artists live-streaming everything from digital painting to traditional crafts.
Key Features:
Dedicated Art Category: Easy to discover and engage with art-focused streams.
Interactive Chat: Real-time interaction with viewers to build a loyal audience.
Monetization Options: Earn through subscriptions, bits (virtual tips), and ads.
Why Choose It:
1) Twitch has a dedicated and engaged community, many of whom are interested in art and creativity.
2) It offers features like chat, alerts, and subscriptions, making it easy to interact with your viewers and build a loyal following.
3) Twitch provides various ways to monetize your streams, including subscriptions, donations, and ads.
4TikTok
TikTok Live is a dynamic platform for artists who want to share their creative process in a fun, fast-paced environment. With its massive user base, TikTok offers unparalleled opportunities for viral exposure.
Key Features:
Short-Form Content: Ideal for quick demonstrations and engaging moments.
Massive Reach: Access to a vast and diverse audience worldwide.
Interactive Tools: Use filters, effects, and real-time viewer interaction.
Why Choose It:
1) TikTok's focus on short-form video makes it ideal for showcasing snippets of your art process or finished pieces.
2) TikTok's algorithm can help your videos go viral, exposing your art to a wide audience.
3) The platform offers a variety of creative tools and effects that you can use to make your art videos more engaging.
FAQs
Q1: Any Tips for Starting Live Stream Art?
Technical Tips:
A reliable internet connection is crucial for a smooth stream. A wired connection (Ethernet) is generally preferred over Wi-Fi.
Invest in a decent microphone to ensure clear audio. Viewers want to hear you clearly.
Pre-Stream Promotion Tips:
Share your livestream schedule on all your social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, etc.). Don't assume everyone follows you everywhere.
Use a striking image or short video clip of your art or you working.
Post-Stream Promotion Tips:
Cut highlights from your livestream and share them on social media. These clips can serve as teasers for future streams.
Share your livestream recordings or highlights in relevant online art communities or forums.
Track your livestream statistics to see what worked well and what could be improved. This will help you refine your promotion strategy for future streams.
Q2: Which platform is best for beginner artists to live stream?
Picarto and TikTok Live are great for beginners due to their artist-friendly environments and ease of use.
Q3: Can I monetize my art streams?
Yes, platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live offer direct monetization options such as subscriptions, ads, and virtual tips.
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