Need help figuring out what webcasting is and how it can benefit your organization? Knowing what webcasting is and how to use it to your advantage will help you tap into a global market with more appealing and compelling content.
webcastingandvirtualevents.com gathered the following webcasting definition, information, uses, and ways artificial intelligence is transforming it.
What is Webcasting
Webcasting is the process of broadcasting live or pre-recorded (audio and/or video) content over the internet, allowing viewers or listeners to access the content remotely using their devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.). Webcasting is similar to broadcasting on television or radio, but the content is delivered via the internet instead of traditional broadcasting methods.
What is the Purpose of Webcasting?
Webcasts allow organizations to develop high-quality digital content and share it with viewers globally. Your organization can build meaningful relationships with people interested in and caring about your brand by producing webcasts.
Webcasts allow you to consistently provide significant audiences with value, making the most of unique engagement and marketing opportunities. A webcast presentation can offer an easy way to share educational materials with your consumers and staff.
What is the Difference Between a Webcast and a Podcast?
The principal difference between podcasting and webcasting is the content. Webcasting utilizes audio and video content to convey a message, while podcasting is limited to audio content.
What Do I Need for a Webcast?
Producing a webcast can be challenging. However, a reliable webcasting platform allows producers to create effective, high-quality presentations. Consider the following components for producing webcasts:
Webcasting Program – Many platforms like GlobalMeet, Dacast, ON24, VEED, IBM Video Cloud, and Vimeo offer unique solutions and features. Finding the right webcast software for you depends on what type of webcast you want to host.
Audio and Video Source – For video, use a camera, which outputs a video signal in a web-friendly format or a webcam. For audio, you can use a built-in audio source or a separate audio-collecting device, like a microphone. Use a camera and microphone that can be connected and properly placed for more polished results.
Encoding – An encoder is a device (software or hardware) that converts audio and video content into an internet-ready file. Once your content is converted, it can be broadcast over the Web. Recommended encoders include:
- OBS Studio (software)
- Wirecast (software)
- VidBlasterX (software)
- LiveU Solo (hardware)
- Teradek (hardware)
- TriCaster (hardware)
Delivery Method – Select a provider like Xyvid, livemedia, or PwC that can limit access to the content or be capable of scaling proportionally for larger audiences.
Internet Connection – You will need a dependable, fast Internet connection for a professional webcast. Your connection speed will be partly influenced by the quality of your broadcast. A general rule is to use a connection speed roughly double your intended bitrate. If you intend to stream at 1Mbps, your upload speed should be 2Mbps minimum.
Configure Your Encoder – First, enter the stream URL for the live channel you are streaming on. Next, you should locate “Encoder Settings.” It will provide an RTMP URL and a stream key you can insert into your encoder.
Tip: If your encoder allows it, try to connect with a device password. You must then choose your bitrate and resolution inside the encoder. Ensure the bitrate does not exceed half of the upload speed at the location. The encoder should provide further instructions/recommendations.
How AI is Changing Webcasting
Webcasting reaches a global audience and is a powerful tool for disseminating information or promoting products and services efficiently. AI is revolutionizing the way we create, manage, and distribute webcasts. Consider the following:
Personalization – Among the more significant ways AI is transforming webcasting is through personalization. AI algorithms can analyze data like viewer behavior, preferences, and history to provide personalized recommendations and content. Viewers are more likely to engage with content that is relevant to their specific interests, leading to higher engagement rates and better retention.
Automation – AI is transforming the way webcasts are produced and managed. AI can automate creating transcripts, captions, and subtitles, making webcasts more accessible to viewers with hearing impairments or who speak different languages. AI can also automate the process of video editing and post-production, making it easier and faster to create high-quality webcast content.
Real-time Analytics – AI is changing webcasting through real-time analytics. AI algorithms can analyze viewer behavior and engagement in real time, providing valuable insights into viewer preferences and behavior. This helps you adjust your content “on the fly,” improving engagement and retention rates.
Improved Search – AI is improving the searchability of webcasts. By analyzing webcast content, AI algorithms can identify key topics and themes, making it easier for viewers to find the content they are searching for. This can also help you promote your content by making it easier for viewers to discover your webcasts.
Improved Recommendations – AI can also improve the recommendations that viewers receive. AI algorithms can provide more accurate and relevant recommendations by analyzing viewer behavior, preferences, and history. This means viewers are more likely to discover new content of interest to them, leading to higher engagement, conversion, and retention rates.
For more information on implementing and using artificial intelligence, visit openai.com
Everything You Need to Know About Webcasting
In this article, you discovered what webcasting is, how it can help you effectively reach a global market, and how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing it.
Understanding and using webcasting to its full potential will help your organization reach a (truly) global market increasing your brand awareness and potential revenue.
Failing to use webcasting in your marketing and advertising will leave you with a limited audience, allowing competitors to whisk away a significant portion of your market.
Sources:
sjsu.edu/at/atn/webcasting/
iml.esm.rochester.edu/polyphonic-archive/article/webcasting-a-technology-that-can-reach-audiences-beyond-the-performance-hall/
ibm.com/watson-advertising/thought-leadership/how-ai-is-changing-advertising
globalbroadcastindustry.news/how-artificial-intelligence-is-changing-the-broadcast-industry/
