A live cam is a real-time streaming video camera that offers a view of a particular location. Often, these cameras are located at scenic or tourist attractions or in business and public spaces. They can be used to provide information about the weather, traffic conditions or sporting events. They can also offer a glimpse of local wildlife or daily life. Some webcams even have audio feeds that allow you to hear the sounds of the environment.
Thousands of people tune into live stream cameras every day, whether to watch sea otters frolicking at Point Defiance, take in the beauty of Mt. Rainier or soak up the magic of Seattle’s city lights at night. These streams can captivate viewers because they are unique, authentic and can be a window into places they’ve never visited in person.
The first step to getting started with live streaming is determining what you want your audience to experience. Then, decide how to best showcase that in your live stream. Creating a plan will help you stay on track and create the most impact for your audience.
The next step is setting up your camera. Start by ensuring your camera supports the Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP). Most platforms require RTMP support, including YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and Twitch. Once you’ve confirmed your camera can support RTMP, transfer the Stream Key URL to your camera’s RTMP settings page. This is usually a tab or menu item on the camera’s interface.