Online Live Streaming: Common Pitfalls and Technical Considerations.

<Table of Contents>
▼6 Key Points to Consider When Choosing a Streaming Platform
▼ Why Is "Internet Connection" the Most Critical Factor for Online Live Streams?
▼ Prior Preparation for "Safe" and "Stable" Streaming: Let the Music Take Care of It!

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I'm Kurihara from Dentsu Inc. Tech, serving as the "Technical Producer" for "DENTSU Music Support ONLINE."

Last time, Ishihara from the creative team introduced the wide variety of online streaming platforms and production methods available.

This time, I'll offer hints for considering questions like: "So how should we choose that platform?", "Which streaming method is best?", and "What exactly is needed for online streaming in the first place?"

6 Key Points to Consider When Choosing a "Streaming Platform"

Typically, implementing a music live event involves the following steps:

• Event Planning
• Casting
• Direction and Production
• Arranging equipment and staff (video, lighting, sound, etc.)
• Venue Arrangement (Live House, Hall, etc.)
• Venue Operations and Staffing Planning

For online streaming, in addition to the above:

• Streaming platform
• User engagement
• Streaming equipment

must be considered.

Now, the platforms available for online streaming are extremely diverse.

These range from services provided by major ticket agencies to platforms focused on sound quality, those enabling interactive communication with users, those excelling in interaction, those supporting AR or VR, those suitable for campaigns involving winners, and those capable of handling rights clearance.

You must select the appropriate platform that matches the event's planning content and scale.

The key points for platform selection are primarily the following six:

① Streaming Backend System

② User Communication

③ Ticket payment methods

④ Integration with Campaigns

⑤ System usage fees and ticketing service charges

⑥ Copyright Rights Management

Delivery backend systems (①) can be broadly categorized into two types: "platforms utilizing delivery solutions like AWS" and "platforms operating with proprietary development."

Each differs in server specifications (e.g., redundancy during peak access) and interactive communication features (②) like "chat" and "avatars." Therefore, first confirm what type of backend system is in place.

Ticket payment methods (③), which vary by ticket vendor, are also crucial as they directly impact the "ease of participation" for users.

Next is campaign integration (④). Recently, gift campaigns offering "live music streaming tickets" as incentives have increased. Design and operation require consideration of what viewing methods can be provided to winners, coordination with the campaign office, and personal information protection.

Next, the cost aspect. In addition to the "system usage fee" paid to the platform, a "ticket sales and issuance fee" of approximately 8% to 20% applies (⑤). Since this cost varies based on the number of participants, thorough simulation beforehand is essential.

Finally, regarding music copyright and digital rights management (⑥), some streaming platforms have "blanket licensing agreements" in place, while others ( ) require individual usage applications each time. This also needs to be confirmed.

The biggest key to online live events is the "internet connection"... What does that mean?

Once the outline of the online live event is decided, preparations for implementation begin. This article focuses on technical points like "streaming equipment" and "streaming technology."

First, the artist equipment, microphones, PA equipment for mixing sound, and video equipment for filming live performances (singing, playing instruments, dancing, etc.) are largely the same as those used in regular music live shows.

Beyond this, what's essential for streaming a music live event online is "the mindset of creating a program and team building."

In music livestreaming, your audience isn't just in front of you—they're also "beyond the platform." Therefore, how do you want to present the content on the livestream screen? This design is refined through repeated verification with a director skilled in creating livestream visuals.

Depending on the production, this may involve consolidating multiple video and audio sources into one feed. How these sources are combined is a crucial point in creating the visual composition for the broadcast screen.

Finally, the combined audio and video feed is sent to the streaming platform using a "live encoder" that transmits it to the streaming server.

Now, what is the most crucial piece of this "broadcast equipment"? The answer is the "internet connection" environment used to send audio and video from the venue to the server.

"Huh? What are you talking about? It's an online live stream, so that's obvious, right?"

You might be thinking that, but precisely because everyone assumes this, it's often an overlooked point. Let me explain why.

You might be able to stream live using the internet connection or Wi-Fi provided at the venue, like a live house or hall. However, if that internet connection is a "shared line" used by many people, risks arise. In other words, if someone else is using a lot of bandwidth elsewhere, it can cause unstable speeds.

Live streaming heavily relies on upload bandwidth. Consequently, the live video and audio you're sending might not reach the server due to congestion on the shared line, potentially causing the stream to interrupt on the viewer's screen.

Furthermore, with the rise of remote work and increased time spent at home, internet bandwidth is currently strained globally, sometimes leading to entire networks "going down." For live streaming that delivers real-time performances from a venue to users, it's essential to have the knowledge and infrastructure to handle these various "connection issues."

Of course, streaming over shared lines or mobile networks is possible, and the ease of this approach certainly underpins the current online live culture. As 5G environments become more widespread, stable streaming over mobile networks should become feasible.

However, as discussed, it's not uncommon for unstable internet connections to ruin an otherwise great online live event.

While scenarios vary depending on venue conditions, preparation time, and budget, adding additional internet lines enables more stable and secure streaming. Understand the internet line situation at your streaming venue, such as a live house or hall, and if necessary, we recommend adding lines.

For advance preparations to ensure a "safe" and "stable" stream, please consider Music Gakari!

At Ongakugakari, we believe that even as the music industry faces challenges, we can leverage technology to ensure users can enjoy music entertainment just as they would in normal times.

To achieve this, we must explore the untapped potential of online live events, enabling music fans to participate in live performances without feeling physically or psychologically "distant"—more so than ever before.

With our extensive experience handling online live streams of all sizes, Music Gakari offers a one-stop solution. We provide tailored proposals based on your event concept, including various solutions, creative expression methods, campaign design, and comprehensive technical and network support.

We categorize the various hurdles and key considerations from planning to execution of online live events as

"Creative"
"Production"
"Technical"

Each of these areas is supported by the ideas and capabilities of our dedicated team members.

Among these three areas, the "Technical" aspect is often the most challenging element in executing an online live event. By thoroughly preparing in advance and focusing on the points introduced here, you can achieve a "safe" and "stable" broadcast, ultimately delivering a stress-free live experience to your audience.

Whether you have a simple question, want to try something new, or are facing technical difficulties, feel free to consult with Ongakugakari first.

【Contact Information】
DENTSU Ongakugakari ONLINE
ongakugakari@dentsu.co.jp