Intro

When a new visitor lands on your website’s home page, what’s their first impression? You only have a few seconds to grab their attention and convince them to stay so your content better be good.

One way to engage website visitors is with live video.  A live stream of a product demo, webinar, fundraiser or live event on your home page is much more enticing than a static webpage.

This guide shows you step-by-step how to set up (or embed) live video on your website so you can boost your traffic and foster connections with your target audience.

👀 What does “embedding live video” mean?

Embedding live video refers to the process of adding a live stream to your website using a video player or online video platform. When you embed a live streaming video on a webpage, a video player (like the kind you see on YouTube) appears and plays your video. Visitors to your website can watch your live video via the website video player (or web player for short).

For most websites, all you need to do to embed a live video is copy and paste a simple link or embed code into your website’s HTML.

🔥 How to embed a live stream to your website with Restream

By using Restream’s website video player, you can stream video to your site in just a few steps. You have two options:

  1. Use an encoding software like OBS
  2. Use Restream Studio (our web-based live streaming solution)

Note: To use the Restream website video player, you must sign up for a Premium plan.

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👉 Use Restream’s web player with an encoding software

  1. Log in to your Restream account (or create a new one here).
  2. Navigate to the dashboard and click “Set up for OBS, Zoom, etc.”
  3. Click the “Embed Stream” button at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Copy the embed code that pops up in the “Embed settings” window.
  5. Paste the code into your website’s HTML.
  6. Start broadcasting from your encoding software.
  7. You’re live streaming to your site!

👉 Use Restream Studio

  1. Log in to your Restream account and navigate to the dashboard.
  2. Click “Stream with Studio.”
  3. Click the “Settings” button at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Click the “Embed Stream” button at the bottom of the “Settings” window.
  5. Copy the embed code that appears in the “Embed settings” window.
  6. Paste the code into your website’s HTML.
  7. Click the red “Go Live” button in the top-right corner of the Studio when you are ready to broadcast.
  8. You’re live streaming to your site!

If you prefer watching rather than reading, check out our tutorial video below.

🚀 The benefits of broadcasting live on your website

Streaming to your own website opens up many possibilities for your live videos. You can:

  • Own your content: You’re free to monetize your live videos how you want, without relying on the revenue options — and possible limitations — offered by a social media platform.
  • Get closer to your target audience: When you stream on a platform such as Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn, your goal is usually to get people to click on a link to your website. When you stream to your own site, your target audience is one step closer to becoming a potential customer.
  • Provide one destination for all your live videos: Rather than keeping your live stream archive on a social platform, where there’s a different link for each video, you can host replays of past live streams in one spot on a dedicated webpage.

🤩 Examples of embedding live streams on a website

All types of websites can benefit from hosting live videos directly. Here are some common scenarios:

  • Live events: Places of worship, charities, agencies and businesses all host online and in-person events to connect with their target audience. Providing a dedicated website where people can watch the event live gives it a more professional feel. It also makes sharing the link to the event stream easier, as viewers won’t need a social media account to watch it.
  • E-commerce: For businesses that sell products online, live shopping can be a major sales boost. You can host product demos, tutorials, workshops and even a behind-the-scenes look at how a product is made. Customers are more likely to make a purchase online if they can see how the product works.
  • Courses: Online education is a booming industry. Coaches and teachers who have knowledge to share can create courses to monetize their expertise. Streaming courses to your own website gives you more control over how the content is presented, and you can require a paid subscription to access the course.
  • Small businesses: Getting closer to customers and making connections is a must for small businesses. When people see a live video playing on a local business’ home page, it can be engaging and intriguing. Streaming to a business website fosters better relationships with customers and makes the company stand out.

💬  How to broadcast live on my website: FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions to help you learn more about embedding live videos.

1. Do I need to know how to code to embed a live stream on my website?

To use Restream’s website video player, you’ll need some basic HTML knowledge to copy an embed code and paste it into your website’s HTML.

2. Can I embed a live stream on a WordPress website?

Yes, you can use Restream’s web player to embed live video on your WordPress site. Just grab the embed code from Restream and paste it into your webpage’s HTML.

3. How can I improve the quality of my embedded live video?

You can adjust the settings in the live streaming solution you’re using to maximize the quality of your video. The optimal settings differ if you’re using an encoding software versus Restream Studio.

4. What shows up on my site if I’m not live?

The website video player will still appear on your webpage even if you’re not live. If you use Restream’s web player, a black screen that says “Offline” is displayed. You can display a custom thumbnail instead of the default message — instructions are here.

Wrap-up

With an embedded live video player, your website will be dynamic and engaging. Streaming to your own website also gives your viewers another destination to watch your streams in addition to platforms like Facebook, YouTube or Twitch.

Restream’s website video player makes adding live video to your website easy. If you combine it with our streaming solution, Restream Studio, you can go live to your site without needing to download any additional software. You get stress-free streaming and a better chance to connect with your audience.