Simulive
What is a simulive?
Simulive, a portmanteau of 'simulated' and 'live', is a streaming technique that combines the best aspects of live and static content. During a simulive, pre-recorded content is broadcasted as if it were happening live. Event organizers can use a simulive to maintain the real-time interactivity of a live stream while harnessing the production quality of pre-recorded content.
Simulive events often feature a pre-recorded and edited main presentation followed by a live Q&A session. This way, event hosts can stream their content with minimal complications compared to other live events, but still address their audience afterward in real time. A simulive is far more forgiving when it comes to the technical and media aspects of a live presentation.
How does simulive work?
Preparation
The first step in creating a simulive event is to record the main presentation. This can be done in a professional setting or at home, depending on the type of live content. The key is to record numerous takes until you perfect your event presentation, so that your audience sees the best results. This will make your broadcast stand out from other live streams.
Once you’ve picked your best take, it can be edited to perfection. This is a significant advantage over live events, where real-time mistakes can’t be corrected. The edited video is then scheduled for broadcast at a specific time, just like a live event.
Broadcast
At the scheduled time, the pre-recorded video is broadcast as if it were a live stream. The audience can join the event, watch the presentation, and make comments in real-time. During the broadcast, the presenter can interface with viewers in the live chat, which makes the simulive feel more like a live event.
As mentioned before, hosting a live Q&A session after the pre-recorded presentation can bring a good balance to your simulive event. Viewers will feel like their voice is heard, which helps if they’re initially unsure about watching a pre-recorded broadcast. Delivering top-quality video content to wow your audience and hearing their feedback directly afterward is perfect for reaching new heights with your next simulive event.
Benefits of a simulive
1. Control and precision
One of the main advantages of a simulive is the control that pre-recorded events grant to live creators. The time and effort put into the pre-simulive content is entirely up to the event hosts. It’s also much easier to implement media and dynamic content in a webinar or presentation if it’s pre-recorded. Fumbling with a slideshow or a slow video player during a live broadcast can discourage viewers from staying on the stream.
This level of control and precision isn’t possible in a live event, where mistakes made during the broadcast can’t be corrected. A simulive ensures that presenters can deliver the most professional and refined content possible to their live audience, getting their point across flawlessly.
2. Interaction and exposure
Despite the pre-recorded nature of the main presentation, simulive events often still use live chat feeds to gauge audience feedback. This is essential to any broadcasted event because live chat acts as a communication channel between the hosts and audience. Any live Q&A segments following the simulive content can strengthen this channel as well.
Simulive content also takes advantage of the exposure that live streams garner on most social media platforms. Sites like Facebook, Instagram, and X promote active streams to encourage user engagement and drive new viewers to certain accounts. This means that your video will get more views and exposure if it’s streamed as a simulive event instead of being uploaded as a static post.
3. Flexibility and convenience
A simulive offers a high degree of flexibility and convenience for both presenters and the audience. Presenters can record their presentation at a time that suits them, without the pressure of a live audience. The audience, on the other hand, can watch the event at the scheduled time or catch up later if they missed it.
Simulive events are especially useful for creating a schedule to broadcast content. Streamers can set a simulive video to go live at the same time every week, which lets them stream even when they’re busy or on vacation. Some streaming solutions like Restream even allow users to loop their simulive content, so that their audience has 24/7 access to their presentation for their convenience.