This post covers two ways you can integrate audio into your sports team's live stream. It's part of our series on audio tips for live streaming.
Imagine turning the TV on to watch your favorite sports team only to discover that no sound was playing. You’d think something was broken. That frustration would quickly turn into anger and you’d likely watch something else.
Viewers’ expectations of your streams aren’t any different. Sure, when people tune into a sports game, they want to see the action. But they also want to be able to hear what’s going on.
If you’ve opted not to include sound because you’re short-staffed or don’t have appropriate resources, there are still ways to provide your viewers with a better experience. This post outlines two easy ways to do just that.
1. Student Sportscasters
Offering students the opportunity to grow their sports broadcasting skills is a fun way for non-athletes to get involved in your sports program and is an incredible way to develop their talents outside of the classroom. When Cleveland’s St. Ignatius High School developed a student broadcasting program, they found that many students decided to pursue sports broadcasting after graduation.
2. Natural Sound
If recruiting students to help with your sportscasting efforts is beyond the realm of immediate possibility, consider simply using the natural sound from your camera. In many cases, this will be enough to appease your viewers. At the very least, they’ll be able to experience the sights and sounds of the game – the whistles, squeaks and roars of the crowd.
Audio is a wonderful way to enhance any game. In fact, it can be the difference between a bad experience and a great one. Staring at a silent stream is no fun for everyone, no matter how invested that person may be in the action. Include audio on your next live broadcast. Your audience will thank you.
Final Thoughts + Further Reading
Adding audio greatly increases the quality of your live stream. There are an infinite number of ways to do it. Regardless of what you choose, your viewers will thank you.
If you're new to streaming athletics or want to up your game in broadcasting other events, check out our complete guide to live video streaming equipment for every level.
Here are some more resources we think you might find helpful:
How To Fix Audio Issues On Your Live Stream
How To Fix the Buzzing Noise on Your Live Stream
Balanced vs. Unbalanced Audio: What's The Difference?
Image Source: WEBN-TV via Flickr
