In 2016, BuzzFeed took to Facebook Live to answer one simple question: How many rubber bands does it take to break a watermelon in half? The question inspired nearly 800,000 people to tune into BuzzFeed’s livestream, and the results were explosive — literally. Viewers hung on the edge of their seats as rubber bands were secured to a bulging watermelon that eventually exploded. The video went on to garner more than 5 million views.
That’s the power of livestreaming.
What is it
Livestreaming is simple. You broadcast a live video over the internet to active viewers. Think of it as live TV you create. Some platforms also let you save the broadcast to share with your social media followers afterward.
What platform do I use?
There are tons of platforms to choose from, but Twitch is one of the most popular by far. With 30 million daily visitors and more than 7 million streamers active each month (according to Twitch), this platform always draws a large audience.
Here are some other options:
- YouTube Live
- Facebook Live
- Tik Tok Live
- Vimeo
- Periscope
- StreamYard
How do I use it to fundraise?
Fundraising through livestream can be as simple as sharing a link to your fundraising page on your live feed. Choose your topic and dedicate whatever you’re doing to raise money as part of Team Roswell. Let people know why you’re raising money and ask them to donate to end cancer once and for all.
What topic do I choose?
When it comes to livestream fundraising, almost anything goes. If you’re into gaming, then game to end cancer. If you enjoy cooking, teach a cooking class for a cause. And if these ideas don’t quite fit? Try something random, like exploding a watermelon or doing a make-up tutorial. Just remember to ask for donations as you go!