6.1 Streaming platforms for mobile journalism

A streaming platform is an online service that receives live audio or video from a device and delivers it to viewers over the internet in real time, and usually keeps a recording for later viewing. For mobile journalists, streaming platforms make it possible to broadcast events as they happen straight from a phone, without a satellite truck or studio. The choice of platform decides who will see the stream, what quality is possible and what tools are available to engage the audience. Example: a community television station in Lorugum streamed a county budget public participation forum live from a phone so residents in distant wards could follow it.

Social media streaming platforms

• Facebook Live: Streams to a profile, page or group. It suits community and local news because many audiences already follow pages there; comments and reactions appear during the stream.
• YouTube Live: Streams to a YouTube channel and saves the video for later viewing and search. Mobile streaming may require the channel to meet a minimum subscriber count set by YouTube; streaming through an encoder app is an alternative.
• Instagram Live: Vertical live video to followers, with the option to invite a guest into the stream. It suits younger audiences and informal formats.
• TikTok LIVE: Vertical live video with strong reach among young audiences. Access depends on age and account requirements set by TikTok.
• X (formerly Twitter): Supports live video, suited to breaking news and political events where journalists and newsmakers are active.
• LinkedIn Live: Suited to business, professional and policy content, with access subject to LinkedIn's approval.

Professional streaming tools and apps

• Encoder apps: Apps such as Larix Broadcaster send a phone's camera feed to any platform or server that accepts a standard stream, using a stream address (server URL) and a stream key.
• Multi-camera production apps: Apps such as Switcher Studio let several phones act as cameras, with switching, titles and graphics like a small studio.
• Browser-based studios: Services such as StreamYard let a producer bring in remote guests, add lower thirds and stream to several platforms at once.
• Bonded cellular systems: Professional apps and units, such as those from LiveU, TVU Networks and Dejero, combine several mobile connections to send a steadier stream to a television station's control room.
• Own website or app: A media house can embed live streams on its own website, keeping control of the audience, advertising and data.

Factors in choosing a streaming platform

• Audience: Stream where the target audience already is.
• Purpose: Breaking news, interviews, events and question-and-answer sessions suit different platforms.
• Quality: Check the resolution and stability each platform supports.
• Interactivity: Consider comments, polls, guest features and moderation tools.
• Access requirements: Some platforms require account verification, a minimum number of followers or approval before live streaming.
• Archiving: Check whether the stream is saved and can be downloaded or edited.
• Monetisation: Some platforms share advertising revenue or allow paid viewing.
• Rights and policies: Platform rules on copyrighted music, graphic content and political material can lead to streams being cut.
• Data cost: Streaming uses much mobile data, so cost and network quality must be planned.

Technical requirements for streaming from a phone

• Stable connection: A strong 4G or 5G signal or Wi-Fi with good upload speed. As a guide, a few megabits per second of upload are needed for smooth high-definition video; test the speed before going live.
• Charged power source: A full battery and a power bank or mains charger.
• Stabilisation: A tripod or gimbal for steady pictures.
• Good sound: An external microphone, since poor sound loses viewers faster than poor pictures.
• Account readiness: Logged-in accounts, stream keys and permissions set up before the event.