What are the steps to get permission for live streaming a concert?

1 Know your rights

The first step is to understand your rights and obligations as a live streamer. You need to obtain a license or clearance for any copyrighted music that you use in your live stream, whether it is your own original songs, covers, or background music. The type of license you need depends on the platform you are using, the territory you are reaching, and the nature of your live stream. For example, some platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, or Twitch, have agreements with certain music rights organizations, such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, that allow you to use their music catalogues in your live stream, as long as you follow their terms and conditions. However, these agreements may not cover all the rights you need, such as synchronization, mechanical, or performance rights, and they may not apply to all countries or regions. Therefore, you should always check the policies and guidelines of the platform you are using, and consult with a lawyer or a music licensing expert if you have any doubts.

3 Negotiate the terms

The third step is to negotiate the terms and conditions of the permission or license with the rights holders. The terms may vary depending on the rights holders, the music, the platform, the duration, the audience size, and the revenue model of your live stream. You should be prepared to provide information about your live stream, such as the date, time, location, purpose, and expected viewership. You should also be prepared to pay a fee or share a percentage of your revenue with the rights holders, depending on the agreement. You should always get the permission or license in writing, and keep a copy of it for your records.

4 Follow the rules

The fourth step is to follow the rules and regulations of the platform you are using, and the permission or license you have obtained. You should respect the limitations and restrictions of the agreement, such as the time frame, the territory, the number of streams, or the type of music. You should also comply with the reporting and payment requirements, such as providing the playlist, the analytics, or the invoices. You should also monitor your live stream for any issues, such as copyright claims, disputes, or takedowns, and respond to them promptly and appropriately.

5 Promote your live stream

The fifth step is to promote your live stream and attract your audience. You should use your social media channels, your website, your email list, or your network to spread the word about your live stream. You should also create a catchy title, a compelling description, and a captivating thumbnail for your live stream. You should also use hashtags, keywords, or tags to optimize your live stream for search engines and algorithms. You should also engage with your audience before, during, and after your live stream, by answering their questions, acknowledging their comments, or asking for their feedback.

6 Enjoy your live stream

The sixth and final step is to enjoy your live stream and have fun. You should prepare your equipment, your setup, your sound, and your performance in advance, and test everything before you go live. You should also have a backup plan in case of any technical glitches, interruptions, or emergencies. You should also be confident, authentic, and enthusiastic in your live stream, and show your appreciation to your audience and the rights holders. You should also review your live stream afterwards, and evaluate your performance, your results, and your learning points.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?