<aside> <img src="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/69c9f730-d90e-49ab-a681-909a91236c22/50572972327fe2cb8a68d4c4458c08847be801a9.png" alt="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/69c9f730-d90e-49ab-a681-909a91236c22/50572972327fe2cb8a68d4c4458c08847be801a9.png" width="40px" /> This guide covers how to run a live stream on Bandcamp. It covers what you need to stream, how you can make money from putting on the best show you can, and what to expect when you go live. For more general Bandcamp guidance, visit our Artist Guide.

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The pandemic has made touring and performing live impossible, eliminating a vital source of income for many artists. We hope to help you replace some of that lost income with ticketed live shows on Bandcamp. You can now run high quality ticketed live streams directly on your Bandcamp artist site. Your merch will appear right alongside your stream, so your fans can support you during the show, and optional live chat allows you to engage with fans directly. Here are a few reasons to run a show on Bandcamp:

Taps into your Bandcamp fan base (your existing Bandcamp followers are automatically notified when you schedule a show via email or the Bandcamp App, and encouraged to buy a ticket) and helps you to grow that fan base (ticket buyers who are new to your Bandcamp site will automatically follow you and be prompted to join your mailing list).
Fans know the money they spend on a ticket goes directly to you, the artist, just like any other purchase on Bandcamp.
Purchasing tickets is as easy as purchasing music and merch on Bandcamp, and is also secure, ensuring that only those who have paid the price of admission get to see the performance.
Fans can further support you directly by purchasing your music or merch from the show page before, during and after the show.
All the other things you've come to know and expect from Bandcamp (including detailed stats, ownership of your data, and a fair revenue share).

Planning a show

Running a live stream as an artist can be an incredibly rewarding experience, though it does require some careful consideration. What works in a live venue with an audience might not translate to a streamed show, and though it’s now easier than ever to stream, there is a certain amount of setup involved.

What you'll need:

A reliable and fast internet connection (at least 5Mbps upload and download). Ideally wired.
Good audio and video equipment
A well-lit space to perform from
A computer that can run streaming software such as OBS, or a smartphone capable of streaming.

Concept

Before setting up a live stream on Bandcamp, you should consider what sort of a performance to put on. Live streams are unique in that they give you a way to connect with your fans in an intimate way, yet on a global scale. They are an opportunity for fans to support and interact with you that cannot be replicated in physical space. They are also an opportunity for you as an artist to experiment with new ways of creating experiences and expressing yourself.

As with any performance, it’s always important to have a strong theme or concept. Whether stripped back or highly produced, define your concept early. Performing can be nerve-wracking even without a physical audience in front of you, so the more you can do to prepare and be confident in your performance, the better.

Here are a few things to consider when planning a live stream:

Intimate and lo-fi are not the same thing: putting on an intimate show still requires some careful consideration if you want fans to enjoy the experience. Decent lighting, video and - most importantly - clear audio are all important, whatever the concept. Ensure you invest time on your setup.
Embrace the sound of silence: there won’t be any applause, so consider how to fill the gaps between songs. Some artists read out messages from the chat.
Treat the screen as a stage: think about how to decorate your environment to make it interesting. Your performance space is an important part of the show, so spend some time getting it right.