Whether you’re a museum, gallery, library, pottery studio, makerspace or a volunteer-led craft club, we want you to stay connected with your audience during COVID-19. There are lots of easy ways you can stream workshops live via social media, so we’ve put this useful resource together to help get you started.
Tips for livestreaming your craft:
- Try watching a few examples of online craft tutorials to see how other makers have done theirs – think about your craft and your audience. Showing how to throw a pot and a children’s weaving workshop will need very different set ups!
- Choose the right location; ensure your space is well lit and you have enough room to do your activity.
- A good internet connection is vital so be sure you are in range of your Wi-Fi router and have a strong signal.
- Use a tripod if possible, or a makeshift one!
- If you are using a laptop or computer, make sure it’s fully charged or plugged in.
- Do a test run so you can get a good feel for timings, the activity and what materials you might need. Try doing a test broadcast with a friend in advance to check that your audio and camera are working properly.
- Promote your live event on social media so your followers know when it is happening and what materials they will need. Promote to your own followers, but also look for other craft groups to share it with—and don’t forget the Crafts Council’s Everyday Making group on Facebook.
- Show the materials and tools people will need at the start and consider listing them in the text you use to promote the event.
- Be consistent. If you are going to do a regular live stream workshop, try to stick to the same time and day.
- Avoid using music during your session to avoid copyright complications.
- If you have someone in your household who can assist off-camera, they can read you any comments from your live stream.
- Go for it! Live streams don’t have to be perfect, so don’t worry if you have a few hiccups. The main thing is that people are able to connect with you, learn from what you’re doing, and have fun.
- Be sure to tag the Crafts Council in your post and use the hashtags #EverydayMaking #GetCreativeAtHome.
- Upload your video afterwards so that people who missed your live broadcast can take part too.
Facebook Live
Facebook Live is really user-friendly and a great way to reach your existing audience. It’s instant and interactive, giving viewers the chance to comment and ask questions while crafting along at home.
How to go live on Facebook:
- Log in to your Facebook homepage.
- Go to create a post and press the Live Video option.
- When the Live page has opened, add a video title and description so people know what you will be making.
- Click on the Go Live button to get started!
- When you are running your session, be sure to check out who is watching and respond to any questions your viewers ask.
Please note: This may look slightly different depending on what device you are using.