live streaming Cost Considerations

Live Streaming cost can vary, like any production cost can, based on the scope of work. It can be hard to provide an estimate without talking through the type of event and what you’re looking to achieve.  

Some events, such as conferences, could already have most of the elements in place that help produce a professional live streaming event, including adequate stage wash lighting and a PA system with an audio output for us to connect to for clean audio. Most venues typically have internet to connect to as well, which can sometimes be provided freely or at a small cost by the hotel or conference center.  

For internet, we always prefer having a hard-line ethernet connection, when possible, to remove any additional points of failure.  WiFi internet signal can diminish when the crowd fills the room, so discussion of attendance is also at the forefront of our pre-production discussions.

If internet on-site is minimal or non-existent, we can provide a mobile 5G LTE-A/4G Bonded WiFi Hotspot solution, where the wireless signal bonds the networks of the three top cellular carriers’, and provides maximum reliability and performance. This is an additional cost and can be included in your estimate.

We also provide Conference and Event Production, so if you need us to produce more elements of your event,  such as AV support, we are able to quote for that as well.

Here are the factors that can contribute to the cost of live streaming include:

1.  Total Duration of the Event
2.  Event Scale and Viewership
3.  Number of Cameras required for the event
4.  How many CDN’s are you sending the live stream to? (An example of a CDN is YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch, etc.)
5.  Are there custom graphics or custom animation required for the live stream?
6.  Do you require Zoom or WebEx integration?
7. Do you need the virtual participants to be heard in the room and interact with your in-person audience?
8. Do you need storage and archiving for later viewing?
9.  Is this meant to be interactive, like a virtual conference, or is it just for viewing?
10.  Is there a PA System on-site for audio or do you need us to provide audio support?
11.  Is there internet available at the location or do you require a mobile hotspot?
12.  Is there power on-site or do we need to provide a generator?
13. Do you need us to provide any additional AV support at the event?
14. Do we have additional days for setup, testing and run through?

These are some of the main questions we ask to ensure we can send you an accurate cost.

Now, there are many ways to live stream an event, and depending what company you choose, pricing can vary.  This cost fluctuates due to equipment used and number of crew members required.

Starting cost for an Ant Farm Media Live Stream package is $2,500 and goes up from there.  Our cost goes up every year to match rising costs and overhead, and as we continue to purchase more high-end, 4K equipment.  Our starting package comes with 3-cameras, 1 camera operator and 1 stream tech, and all necessary live streaming equipment and cabling.

For more information on our live streaming services, please see our Live Streaming and Virtual Conference pages, or see some of our Hybrid Event and Live Streaming Blog Posts.

All productions are different, and we’re always happy to talk through your budget and your project scope to ensure the best possible production.

Contact us using the form below to get more information on your next live stream!