Getting your charity started with livestreaming

What is livestreaming?

Livestreaming has become an incredible way for charities to connect with supporters, spread awareness, and raise vital funds. It’s the act of broadcasting video content in real-time over the internet, allowing audiences to watch and interact as events unfold live.

With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube making live video more accessible than ever, charities of all sizes can use real-time engagement to bring their mission to life. 

Whether you’re sharing behind-the-scenes moments, telling impactful stories, or hosting a live fundraiser, livestreaming helps create a deeper sense of community and involvement. 

But choosing the right platform can be overwhelming: each one has its own strengths, audience, and features. In this resource, we’ll explore why livestreaming is a powerful tool for charities and how you can make it work for your cause. 

Why should your charity livestream? 

1. Connect with your audience in real-time: Livestreaming creates an instant, interactive experience. You can answer questions, share updates, and engage directly with supporters, making them feel like part of the journey.
2. Boost your reach and visibility: Social media platforms often prioritise live content, so your livestreams could reach a much larger audience than regular posts. More exposure means more potential supporters.
3. Build trust and authenticity: People connect with real unscripted moments. Livestreaming gives a transparent look at your work, helping donors and followers feel more confident about supporting your cause.
4. Fundraise without the big costs: Hosting a live event online eliminates the need for expensive venues, travel, and logistics, making it a budget-friendly way to rally support.
5. Build a sense of community: A livestream allows your audience to participate, comment, and interact, making them feel valued and connected to your mission.

How can you incorporate livestreaming into your strategy? 

No matter your budget, resources or experience level, there are plenty of ways to incorporate livestreaming into your charity’s strategy. Here are some approaches to get you started: 

• Hosting in-house livestreams: Run your own live events to engage directly with supporters, share updates, and raise funds. Big events like Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day have used livestreaming successfully, but you don’t need a massive production – simple, authentic moments can be just as impactful. 

• Collaborating with streamers: Partner with content creators and influencers who align with your cause to help amplify your message. For example, charities like SpecialEffect have successfully partnered with gaming influencers to fundraise. 

• Encourage your supporters to go live: Give your community the tools and encouragement to run their own fundraising livestreams. Many UK charities, like Mind, Macmillan and NSPCC, have had great success with supporter-led gaming marathons and live challenges. 
• Mixing different approaches: Get creative by combining multiple strategies to best fit your charity’s unique needs and goals. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. 

Which platform is right for your charity? 

Each platform offers different features and reaches different audiences. Choosing the right one depends on your goals and the demographic you want to connect with. 

Make it your own

Livestreaming is a great way for charities to connect with supporters, tell powerful stories, and raise funds in a fun and interactive way. Whether you’re teaming up with streamers, hosting your own events, or encouraging supporters to go live for you, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Get creative, and make livestreaming work for you and your supporters.

In part two of this resource, we’ll cover everything you need to plan and run a successful livestream – from coming up with content ideas to hitting your fundraising goals. Stay tuned!