Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan from DiscMakers shared some exciting tips and tricks to help you take your live streams to the next level. So take note and use these seven techniques to build an engaging and compelling live stream show next time you perform live:

1. Gradually develop your production set-up

At first, start simple by just using one camera, such as your laptop or phone. Then, over time, you can step it up by improving lighting, audio, and creating a set that looks good on camera, has links to your sites, and has your merch visible, for example. You can also start using tools like (OBS) which gives you the ability to create overlays, add effects, and use multiple cameras. Each time you make a change, test it out as a recording first and see how it looks.

2. Modify your performance

Your goal is to create an entertaining online performance that your fans will enjoy watching and will keep coming back for more. Because every song is different, they shouldn’t look the same to your audience. To do this, use the different parts of your “stage” area and screen. Even if you’re playing in your living room or basement, imagine you are performing in front of a live audience, not an empty room with a camera. Also, most online performances are very personal and have a little more time in between songs to answer people who are talking on the chat or asking questions. Since there’s no audience in the room, that’s a great way to create the feeling that people watching are having a shared experience.

3. Create a theme for the show

Performing online means you have to attract your own viewership and are competing against many other options. To attract viewers, make the event special in some way. A great way to do so is to think about what your audience would like. For example, a “Meditation and Music” show, “Weekend Chill,” or “Happy Hour” could be the perfect theme for an evening’s entertainment. Apart from these themed events, you can also use covers to captivate audiences. Use all your tried-and-true promotional techniques to get your event re-shared online and likely to appear in searches on the web.

4. Choose the right platforms

When you put on a live stream show, you have the opportunity to choose the platform. There are many options, such as Twitch, YouTube Live, Periscope, Facebook Live, Mixer, and YouNow. Although you can choose to go with just one, you can also simulcast to multiple platforms so you can catch a bigger audience. You can achieve that by using tools like Restream.io. Note that some platforms don’t play well with others; for example, Facebook doesn’t allow you to multicast to it if you’re playing the stream anywhere else. If you do choose a single platform, select one that you can monetize the best or has the features you’re most comfortable with.

5. Play regularly

One of the best ways to build an audience is to play regularly. The Internet rewards consistency and fans will get in the habit of watching you when you have a scheduled performance. But keep your streams different from each other so fans will come back for new experiences.

6. Monetize your platform

An easy way to do so is to add links in the stream and chat to promote your website, merch, tip jars, Patreon account, and other revenue streams. You can also build your income sources into your show, which means talking about (and possibly wearing) your merchandise and promoting your patronage. Beyond talking to your audience about it, you can also use the various surfaces in the camera’s view to display promotional signs with links or add a digital overlay using video software tools like OBS.

7. Make sure all of your shows have great hashtags

Be sure to add hashtags within the descriptions of your shows. These can attract viewers because your stream will come up in searches within the platform and appear on pages dedicated to that hashtag. You can always use the #music and #livemusic hashtags. Also, add hashtags related to the type of show you’re performing, such as the event theme (like #meditation or #boozymusic). You can also use trending hashtags, current events, and recent news. And if you are doing a cover show, use the hashtags from the bands that you are covering so you can reach their fans as well.