Whether you're hosting a public livestream on Facebook or a private workshop on Twitch, Givebutter makes it easy to share your virtual event with anyone. Stream from anywhere and embed it right on your Givebutter campaign page on the day of the event. Leave your stream up after the event is over for visitors to relive the experience.
If your organization isn't able to host a live event, you can also use pre-recorded video on a livestream!
Supported platforms 🌐
Livestreaming via Zoom 🔍
To livestream on Givebutter using Zoom, you'll need to port your stream to one of our supported streaming platforms. Once you have that set up, you can embed the stream directly on your Givebutter page.
Setting up livestream video 🎬
On your dashboard, under Campaigns, click on the Event campaign you'd like to add a livestream to.
You cannot add livestream video to a Form or Page campaign, but you can easily change the type of an existing campaign. You can also add livestream video to an Event campaign with an auction!
Select the Event tab. At the top of the page, ensure you've selected either a Digital or Hybrid event type. (You cannot add livestream video to an In Person event.)
Scroll down to the Livestream section. Livestream on Givebutter will be selected.
Select the livestream platform you're using from the dropdown list.
Enter your Livestream URL – this is the link to your live video.
Your Livestream URL depends on the platform you're using. For more information, take a look at the guide for your specific platform.
Choose when you'd like your livestream to go live.
Manually control – Turn the livestream on and off using the Start and Stop buttons located in this section.
Schedule – Set times for your livestream to automatically start and stop. Your Givebutter page will automatically show and hide your livestream at the designated time without requiring visitors to refresh the page.
When you go live from most platforms, viewers will see the cover photo automatically switch over to your livestream – whether you started it manually or at a scheduled time, your guests won't need to refresh the page.
When you go live from YouTube, viewers will need to click the play button in order to view your livestream.
Using pre-recorded video 🎥
Hosting a livestream event can be tricky to coordinate and prepare for. If you would prefer to pre-record a video to use in place of a livestream, your event can be more easily managed, while still incorporating some live aspects! Some benefits of using pre-recorded video for a livestream include:
Guests being inclined to register to attend (even if it's a free ticket) and it feels like a special event, rather than a regular fundraiser.
Some organizations may not have the bandwidth to host a live virtual event because of the technicalities that go into coordinating something truly live.
Not worrying about any hiccups the night of your livestream event!
FAQ 🤔
How can I host a livestream with multiple hosts and screen sharing?
To include multiple hosts on one livestream, we'd recommend using Zoom and porting your livestream to one of our supported platforms.
Can I test my livestream before my event?
Yes! You can go live at any time – no notifications are sent out. If you'd like to test your livestream without the risk of anyone accidentally seeing it on your live campaign page, you can always create a test Event campaign to become familiar with the functions before the day of your public livestream.
Are supporters notified when a livestream starts on Givebutter?
No, it functions like a standard event – reminders are sent out 24 hours and 1 hour beforehand, and only if reminders are enabled.
What's the difference between using a video as the campaign Cover Photo and using a pre-recorded video as a livestream?
While both options provide a similar result, a scheduled livestream event creates a sense of place, urgency, and community you won't get with an embedded video on your campaign page. A livestream will also be labeled as such on the public page, and you can toggle between your livestream video and cover photo to suit your event timings.
Can I host multiple livestreams during my event? Can I use multiple streaming platforms?
Yes, however you cannot use multiple livestreams simultaneously on one Event page. You are able to change your livestream information (including platform and URL) whenever you like, even if it's during your event.
Can I add a livestream directly to the auction page/tab on my campaign?
Not currently, no – the livestream will be located on the main campaign Overview page. Please see the feature request for embedding a livestream on the auction tab!