Live streams with password protection are possible in different ways on the various live-streaming platforms.
Password-protected live streams are possible on Vimeo. However, live-streaming is only possible in the Pro version. Vimeo Pro costs 16 € / month and must be paid 12 months in advance.
On YouTube, they have the option of using so-called “unlisted” live streams that only those who know the link can watch. So the video does not show up on your channel and in search results. So the link is the password.
With Crowdcast (also for a fee), users must first create an individual account and only then can they register for their event. Participation in the event therefore requires the user’s individual login there.
Another option is to stream your event in the form of a“video call” (e.g. with Zoom, MS Teams or Google Meet). With many of these apps, you have the option to set a password and can see the usernames of the viewers and kick out individuals. For technical reasons, however, the picture quality of video calls is somewhat lower than that of classic streaming platforms. There are also limits on the number of participants everywhere. With ZOOM, for example, this limit is 100 participants in the simple Pro package. Larger packages can be booked with us for a fee.
Alternatively, you can book your own live-streaming hoster, for example at https://www.video-stream-hosting.com/. So-called 1x passwords are also possible there. So each user is sent only one password, which expires after the first login. However, users will be locked out if their computer goes down in the meantime.
Basically, you should know that ANY link and ANY password can be shared by your viewers. And monitors can also be filmed during ZOOM calls and illegally streamed on to YouTube, for example. In addition, several people can also sit in front of one computer. But: The more complicated you make the access, the more potential viewers you will lose. Because every technical hurdle is also an exclusion.
We recommend that instead of relying on “extreme security” with complicated password solutions, simply use an unlisted YouTube live stream. You should then simply inform the audience in the email that the event is not open to the public and that sharing the link is not desired. If you have really malicious subscribers, they will – one way or another – find a way to share the stream.
Easylivestream does not have its own hosting and data center. However, we stream to any provider of your choice, even several at the same time, whether free or paid. We would ask you to conclude the contracts with your hosting provider yourself. Maximum we can offer that you can use our YouTube channel for free.
