One of the most common questions we get at Volume.com is: Should I offer my live stream for free or charge fans for access? While the choice is ultimately yours, whether you're an artist or a venue, we’ve put together a guide to help you make the best decision for each event you host. The right approach depends on your goals—whether you're looking to maximize audience reach and collect valuable fan data or capitalize on pent-up demand and generate additional revenue from ticket sales.

Here’s a breakdown of when it makes sense to offer a free stream versus when it’s better to charge for tickets, along with tips on how venues can effectively use live streaming to grow their audience.

Free Stream vs. Paid Stream

On Volume.com, you have the flexibility to choose between free and paid streams for each event and know that you collect data with either decision. When making this decision, consider the following factors:

1. Free Streams: Collect More Data & Build Your Fanbase

Offering a live stream for free is a great way to attract a larger audience and collect valuable contact information, such as email addresses. This strategy is especially effective for new venues or artists who are building their presence. The more people that tune in, the more potential fans you can engage with over time. This approach works well for recurring events, like weekly shows or theme nights, where the goal is to build consistent engagement and grow your mailing list.

Ideal for:

  •  Weekly or recurring shows: These are easy to stream with little resistance from artists or the venue. They create regular content that attracts consistent viewership, allowing you to build a streaming audience organically.
  •  First-time streams or new artists/venues: Starting with free streams helps establish your venue as a streaming destination. This also provides an opportunity for fans to experience your content before committing to paid events.

2. Paid Streams: Capitalize on High Demand

 If your event is sold out or there's significant buzz around it, this is the perfect opportunity to charge for access to the live stream. When fans are already eager to attend and there are no more in-person tickets available, you can create an additional revenue stream by offering a paid option to tune in online. This works particularly well for special events, album releases, or performances by well-known acts with established fanbases.

Ideal for:

  • ‍Sold-out shows: With in-person capacity maxed out, live streaming gives you a chance to meet excess demand. Whether you choose to offer the stream for free or charge for tickets, sold-out events are a prime opportunity to engage a broader audience.
  • Exclusive or special events: If the show involves a unique performance, a limited-time collaboration, or an album release, charging for the stream can help monetize fan interest while providing an exclusive experience.

How Venues Can Leverage Live Streaming

Every venue’s calendar is packed with different types of events—from private gatherings to local bands, and even national acts with their own touring strategies. Here’s how you can leverage live streaming to maximize the potential of each type of show:

  • Weekly or Theme Nights: Stream for Free

            These recurring events are perfect for free streams. They’re easy to produce and have minimal friction in terms of artist agreements. Streaming these shows helps familiarize your audience with your venue’s online             presence and builds your streaming audience over time.

  • First Shows or New Artists: Start Free

            When your venue is just getting into streaming, or you're working with emerging artists, free streams are a no-brainer. This encourages people to check out your venue and gives you a chance to grow your             community without any cost barriers. Once fans have tuned in to one or two events, they’ll be more likely to pay for access to future shows.

  • Sold-Out Shows: Free or Paid Stream

            When an event sells out, it signals strong demand. This is where you have the flexibility to decide whether to offer a free stream to capture even more emails, or to charge for the stream and boost your event's             bottom line. Sold-out shows are prime candidates for streaming, as there’s already proven interest, making it easier to justify either approach.

Boost Your Venue's Reach with Volume.com

Incorporating live streaming into your venue’s strategy is a powerful way to expand your reach and engage fans beyond the physical space. Whether you’re looking to drive ticket sales, grow your email list, or promote your venue as a hub for music lovers, live streaming offers a flexible and scalable way to do so. Volume.com is your go-to platform for simplifying the live-streaming process and unlocking new marketing and revenue opportunities.

Let us help you turn every event—whether local or national, small or large—into a streaming success. With Volume.com, you can build a strong streaming presence, connect with more fans, and grow your venue’s community in ways you never thought possible.

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