5 ways to increase viewer engagement during your live event

A live audience in a room reacts to the energy around them. An online audience only has what comes through their screen. The good news is that a few deliberate choices can make a significant difference to how engaged your online viewers feel — and how long they stay watching.

1. Acknowledge your online audience early

At the start of your event, directly address the people watching online. "Welcome to everyone joining us on the live stream today — we're glad you're here." This sounds simple but it changes the experience entirely. Online viewers often feel like passive observers. Being acknowledged directly makes them feel included.

If you can see the viewer count or the live chat, mention it. "We have over 200 people watching online from around the world" turns anonymous numbers into a real community moment.

2. Give people something to do in the chat

The live chat feature on Strevalo is most effective when you give viewers a reason to use it. Ask a simple question at the start — "Where are you watching from today? Leave your location in the chat." You will be surprised how quickly the chat fills up, and the responses create a sense of shared presence that keeps people watching.

For conferences and corporate events, use the chat for live questions. Tell viewers they can submit questions and you will read some of them aloud. This transforms passive watching into active participation.

💬 Tip: Assign someone specifically to monitor and respond to the chat during your event. Even simple acknowledgements like "Thanks for joining from New York!" make a real difference to viewer retention.

3. Promote the replay before the event ends

Many viewers know they cannot watch the whole event live. Before you sign off, remind them that the replay is available on the same link. "The replay will be available on this link straight after we finish — feel free to share it with anyone who missed the live stream."

This serves two purposes: it keeps casual viewers watching a little longer because they know they can catch up, and it encourages social sharing, which brings new viewers to the replay.

4. Use visual cues to orient online viewers

In a physical room, people can look around and understand what is happening. Online, viewers only see what your camera shows. When you change location, introduce a speaker, or move to a different part of your event, briefly narrate what is happening. "We are now moving to the main hall for the keynote" removes confusion and keeps people oriented.

For churches, this is particularly valuable during complex liturgies. A simple on-screen title card showing the part of the Mass — Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist — can be added as an OBS text overlay and helps remote viewers follow along.

5. Share the link across multiple channels before you go live

The most effective engagement technique happens before the stream starts. Share the watch link on every channel available to you — WhatsApp groups, email lists, your website, social media. The more people who know the stream is happening, the more will actually watch.

Send a reminder an hour before you go live. "Sunday Mass begins in one hour — join us online at [link]." This simple message typically doubles viewership compared to sending only the day before.