Live streaming property auctions has moved from novelty to expectation in many markets. Interstate bidders, busy professionals, and family members who can’t attend increasingly expect to watch auctions remotely.

Done well, live streaming enhances transparency and expands participation. Done poorly, it creates problems. Here’s how to get it right.

Why Streaming Matters

Live streaming serves several valuable purposes.

Bidder reach: Remote bidding—whether formally integrated or through phone bidding triggered by streaming—expands the buyer pool for properties.

Transparency demonstration: Streaming creates a record and demonstrates process integrity. Vendors appreciate knowing their auction was conducted openly.

Marketing showcase: Successful auctions streamed live become marketing content. The energy of competitive bidding, captured authentically, demonstrates your auction capability.

Family involvement: Major purchase decisions often involve family members who can’t physically attend. Streaming enables participation.

Technical Requirements

Quality streaming requires appropriate technical setup.

Camera quality: Use at least 1080p resolution. Smartphone cameras are adequate for basic streaming; dedicated cameras provide better results for important auctions.

Audio capture: This is where most streams fail. Bidders and viewers need to hear the auctioneer clearly. Use external microphones positioned close to the action, not just phone microphones capturing ambient sound.

Connectivity: Verify internet stability at the auction venue before auction day. Mobile data can work but is less reliable than wired or stable WiFi connections.

Platform selection: Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and dedicated auction platforms all work. Choose based on where your audience already engages.

Backup planning: Have contingencies for technical failure. A second device ready to stream, alternative connectivity, or clear communication about what happens if streaming fails.

Streaming Best Practices

Beyond technical requirements, streaming execution matters.

Pre-auction testing: Test the complete setup at the venue before auction day. Identify and solve problems when they don’t matter.

Framing consideration: Position cameras to capture the auctioneer and the crowd without identifying specific bidders unless they consent.

Audio monitoring: Have someone monitor the stream audio in real-time. Audio problems often aren’t obvious to those at the venue.

Engagement acknowledgment: Have the auctioneer acknowledge remote viewers. This creates inclusion and demonstrates the stream is working.

Clear start and end: Don’t stream setup chaos. Start streaming when you’re ready to present professionally; end when the auction concludes.

Legal Considerations

Streaming creates legal considerations that require attention.

Privacy: Bidders have privacy interests. Consider whether to identify bidders on stream or keep cameras focused on the auctioneer.

Recording consent: In some jurisdictions, recording conversations requires consent. Understand local requirements.

Platform terms: Streaming platforms have terms of service. Ensure your streaming approach complies.

Vendor approval: Confirm vendors consent to streaming before assuming they do. Some may prefer private auctions.

Integration with Remote Bidding

Live streaming pairs naturally with remote bidding capability.

Phone bidding: Traditional phone bidding works alongside streaming. Remote viewers call in and a staff member bids on their behalf.

Digital bidding platforms: Integrated platforms like Openn Negotiation allow remote bidders to bid directly through the platform while watching the stream.

Hybrid events: The most sophisticated approach combines in-room attendance, phone bidding, and digital platform bidding, all synchronised through competent auction management.

When Streaming Helps vs. Harms

Streaming isn’t appropriate for every auction.

Streaming helps when:

• Interstate or international buyers are likely
• The property has broad appeal beyond local buyers
• Transparency is particularly valued
• Marketing value of capturing the event is high

Streaming may harm when:

• Privacy is particularly important to the vendor
• The property appeals only to local buyers
• Technical execution cannot be assured
• The auction is unlikely to be competitive (empty room optics)

Make streaming decisions property-by-property rather than applying blanket policies.

Measuring Streaming Impact

Track streaming effectiveness to improve over time.

Viewer numbers: How many people watched? Did they watch the whole auction or drop off?

Engagement correlation: Did streamed auctions see higher bidder numbers or prices compared to non-streamed?

Enquiry attribution: Did remote viewers become enquiries on other properties?

Technical quality feedback: Gather viewer feedback on stream quality to identify improvement opportunities.

Streaming should demonstrably improve outcomes to justify the effort. Measure to ensure it does.

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Linda Powers advises agencies on auction technology, including streaming implementation that enhances rather than complicates auction execution.