High school football ranks among the most popular sports in America, and live streaming plays a crucial role in boosting its reach.
Streaming is an incredibly cost-effective way for schools and intramural teams to generate funds. A single high school game often draws 1,000 to 5,000 viewers, who can watch online through affordable pay-per-view options. It’s no surprise that many schools are embracing live streaming for high school football.
To help you get started, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know to broadcast games. Read on to discover eleven effective methods for setting up a football live stream.
What Is Live Streaming?
First, let’s take a look at the basics.
Live streaming involves transmitting video, audio, or other data over the internet. You can live stream a real-time event, like a high school football game, or use streaming options to share pre-recorded content.
When you stream a high school football game live, it’s similar to producing a live TV show. Live streaming platforms connect you to a global audience, while recorded content lets fans catch up on games from anywhere. Additionally, video editing tools like Adobe Premiere or iMovie can help you create a polished, professional broadcast.
Broadcast Strategies for High School Games
Attracting a larger audience to high school football games can be challenging. Unlike college or national games, high school events don’t have the same extensive reach or fan base. A good approach is to start small, focusing on a few key games, and expand as interest builds. Promote your high school sports live streams through social media, press releases, and the school’s website.
Consider creating a mobile app to reach an even wider audience on the go. When selecting games to stream, remember that high school football is often played on weekends.
Maximizing viewership should be manageable, especially since high school games usually happen on Friday nights—an ideal time when people are winding down from the workweek and are more likely to enjoy sports, whether on TV or online.
How Much Does It Cost to Stream a Game?
The cost largely varies based on the live streaming options you select.
You may opt for a single service that handles both live streaming and recording, or use several streaming platforms to expand your audience. Typically, streaming a high school football game costs between $10 and $50 per viewing session.
Another excellent reason to live stream high school football is the potential to generate income through ad revenue and revenue-sharing arrangements.
How to Live Stream High School Football
There are two primary types of live streaming platforms: cloud-based and device-based.
Cloud-based platforms allow you to broadcast from your computer while storing and archiving your streams on a server, accessible from any Internet-enabled device, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. On the other hand, device-based streaming services are designed to work with specific devices like the Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast.
With both options, you can stream live from your computer or record content to watch later on any compatible device. Device-based streaming offers greater flexibility, while cloud-based platforms tend to be more affordable and convenient.
Now, let’s explore eleven ways to live stream high school football.
For high school sports fans, the NFHS Network has become a go-to destination for live and on-demand coverage of high school games and events across the nation. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, or other sports, fans can tune in from anywhere to support their local teams, watch potential college athletes, or simply enjoy exciting youth sports action.
Why Choose NFHS Network for High School Football?
The NFHS Network has emerged as the primary source for high school sports coverage, partnering with schools and state athletic associations to provide streaming access to sports fans nationwide. With a subscription, fans gain access to live football games throughout the season, as well as on-demand replays. Whether you’re cheering on a hometown team or following rivals across the state, the NFHS Network makes it easy to stay connected to the action.
How to Set Up NFHS Network to Watch High School Football
- Create an Account: Start by visiting the NFHS Network website and signing up for an account. The site will guide you through setting up a login with your email and password.
- Choose a Subscription Plan: NFHS Network offers subscription plans that unlock full access to all games. Plans can vary, so you can select an option that best fits how often you plan to watch. You can choose from monthly or annual options.
- Search for Your Team or Game: After subscribing, use the search feature to find your specific high school, upcoming games, or any playoff matchups. The NFHS Network covers games from many schools and associations, so you’ll have access to teams from across the country.
- Stream on Your Preferred Device: NFHS Network offers compatibility across computers, smartphones, and tablets. Download the NFHS app on iOS or Android if you prefer mobile viewing, or log in through your browser to stream on your laptop or desktop computer.
- Watch Live or On Demand: Once logged in, you can choose to watch games live as they happen, or enjoy them on demand later. This flexibility means you can watch games around your schedule and even rewatch memorable matchups.
What You’ll Find on NFHS Network’s Football Coverage
The NFHS Network broadcasts more than just regular season games. Here’s a snapshot of what’s available:
- Regular Season Games: Catch live broadcasts of regular season games for high schools across the country.
- Playoff Games: The Network covers the excitement of playoff football, allowing fans to follow their teams throughout the postseason.
- State Championships: For the most intense high school football moments, the NFHS Network features exclusive coverage of many state championship games.
- Replays and Highlights: Missed the game? NFHS Network has you covered with replays and highlights so you can relive the action or catch up on any plays you missed.
Additional Benefits of NFHS Network
Beyond football, NFHS Network’s subscription provides access to a range of high school sports and events. Basketball, soccer, volleyball, and other sports are also available, making it an excellent choice for fans who want comprehensive access to high school athletics. Additionally, some non-athletic events, like school plays and graduations, are featured, broadening the platform’s appeal.
Get Started with NFHS Network Today
For anyone passionate about high school football, the NFHS Network makes it easy to support local teams, no matter the distance. From family members cheering on student-athletes to alumni following hometown games, the NFHS Network connects communities with the teams and athletes they care about.
YouTube TV is a popular streaming service. One its most important assets is that it comes with a built-in audience, and people are already familiar with using it.
As a cloud-based live-streaming service, YouTube TV requires you to broadcast from your computer. You can also add graphics and use your webcam or microphone to broadcast to an unlimited global audience.
Because cloud-based services like this allow you to store your videos, they are usually the most convenient. After all, you don’t have to worry about storage space, bandwidth, or setup.
Get The Most With the Best Live Stream Option
There’s no denying the popularity of high school football, and it’s easy to see why. The sport lends itself perfectly to online streaming, and it’s fairly inexpensive to get started.
With a bit of effort, you can live stream high school football and make an impact on your school and community. We’ve looked in this article at some of the best options to live stream high school football, but we think the real choice is pretty clear.
Without question, NFHS Network Live packs the most punch of all these streaming options. When it comes to support, production help, and equipment services, NFHS Network Live is the clear winner. So go ahead and contact us today to see how we can help take your high school sports streaming to the next level.
