How to host Hangouts on Air (HOA) for live streaming on Google Plus

Hosting Hangouts on Air (HOA) on Google Plus was a powerful way to conduct live streaming events, interviews, and discussions. Although Google Plus was discontinued in April 2019, the principles of hosting a live streaming event are applicable to other platforms like YouTube Live, Zoom, and others. Here’s a detailed guide on how you might have hosted a Hangout on Air:

Table of Contents

1. Setting Up Your Google Plus Profile

Before hosting a Hangout on Air, ensure your Google Plus profile is set up correctly:

Complete Your Profile: Make sure your profile is complete and includes relevant information about your business or personal brand.
Build Your Network: Connect with people who might be interested in your Hangout on Air, including potential guests, influencers, and your target audience.

2. Creating a Google Plus Event

To schedule a Hangout on Air:

Go to Google Plus: Navigate to your Google Plus homepage.
Create an Event: Click on the “Events” tab on the left-hand side and then select “Create an Event.”
Event Details: Fill in the details for your event, such as title, description, date, and time. Ensure you select the “Hangouts on Air” option for the event type.
Invite Guests: Add people to your event by inviting them to the Google Plus event. You can invite individuals or circles that are relevant to the event topic.
Publish: Once everything is set, publish the event to make it live.

3. Preparing for the Hangout on Air

Preparation is key to a successful HOA:

Test Equipment: Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working correctly. Conduct a test run to check video and audio quality.
Promote Your Event: Share the event link on your Google Plus profile, other social media platforms, and via email to attract viewers.
Prepare Content: Outline the topics, questions, or activities for the Hangout. If you have guests, brief them on the format and schedule.

4. Hosting the Hangout on Air

On the day of the event:

Start the Hangout: Go to the event page on Google Plus and click “Join Hangout” when it’s time to start.
Manage the Broadcast: During the live broadcast, you can control various aspects, such as switching between different speakers or sharing your screen.
Engage with Viewers: Interact with viewers by addressing their comments or questions in real-time. This engagement can be managed through the live chat feature.

5. Post-Event Activities

After the Hangout on Air:

Thank Participants: Show appreciation to guests and viewers who participated.
Review Analytics: Check the performance of your HOA, including viewer numbers and engagement levels. Google Plus provided basic analytics for your events.
Share the Recording: The Hangout on Air would automatically be saved to your YouTube channel (linked with your Google Plus account). Share the recording with those who missed the live event or want to watch it again.

6. Best Practices for Hosting Successful HOAs

Promote Early: Start promoting your event well in advance to maximize attendance.
Be Prepared: Have a clear agenda and be ready for any technical issues that might arise.
Engage Your Audience: Make the event interactive by incorporating viewer questions and feedback.
Follow Up: Post-event, follow up with your audience through thank you messages or additional content related to the HOA.

Adapting to Modern Platforms

Since Google Plus and its HOA feature are no longer available, here’s how you can adapt these practices to modern live streaming platforms:

YouTube Live: Similar to HOAs, you can set up live streaming events directly from YouTube. Promote your stream using YouTube’s event scheduling and notification features.
Zoom: Use Zoom for live streaming webinars or meetings. It offers robust features for engagement, such as breakout rooms and polls.
Facebook Live: For Facebook, create an event, go live directly from your page, and use engagement tools like comments and reactions to interact with your audience.
Twitch: If your content is gaming-related or aimed at a younger demographic, consider using Twitch for live streaming.

By applying these principles and adapting them to current platforms, you can effectively host live streaming events and engage with your audience in real-time.