Case Study: Boston University livestreams commencements to 5,000+ viewers in 80 countries with Kaltura

An Invitation to Everyone Livestreaming Commencement at Boston University

Boston University, a major private research university with over 33,000 students, faced a fragmented video ecosystem in 2015—six different platforms across schools that created inconsistency, high support costs, and limited capacity to share key events like convocations and commencement with those who couldn’t attend in person. As part of its One BU initiative, the university needed a centrally supported, reliable streaming solution to extend campus events to a global audience.

BU implemented Kaltura’s MyMedia (LETS-Stream) as a unified video platform, enabling multiple simultaneous live streams, on-demand access, and live analytics for event staff. The platform scaled to stream up to 12 concurrent events, and in 2017 streamed commencement—including an honorary degree ceremony for David Ortiz—to over 5,000 viewers in 80 countries, with viewership growing further in 2018, while improving consistency, reliability, and reach across the institution.

Boston University

Jamie Phillips

Learning Events Technology Group