Live Video Streaming – What, Where and How and Why?
Live video is a very interesting video trend that no brand can ignore and Facebook’s decision to join the game of live streaming made it more competitive. So here are some thoughts on Live Video Trend in 2016.
It has been observed that people spend 3x more time watching Facebook Live videos compared to ‘normal’ videos. This is partly because Facebook are prioritising Facebook Live right now. More importantly live events foster engagement. When a large group of people is watching a live stream concurrently, it is a far more social experience than when they watch an on demand video on their own time.
Social connections and interaction during a live event are very attainable and extremely valuable. The audience is connected by the event itself. The live event, whether it’s a concert, a rally, an expo, a product launch or a news conference, is the one commonality that the entire audience shares and can talk about.”
The other thing that’s great about live events is that producers can monitor engagement and social conversation in real time.
Live broadcasting has never been more attainable than now in regards to price and available technology and acceptance.
Although most live streaming can be done from a phone, its worth looking at getting a better set up. Wild Bunch Media offer live streaming services on multi cameras or simply a one camera.
Alternatively we have teamed up with Video Skills who have a short course on the best live streaming tips and tricks.
YouTube Live & Facebook are the major players channels for live streaming content right now.
Snapchat has also focused on live streaming, curating the best videos into relevant stories, giving everyone an insight of the world at any moment. Discover may be popular, but Live Stories also attract 10 to 20 million viewers every day, which proves the opportunities they may offer to branded content.
Periscope is another interesting platform to explore live streaming and it has already established its presence in storytelling, as more and more users (and brands) take advantage of its broadcasting services.
There is an estimated 15% of brands using Periscope, while its recent announcement of replay highlights and tweet embeds create more opportunities for branded content, whether it’s a sneak peak, live coverage of an event, or a press conference.
Blab While many have likened it to “Periscope for groups,” you can also think of it as a cross between a talk show and a webinar. It can be used for either of those things as well as casual hang outs, debates, discussions, and workshops. There is nothing quite like it on the market, although it incorporates the best components of several different social media platforms.
Anyone can host their own Blab. It’s available for anyone to watch and interact with. No professional equipment is necessary.
Blab supports two to four “presenters” at a time, displayed in a grid, à la Brady Bunch. Meanwhile, other participants can watch the conversation live on video while adding to the discussion and posing questions via text chat. The host can even pull in audience members into the “hot seat” on the live video chat from time to time, if they so choose.
After the chat wraps up, the conversation can be re-watched on Blab, and the hosts have the option to post the recording to Youtube or embed it on their own site.
How can your business use Live Video?
Are you wondering how your business can use Facebook Live or Live video streaming?
Address Blog Comments
One way to use Facebook Live video for your business is to discuss a topic that your audience is interested in. For example, maybe you’ve written a blog post on a subject that you know your readers will have questions about.
Although you can answer readers’ comments on your blog, it’s much quicker (and more efficient) to schedule a Facebook Live video session where you can answer many of their questions at once.
Give an Inside Look at Your Business
You can also use Facebook Live video to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at your business and how you work.
For example, suppose that some of your followers are interested in getting into your line of work. You could use a Live video session to share your process and educate people who are looking for this information.
Promote Your Upcoming Event
Facebook Live is a great way to announce an upcoming event. Once you’ve planned the event, create a post to let fans know you have a special announcement to make. Then, share specific details about your event on your Live video.
When announcing an event on Live video, be sure to have an easy-to-remember URL that you can share with your viewers. Post this link in the video comments as well, in case viewers don’t have a chance to write it down
If you plan to promote your event on your other social networks, it’s helpful to create a trackable URL for each platform so you can see where you’re getting your event sign-ups.
You can also use Facebook Live video to stream a live event. For example, if you’re attending a conference, you could network with speakers and broadcast interviews to your audience to keep them tuned into your Facebook page.
Tease New Products
Another way to use Facebook Live video is to give your fans a sneak peek of your products. For example, if you just received a shipment of a new product, but it’s not yet available on your website, you could use a Live video to tease it to customers.
Answer FAQs
Customer service is an important part of any business. Chances are, you answer every question that comes in, even if it’s a repeat question. While it’s important that you respond to every question, this can eat up a lot of time. Fortunately, this is an area where live video can be useful.
For example, you might identify a common question that your customer service team receives, and rather than answer the question again and again, you can have a Facebook Live video session to answer it. When you’re finished, you’ll have a video archive that you can share with your customer service team so everyone references the same materials.
One thing to remember about using live video and groups is that anyone who is a member can post live video to the group, so you may want to adjust the group settings so you have to approve all new posts.
Keep in mind that you can use your stock mobile device and microphone, but consider investing our live video services. This can help you improve the quality of your video and audio so the broadcast has a high-quality look and sound, which will help keep viewers tuned in.
Great Analytics on live streaming.
The deep insights provided by the Facebook and YouTube video platforms allow you to understand your audience unlike ever before. Having an intimate knowledge of who is watching your video content will better prepare you to deliver content attracting more of that audience. This is how you’ll grow your subscriber base.
Additionally, video entrepreneurs and influencers and being treated more like personal brands. As you engage with other potential business and your audience, it pays to know your numbers, this includes:
- Your demographic
- Geographical location
- Avg view duration
- 10 second views
- Sound on
- Sound off
- Clicked YouTube Cards
- Clicked Annotations
In summary i think that live video is not just a trend but actually an exciting new way to interact with your audience and attract new crowds. It would be great to get in early.
Get in touch with us to find how we can help with video, live video and more.
Credits came from various articles:
http://www.webanalyticsworld.net
https://searchenginewatch.com
Michelle Chang, feedly Contributor