Isn’t It Time You Tried Live Streaming?

How To Do Live Streaming?

If you’re on Facebook, Instagram or you have access to the Internet, you’re almost certain to have been exposed to live streaming by now. And it’s not just individuals being turned onto this live video platform; more and more businesses are using live streaming for marketing their products and services and to connect with larger audiences.

Just as the name suggests, live streaming is creating and delivering video content live. No downloading is required; as soon as the camera starts rolling, the consumable feed starts and viewers see it in real time. As an added benefit, you can record your live streams and use the content on your website or share it through your social media channels. Many of today’s sporting events are live streamed, as are a variety of other performances and events.

How Live Streaming Works

When content is being streamed, the data is reaching your computer, TV, smartphone, or tablet in a continuous stream, which allows it to be played instantaneously. Most TV networks now stream their content, and streaming video has been the driving force behind Netflix since 2007.

When content is live streamed, the data is being transmitted in real time, which means what you see on your screen is happening live at its source.

So what does this all mean for your business?

First of all, if you’ve been using video to engage audiences, give yourself a pat on the back. Video is the Number 1 way to attract customers because of its ability to connect people on a more personal level than any other form of marketing. If you’ve been using live streaming to engage audiences, give yourself an even bigger pat on the back. Because this gem can reel in audiences (and potential clients) even better than canned video.

Let’s look at your next big product launch as an example. By live streaming the event you:

• open the door for more people to engage in the event, even the ones who can’t physically come to it
• save thousands of dollars in travel expenses by giving potential investors and clients a live demonstration from your location instead of travelling to theirs
• generate new video content that you can use on your website, share on you social media channels, and send out to your email lists

Live streaming is also an excellent way to give a behind-the-scenes look at your business or to deliver a big announcement. Its informal nature makes it more “real”, too, which has a certain appeal to audiences. Just remember to let your followers know when the live stream will be happening and where. There’s a slim chance they’ll just be hanging around your Facebook or Instagram page if you do a live stream on the fly.

Live Streaming and Marketing

You’ll probably find the easiest way to do a live stream is with your smartphone or tablet, simply because they are portable devices. You can also live stream from your PC by downloading a streaming encoder like Livestream.

Two of the biggest live streaming platforms are Facebook and Instagram, where thousands of people—and businesses—stream live video every day. Are you ready to join them?

Here’s how to live stream on Facebook: First make sure your Facebook app is up to date and then click as though you were going to post a status update or create a new post. You’ll see a selection of icons pop up at the bottom of your status bar, including one that looks like a person’s silhouette with a double circle around it. When you’re ready to start recording your live stream, click on the icon and then allow Facebook to access  your camera and your microphone. You’ll have the option to enter a description of your video and choose your audience. Then simply click “Go Live” and you’re on your way.

Here’s how to live stream on Instagram: It’s as easy as clicking on the camera icon at the bottom of your Instagram home screen and swiping over to video. Give Instagram permission to access your microphone and when you’re ready to stream, click the red button and you’re live. You can live stream for up to one hour.

What Will You Live Stream First?

Will you (or have you already) try live streaming video for the first time this year? We’d love to hear about your experiences with this valuable video marketing tool. We’re on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or share your thoughts in the Comments section below.