Why live video streaming is the next big thing
Live video streaming isn’t new, but thanks to apps like Periscope (and its slightly older competitor, Meerkat) you no longer require a tripod, a camera and access to complicated technology – your iPhone and a good network connection is all you need. Video broadcasting is not just fun, it has a lot of potential uses for businesses too. Here’s our guide for communications professionals that are considering whether their company should start broadcasting.
What is Periscope?
Periscope is a Twitter owned live video streaming app available on iOS that allows you to watch and broadcast live video from anywhere in the world.
Early competitor Meerkat stole the show at the South by Southwest (SXSW) show earlier this year, attracting the attention of thousands of tech enthusiasts, celebrities and early adopters. Periscope hopes to emulate and build on this success using the Twitter’s big hitting celebrity user base.
How does it work?
- Instant video content streaming to the Internet – Periscope operates on a 2-second delay so viewers can enjoy pretty much live broadcasts. Close competitor Meerkat on the other hand has a delay of 30 seconds. Video streams can be shot using iPhones and watched from any other mobile device or computer that has access to the Internet through the app or on Twitter
- Public vs. private video streaming – Periscope offers users the option to share a stream publicly or with a selected group of users only. Posting on Twitter is optional
- Location-tagging (optional) – Broadcasters can pinpoint their location. This is a handy feature as it enables app users to search video streams by location
- Replay option available – Broadcasters can make content available for 24 hours after a live broadcast
- Engagement with the broadcaster – Viewers can post comments or send “hearts” if they like the stream. The comments will stay within the app and won’t be posted to Twitter. Broadcaster can also choose to turned off the comments
- Powerful stats – Broadcasters can measure the video performance by reviewing the stats on retention, viewers, time watched and duration immediately after a live broadcast
How can businesses use it?
Though the app is quirky and fun, it offers vast possibilities for businesses, individuals, media outlets and journalists alike. Almost any PR activity can lend itself to a live video broadcast:
- Company events and announcements – round tables, product launches, press conferences and company announcements can now be live streamed to your Twitter followers
- Live interviews – forget time-consuming journalist briefings and invite selected journalists to interview a company spokesperson via Periscope instead
- Live Q&A sessions – hosting a live video Q&A session is a great way to get instant answers to questions. Use a mix of questions prepared beforehand as well as live questions taken from the viewers to maximise the experience
- Live commentary – use the app for real-time commentary on major current affairs, such as the Budget
- Behind-the-scenes access and teasers – invite your Twitter followers to your company HQ and showcase your company culture and people behind the brand. Social media users love getting a sneak peek at places they would not normally be able to visit. Similarly, if you’re hosting an event and the tickets have all been sold out, use Periscope to broadcast the keynotes or behind-the-scenes interviews
- Great digital content – add new digital content for your followers to engage with. For example, use the app to announce special offer, contests or upcoming events
Feel free to contact our digital team on digitalteam@citigatedr.co.uk if you’d like our help with your with your first live video broadcast using Periscope.
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