Live, live, streaming... these are some of the names given to the video broadcasts that have become so fashionable on most social networks. Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter are betting on this content thanks to the inclusion of new tools and the dissemination of this type of publications.
If you want to improve your brand's results on social networks, it is essential that you include this type of content in your media strategy.
Where can I stream my video live?
The best known of all is the world's second largest search engine, YouTube, the video platform par excellence and the most experienced in this type of broadcasting. It began in 2011 by opening this new functionality to a selection of channels. The conditions changed gradually until today, when anyone can broadcast live.
But don't leave everything to the last minute, it can take up to 24 hours from the time you first request to go live on your channel until the broadcast is authorised.
Facebook, which is seeking to position itself in the multimedia segment, also has Facebook Live, which you can use to broadcast content on your FanPage. It began in 2015 in closed beta phase and in 2016 it was already possible to broadcast on mobile phones. It was in 2017 that broadcasting was opened up to PCs.
Twitter, for its part, has used its live video Periscope to enter this competition for streaming services. Available since 2015 for Android, it has the particularity that your broadcasts on Twitter will also be visible on Periscope.
We also highlight Instragram, which in 2016 allowed the use of live video in its stories, which disappeared after the end of the video. Subsequently, the duration of the video in stories has been increased to 24 hours.
Instagram also has IGTV, where creators can create their own channels and upload videos of 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the popularity of the author. But do not confuse Instragram Live with IGTV.
Tips for good live video
Now that you're ready, grab your computer, mobile or tablet and connect with the world. It's the perfect opportunity to increase engagement with your audience.
First of all, prepare the broadcast. Don't leave any detail to improvisation. You need to make a script and think in advance about where you are going to record, what you are going to say and whether other people will be involved.
Even in issues that may seem easy, you have to anticipate them in order to generate attention for the user on a constant basis.
Take care of the sound. If you are going to speak, remember that the sound of cameras or smartphones is usually of a much lower quality than that of an external microphone. And another important thing in this regard: beware of copyrights.
We know you take care of those details and as a brand representative you won't knowingly use material without permission. But what happens when you broadcast a live event and a copyrighted song is played? The broadcast will probably be cut off or blocked from publication for all or part of the countries.
Beware of coverage. Not everywhere or all mobile companies have the same coverage. Good. You've just checked that you're in an urban centre with fantastic coverage. You start broadcasting and .... Yes, crowds of people affect the availability of mobile phone masts. Game over.
Do you know that you can use a Go Pro action cam for your mobile broadcasts? Even if the quality is limited in streaming and you can't broadcast at full quality, using other cameras can help you to improve your broadcast.
Do you know about gimbals or image stabilisers? These devices allow you to absorb some of the movement when you walk and make all shots smoother.
Finally, we would like to remind you of one of the most important details in these brief tips for improving your emissions of live video. Never forget that the live videos are a great opportunity to interact with your audience: communicate with your community.
