Everything You Should Know About Video Streaming
Today, live streaming allows you to build your own live media event that will help your brand or organization grow and generate interest. This marketing niche is still relatively untapped and uses an evergreen technology: video. It provides an unmatched level of participation and interaction. High-competition industries quickly adopt live streaming to stay ahead of the pack.
Live streaming has grown in popularity among brands and consumers in recent years. Sixty percent of the most popular YouTube live streaming occurred within the last two years.
According to studies, 80% of viewers would rather watch a live broadcast than reading blog posts. As a result, many organizations realize that it produces higher conversion rates than other types of content.
At least 42% of the US population has already seen live videos on the internet. Live streams give content concise but engaging, allowing viewers to participate in an engaged and more enjoyable experience. When asked if they preferred social media postings or brand live videos, 82 percent of respondents chose live videos.
Video marketing is extremely compelling, especially when it is done in real-time. Businesses may use live streaming to communicate with their customers, develop simple yet engaging content, and build strong customer connections.
Furthermore, starting a live broadcast does not require a lot of resources. Even if you are a small business owner, live streaming videos should not be a financial concern because most social media networks give them for free.
So, what exactly is live streaming?
The broadcasting of a real-time, live video to an audience over the internet is known as live streaming. To live stream, all you need is an internet-connected device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and a platform to broadcast on.
What makes it so popular?
Young people can use live streaming to be makers and presenters of their material rather than passive consumers of others’. Aside from its immediacy, I am also drawn to it. Viewers may watch and comment live, making it a ‘genuine’ live broadcast.
With the popularity of services like YouNow, LiveMe, and Periscope, established social media sites like Facebook and Instagram have incorporated live streaming within their in-app experience.
Streaming Live: the advantages and disadvantages for brands and businesses
FOMO and a sense of impending doom
Unlike other forms of content, live video capitalizes on people’s fear of missing out (FOMO). Because your live video may not be available tomorrow, viewers will be drawn to it. What if they miss out on a fantastic opportunity?
Being present in real-time provides a sense of urgency that no other media can match. A live broadcast is the most acceptable approach to draw attention to your company in a world where yesterday’s news is old news.
More publicity. Increased reach
Live videos have the edge over on-demand videos on numerous platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. Platforms promote this type of material and elevate it above others. Live streaming for brands and enterprises is still relatively new, your live material will receive more visibility than that of others.
Because of the greater visibility, live streaming videos can also reach a larger audience. Consumers spend eight times more time watching live videos, they can be longer, giving people more time to find and watch your stream.
Unique customer engagement
Live streaming allows brands and enterprises to communicate with customers, unlike any other medium. It creates a personal connection with customers and allows them to interact with the business.
Consumers nowadays, however, want to associate themselves with a brand. They want to learn about the company and the people who work there. A live video makes a business more accessible and demonstrates its individuality.
More engagement in real-time interaction
Connecting with customers in person is preferable to interacting with them online. Real-time interaction generates a conversation with your clients that is second only to in-person connection but considerably more scalable.
The live element also encourages viewers to interact with your content. People want to be a part of the dialogue during live videos, and they are more likely to share it.
Establish trust
Businesses must build trust to succeed. Potential customers want to learn about the brand and trust it. On the live video, the interaction level helps viewers form a bond with the company.
Freedom
Another benefit of live broadcasting for brands is the flexibility it provides. There are no constraints. The material can be more personal, but it can also be more business-oriented. It can either be more commercial or more educational. The options are limitless.
Content repurposing
If you believe your company requires additional material and intends to generate videos on demand, keep in mind that live streaming videos can be repurposed. You can record your live stream and share it as additional material on your social media sites. As a result, it has become a video-on-demand service.
If you’re going to reuse content, be sure it’ll work as a video on demand. If you do a live product demo with a flash sale, repurposing it may not be ideal until you alter it. However, if your live video is instructional, it can be turned into a YouTube video.
Brand and Business Disadvantages of Live Streaming
Live streaming has many benefits for companies and enterprises, but it also has significant drawbacks, just like any other material. The major disadvantage of live streaming as a company is also its most significant benefit: it’s live. There are no second chances.
No second chances
Without a second chance, brands may fear that there is no room for error. . However, this is not the case. Viewers are more forgiving when live video and many expect some live bloopers. It humanizes the broadcast, which is crucial for viewers to connect with your brand.
You must be more prepared than you would be for videos on demand because there are no do-overs. But relax and be prepared with all the necessary tools before going live.
The Practice Has Begun
Another disadvantage of live streaming for businesses is that it is the only way to improve it. Keep in mind that mistakes are sure to occur. However, you may do a few things to reduce the number of errors.
You should evaluate your efforts after each time you go live to determine where you can improve. Many viewers provide input in the comments section, which we consider.
Finally, you can prepare for errors. Create contingency plans for anything that could go wrong, so you’ll be prepared if something goes wrong.
Another benefit of live streaming for businesses
Live streaming videos are one of the most cost-effective content sources for content marketing techniques. Going live on Facebook or YouTube is entirely free. You don’t need pricey equipment or a complex setup to achieve outstanding results. Mobile gadgets are also acceptable. Promoting your live broadcasts is more effective than other content kinds because of the expanded reach, and the ROI is usually more considerable.
Live video creation involves more planning than on-demand video production, but you’ve done it once you’ve finished your show. No need to revise and prepare it for publication again.
Important Points to Remember
When it comes to live streaming for businesses, there are far more benefits than drawbacks, and we advise you to try it out. There are numerous content options to consider, and your audience will appreciate the effort.
Live Q&As, interviews, behind-the-scenes, product or service demos, and businesses and brands may create much more. Regardless of the content you can produce, your live video strategy should be centered on developing relationships with your customers and potential customers. The ability to develop trust and a closer relationship with the audience is the most significant benefit of live streaming for brands and organizations.