Though it’s been around for a while now, live streaming is a popular and highly engaging form of content. As more marketers start to use it as a lead generation source, almost every social media channel has now introduced live streaming capabilities into their platforms. Interestingly, even though so many brands have started live streaming, it still hasn’t gotten boring or saturated. This week, we invited social media trainer Alice Fuller to chat about what brands should know before they jump on the bandwagon. Here’s a summary of our chat.
Topic: Getting started with live streaming
Guest: Alice Fuller
Format: Eight questions directed at the guest. Everyone’s welcome to share.
Absolutely, according to our guest. The reason, she explained, is that live-streaming has become so versatile and the production value of a livestream is far less than a full-blown video. It allows you to focus on getting your core message out quickly.
A1. YES! There are so many ways brand's can really leverage #livestreaming. And the expectation of high production value has lessened. Keep it simple. Get your message out to the world. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/JJDKvA6vUY
— Alice Fuller (@Sheersocial) June 17, 2021
It’s important that your livestream should be worth your audience’s time. Just because it’s easier than ever to start a livestream across platforms doesn’t mean you can bombard your audience with irrelevant content. As Jim reminded us, make sure whatever you stream is in line with your brand.
A1 Live stream as appropriate for your brand. Make sure it's worth your audience's attention and time. #TwitterSmarter
— Jim Katzaman – Get Debt-Free One Family at a Time (@JKatzaman) June 17, 2021
All that said, it’s also worth remembering that live streaming may not work for every brand, as Jim pointed out. It’s certainly worth experimenting, but be aware that every audience has different expectations and capacities. If your audience isn’t likely to tune into live streams, perhaps it’s not the right tool for you. However, video content, in general, works well for most audiences. If live streaming doesn’t work out as well as you expect it to, try recorded videos.
A1. Livestreaming may not work for every brand, but video in general can be great for a brand's strategy to help connect their community with them#TwitterSmarter https://t.co/8Ch6pJCiSf
— ? Jim Fuhs #SMWL21 #DigitalMarketing (@FuhsionMktg) June 17, 2021
Facebook and YouTube are the most popular platforms for live streaming. But if your audience isn’t in either of those platforms, then wherever they are is your best bet. As our guest explained, if your audience uses mobile devices and apps a lot to engage with you, perhaps Instagram would be a good choice as well.
A2. If we're talking the social media platforms we stream to or on…Facebook, YouTube, Instagram for those that prefer using their phones. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/xcDh9KEIDS
— Alice Fuller (@Sheersocial) June 17, 2021
As Rachel from Express Writers emphasized, follow your audience. They’ll guide you to the best platform for you. If that’s LinkedIn, then even though it’s still a relatively new option, LinkedIn is the way to go.
A2: You want to be where your audience is, whether that's Instagram, Facebook, or another platform. #TwitterSmarter
— Express Writers | Your Content Writing Partner (@ExpWriters) June 17, 2021
Always be aware of the rules of the platform you’re streaming on. Every platform has its own regulations and consequences for violations. If you use a third-party tool to stream onto a platform, make sure the tool complies with the platform’s rules.
A3. READ THIS CAREFULLY! Follow the rules of the platform when streaming. Some 3rd party tools might get you in trouble with the social media platform you're using. #TwitterSmarter #livestreaming https://t.co/CAH5F2p2R7
— Alice Fuller (@Sheersocial) June 17, 2021
Alberto shared some of his tips as well. Firstly, don’t be shy of the camera. Even though we’re always trying for perfection, remember that your audience isn’t looking for a perfectly post-produced video. They’re looking for the genuine you, so be yourself. The more you livestream, the better and more confident you become, so practice a lot. Make sure that your systems are set up properly and that you have clear audio, and then, just get out there and have fun. After all, any social media activity is about enjoying yourself. If you’re stressing out and hating every moment of your livestream, it’s not going to be as good as it could be.
A3
Live streaming tips for beginners:
+ Dont be shy
+ Get confidence by practicing
+ Optimize PC and connection
+ Audio First
+ Enjoy#TwitterSmarter https://t.co/jAHeka3ynt— ? Alberto Gómez (@alberMoire) June 17, 2021
A great way to avoid stress is to be prepared. Practice a lot, but also, as Madalyn added, have some notes on what you’re going to say and how. This is a great way to stay on track and it helps to get back onto the discussion if you suddenly feel lost for words.
A3: Jot down some notes before going live. Many people get nervous when live streaming, especially if it’s their first time. Having notes that you can refer back to will keep you on track and ensure you don’t forget to mention your most important points. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/dpzdKAjNrR
— Madalyn Sklar ? Digital Marketing Since 1996 (@MadalynSklar) June 17, 2021
One of the biggest no-nos of live streaming is using copyrighted material. Whether it’s a song, background music, images, logos, or company names, avoid them consciously.
Use free music libraries. YouTube and Facebook have their own. There are plenty of sources of music and videos you can use during your live streams that won't get you in trouble. Google is your friend. Use it. #TwitterSmarter
— Alice Fuller (@Sheersocial) June 17, 2021
Instead, you can always use the free music libraries on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. For other platforms, just get some royalty-free music to play during your livestream.
Teodora shared a couple more great pieces of advice: When discussing a topic, make sure that you’re only discussing one topic. When you dilute your livestream with multiple topics, you distract your viewers.
Secondly, look at the camera. This is essential because it makes your audience feel like you’re speaking directly with them. It’s like making eye contact in a face-to-face conversation.
A4. Don't talk about multiple ideas at once. It makes it hard for you and who's watching to keep track.
Don't avoid "eye contact." It's super difficult to stare at the camera, but even if you do it for a few seconds makes a difference. #TwitterSmarter— Teodora Ema Pirciu (@emapirciu) June 17, 2021
This is a subjective question. What’s most effective depends on your goals. Most live streaming platforms are good if you only want to do a basic livestream. However, based on what you want your viewers to do afterward, the key takeaway of your livestream, the computer you use, and your surroundings, you might find that one platform works better over the other. For example, Facebook might be a good platform to generate awareness, whereas Instagram might be better to get more people to visit your online store.
A5. How do you define effective? What's the goal? You need a goal. Most platforms are EFFECTIVE in producing a decent live stream. Some are better than others. Which Is why I stream using @Ecamm. OBS, StreamYard, BeLive, will help too. But Ecamm is for Macs! #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/9QJzh42MFw
— Alice Fuller (@Sheersocial) June 17, 2021
As Lance pointed out, try various platforms and find the one that caters to your goals. The more you test, the clearer your outcomes will be.
#TwitterSmarter A5: The most effective platform for live streaming is the one where you receive the most engagement, positive responses. Test; retest. Try several. Find the platform that best fits your technology level and needs. Refine. Lather, rinse and repeat!
— Lance A Schart (@LanceASchart) June 17, 2021
It’s a slippery slope. As Jennifer told us, if you know the rules and limitations of each platform and your content is compliant across all rules, you can certainly livestream simultaneously. Otherwise, it’s best to focus on the ones you know best so you can get the optimum results with minimal effort.
A6: Yes and No. Yes, if you understand the nuances to the different platform audiences. They are quite different. By focusing on one (say FB) and ignoring your YouTube or Twitter audience you risk alienating the folks you want to attract. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/4rLI59RDSB
— ? Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster) June 17, 2021
Avast made a case for live streaming across platforms at the same time. It’s highly likely that your audience is scattered. Most will also use more than one platform to engage with you. When you multi-stream, you have a better chance of reaching a broader set of your audience.
A6. Yes, it's always good to see how you can perform. FYI your audience is on different platforms most of which they have their favourites. It makes more sense to go all in#TwitterSmarter
— Avast Zumac (@avastzumac5) June 17, 2021
Alice told us how most platforms now allow you to collect donations through their platforms. Even though they take a percentage of the money you raise, a subscription is a great way to monetize your live streams. You can also run live ticketed events.
A7. Most platforms now are testing tip jars. BUT they take a percentage usually. Subscription is the new money pit. Also, you can have ppl pay for access like with Facebook Live Events. You can also do Amazon Live with #Affiliatemarketing. Get yo money, honey! ?#TwitterSmarter https://t.co/II5gMOvOyv
— Alice Fuller (@Sheersocial) June 17, 2021
Our guest also explained how you could use live streams to offer live shopping experiences to viewers.
A7. Speaking of monetization. LIVE SHOPPING is the next frontier. Facebook, Instagram, Amazon Live, YouTube all provide live streaming with a layer of ecommerce. Don't sleep on that! #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/IQWdHebNSK
— Alice Fuller (@Sheersocial) June 17, 2021
Amazon Explore is an upcoming feature of Amazon Live, Alice told us, which allows you to go live and be a travel escort to your audience. Exciting times indeed!
And Amazon is now testing Amazon Explore. It's integrates travel and live streaming. I literally stumbled upon it last week. Amazon is playing people to go live and be your personal travel escort.
— Alice Fuller (@Sheersocial) June 17, 2021
Jesse reminded us of the importance of telling people how to get in touch. There’s no point in creating great content if you don’t tell your audience how to support you. This will help attract sponsorships to your live streams.
A7: Throw in some information about yourself and how to get in touch. Maybe sponsors if it's more of a podcast or activation of some sort. Maybe make it a ticketed event that people have to "purchase seats" for in advance. #TwitterSmarter
— Jesse Denney (@inb4denn) June 17, 2021
Christine’s gadgets are a Sony A6000 with CamLink, a Blue Yeti mic, a Neewer ring light, and 2 Neewer umbrella lights, and an IKEA curtain. She also told us she uses Ecamm to livestream from her Mac and broadcasts it simultaneously to multiple platforms using Restream.
A8.
I produce with @ecammtweets & multi-stream with @Restreamio
My camera is a Sony A6000 + CamLink
My mic is a Blue Yeti
Lights: a Neewer ring light in front & 2 Neewer umbrella lights to my sides
Backdrop: a cheap IKEA curtain on a cheap Target clothing rod ❤️ #TwitterSmarter— Christine Gritmon ❤️ #ChatAboutBrand (@cgritmon) June 17, 2021
Carla’s go-to tools include a Samsung J7 Crown, an HP Laptop, Loola.tv, and Streamyard.
A8: I use Samsung J7 Crown, my HP Laptop, https://t.co/a8upGUHD8P and https://t.co/GxvxnV4utu are the tools that I use. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/6rX0UEGyuL
— Carlarjenkins (@carlarjenkins) June 17, 2021
Our guest noted the value of investing in proper technology, explaining that bad audio is unforgivable. Have the right tools to monitor and adjust your sound levels accordingly. Even if you’re only doing it from your computer, make sure to keep an eye on your audio.
A8. Lance is so right. People can forgive bad video, but not bad sound! If you see that little audio meter dip into the yellow, you're too HOT. MONITOR your sound levels. I like to do so from my computer or from a different device where the stream is playing. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/T3CocLWZTj
— Alice Fuller (@Sheersocial) June 17, 2021
Well, folks, that’s all from me this week. Thanks for reading through, and for more insight from our chat with Alice, check out this Twitter thread. For even more great Twitter and social media marketing discussions, join us on the #TwitterSmarter chat. We’re on every Thursday at 1pm ET.
About me, Narmadhaa:
I write all the things—technical and marketing copy to fill the pocket; haiku and short stories to fill the soul. A social media enthusiast, I’m a member of the #TwitterSmarter chat crew, and always happy to take on writing gigs.
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