Just like plaid skirts and overalls, live videos are back in style! Real time commentary is so popular right now, and the coolest kids on the block all have platforms for live-streaming. If you (like myself) have started to realize the niche is becoming crowded, you can check out a quick summary of today’s front-runners in this Toolkit Tuesday post. Enjoy!
Live Streaming Platforms
Brands are using live video streaming in creative ways to connect with their followers – it can be used for events, interviews, webinars and showing what’s happening behind-the-scenes at your company. Each of the four tools below can be used for a live video broadcast, but there are a few differences that may make one better for your organization’s needs.
1.) Periscope
Owned by Twitter, Periscope allows you to live stream to all users on its platform (with the additional option of holding a private streaming session for exclusive conversations). Also, your location is shared, and news of your broadcast can be mentioned on Twitter.
The integration with Twitter is useful, and allows you to view your followers that use the app. When a broadcast is complete, the video will remain on the app for 24 hours, which gives viewers the ability to watch your stream at a later time. You can also save the video to your phone/tablet for future use.
A user-friendly tool, Periscope is straightforward and allows for easy video sharing. However, you can’t have a group discussion – with this platform, you’re the star.
2.) Meerkat
Meerkat is very similar to Periscope – in fact, the two were basically direct competitors that launched around the same time during the spring. A big differentiator with Meerkat is that you can schedule your broadcasts for the next day, and share a link to the stream in advance.
3.) Blab.im
Blab is one of the newest platforms for live streaming, and allows for a live video conversation between up to four users. The coolest part of Blab is that any viewer can enter the video conversation (with the host’s permission). Viewers can watch the stream, and either send comments or become a part of the video.
Blab is a great, interactive platform that allows users to learn and also join in to ask questions without having to type a whole paragraph. It’s still in Beta mode, but give it a try!
4.) Google Hangouts
Hangouts has been around for a long time, but it’s a great platform for streaming live content to your audience via multiple channels. With Google Hangouts on Air, you can broadcast your Hangout to your YouTube channel (Social Media Examiner has a helpful tutorial for this) or your website. Up to 10 people can join the Hangout (i.e., be on the video broadcast), with an unlimited number of viewers, and the recording will be saved on your YouTube channel once the event ends.
I Stream, You Stream …
Ready to share live videos about your brand or company (or your amazing life) with the world of social media? Pick from one of these live streaming platforms, invite your followers and get started!
What is your favorite tool for live-streaming? Should there be another platform added to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
