No one will deny when we say that Live streaming is at the forefront right now. The reason behind it is that it offers the individuals and brands a direct way to engage with the target audiences that too in real time.
As a result, there are a variety of Live-streaming apps, from free social networks to advanced video production platforms that cater to the generic needs of Live streaming. But, before we get to the list of these tools and applications, let us give you some insights on how exactly is a B2B Live video made.
There are two very effective modes that can assist you with Live streaming. First of which is known to everyone;
1. Social media:
Social media are great platforms and happen to be the first choice for those who plan on going Live. It is one spot where the video continues to gain traction for decades. And the most important tool on social media is undoubted 'Facebook Live'. This feature of Facebook is entirely dedicated to the businesses to go Live and interact with their target audiences. Moreover, the second popular option for users is YouTube Live.
Well, which one of these is better in terms of functionality and engagement is altogether a different blog topic.
2. Apps and Websites:
Today, there are so many videos streaming apps that can help you set up a Live video streaming for your business. With these online applications, the only thing you have to do is list out your requirements and choose the suitable tools that will be light on your budget. Although, mobile apps are not as stable as the website. These are the most reliable tools as they are easy and quickly accessible. By following a few steps that include installation of app or creation of an account as per your needs and budget. The rest is taken care of by the app or the website organisers. Several offer tools to monetise content.
One added advantage that these tools provide is a guaranteed audience. They are capable of doing so because these websites and apps are already established in the market which gives them a respectable number of spectators beforehand. However, it is crucial to identify your target audience and to set up objectives before taking your video Live. It will indeed help you in achieving your goal and engaging, and what are you trying to accomplish by going Live. Set your objectives straight before you decide to go Live and engage your customers.
That being explained, let us get to the point for which you have checked this space. Here's the list of efficient tools and apps that can aid you while streaming your corporate content for free.
1. YouTube Live
Reaching your audience with Live streaming on YouTube is something that interests all the users. Launched in 2008, the YouTube Live he made it more convenient for not only the creators and artists but also the business-oriented enthusiasts. It is one of those easiest tools when it comes to Live streaming. Stream from your desktop viz the Chrome browser without the need of an encoder, or stream from the main YouTube mobile app. After the steam ends, one can also save the video on the channel in the form of an archive. Many use YouTube Live to create a quick event with Hangouts On Air. The creators can also earn revenue on the Live streams by enabling ads and using super chat. YouTube also has a built-in event scheduling feature plus you can also make your subscribers aware about the upcoming event or notify them prior streaming.
2. Facebook Live
A few points on how and when Facebook Live became the most conventional freeware to stream Live are already mentioned above. Originally launched in August 2015, the tool is used as an effective medium for video marketing since 2016.
The reason why it is the most appreciated tool is that Facebook is the host for the high connectivity of the audience. It comes handy while interacting with viewers in real-time with chat and monitor Live reactions to gauge how the broadcast is going. Live is available to all pages and profiles on Facebook for iOS, Android, and the Facebook Creator app. A video can be published to the creator's Facebook page or profile so that anyone who missed it can watch later. The host can also remove the video at any time just like any other post or feed on Facebook.
3. Instagram Live
Live video on Instagram Stories gives the users an opportunity to connect with followers within a moment. Every time a video is Live on an account; the in-app notifications make the account's followers aware. The Stories section on the Insta app also constantly probes the users about the Live videos. Instagram also allows the follower to put in the request to join a Live stream, and hosts get the pop-up request in real-time. The number of viewers also appears at the top of the screen as the comments keep scrolling at the bottom. You can also interact with the users by commenting and highlighting/ pinning the added comments so that viewers can see it easily. Once the Live video comes to an end, you can share a replay of it. Like other photos and videos that you share on the Stories, this Live video will keep replaying and disappears from your feed after 24 hours - unless you add those Stories as highlights.
4. Periscope Producer
Periscope Producer lets the broadcasters produce Live video to stream high-quality broadcasts from external sources, including streaming software, hardware encoders, and professional cameras. It has a super easy and intuitive UX that makes the app exceptionally easy to use. During the Live broadcast, creators can interact with viewers viz comments and also have the controls over the chats. Also, every video has integrated social features. While watching streams, your viewers can join, like and comment in real time.
Things that every user likes about Periscope Producer is that it is simple and hassle-free impromptu Live videos, and there is no time limit on Live videos. However, it only qualifies in providing a substandard user experience. With Periscope, users can replay highlights of video and instantly share to Twitter and Facebook.
Bonus Fact:
One of the most common American online social networking services -Twitter's Live video app feature is "powered by" Periscope for Live broadcasts on the social media site. Compared to Facebook's Live video, Periscope enables Twitter broadcasters to stream Live video using Android and iOS smartphones and other sources. Live video on Twitter can reach anywhere that a tweet can reach. So, if you use Twitter for Live streaming your videos are automatically saved as tweets, and you have the option of keeping the video to your device by downloading it when the Live stream ends. Along with Twitter, it is also searchable in Periscope. In the same way, you can delete any of your posted videos at any time.
5. Vimeo Live (formerly Livestream)
Vimeo Live is a robust service for corporate personnel who are serious about their broadcasts. They provide high quality and easy to use services that help even novice host to reach their targets flawlessly. Vimeo Live promises fast and outstanding customer service. The website powers about 10 million events annually. Some of the key features that Vimeo offers is monetization of Live videos, cross-platform analytics and it also integrates easily with social media sites.
The company offers 4 kinds of packages that are charged as per the level of features it offers. This tool has made it to our list because of their package is free of cost. The free account that Vimeo Live offers has limited features. So if your requirements demand better quality and features for access, you can purchase the other packages for the Pro-level streaming products. However, these packages are more expensive than the competition.
So that was our list. Keep visiting this space for more insights on streaming marketing.
He is an experienced entrepreneur & specialized in Live Webcasts & Streaming in all types of networks in India and overseas as well. Being an MD of the 24 Frames Digital Pvt. Ltd, a pioneered company offering webcast solutions, Mr Gupta has a skilled team deployed to execute every project to meet the expectations of all their esteemed clients.