Introduction

Live video streaming has taken the media, political, and business worlds by storm. With Periscope and Meerkat being two of the breakout stars of this year’s SXSW, and Snapchat serving as the primary engagement tool for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, live video platforms have presented opportunities for remote digital engagement that have never been seen before. In this article, we will explore how organizations can leverage live video streaming to improve customer engagement while boosting their brand.

The Challenges of Live Video Streaming

While live video streaming has the potential to revolutionize the way we engage with our audience, it also presents challenges for brands that want to deliver controlled experiences. The proliferation of mobile devices and social media platforms has made it easier for users to access and share live content, but this also raises concerns about content protection and distribution.

Resisting a Fear of the New

Many organizations have taken a strong opposing stance to the development of live video streaming. HBO and Showtime proactively reached out to live-streaming platforms before and during the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight to take streams down. The NHL banned media from using Periscope or Meerkat, and the PGA Tour recently revoked a reporter’s credentials after she used Periscope to broadcast golfers practicing.

However, this approach may not be the most effective way to address the challenges posed by live video streaming. Instead of resisting the trend, organizations should focus on finding ways to leverage it to their advantage.

Leveraging Live Video Streaming

So, how can organizations make the most of live video streaming? Here are a few strategies:

  1. Use live video streaming to create a sense of urgency: By broadcasting live events in real-time, organizations can create a sense of urgency and encourage viewers to engage with their content.
  2. Utilize social media platforms: Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have made it easy for users to access and share live content. Organizations should take advantage of these platforms to reach a wider audience.
  3. Invest in high-quality equipment: High-quality equipment is essential for producing professional-grade live video streaming content. Investing in the right equipment can help organizations create engaging and immersive experiences for their viewers.
  4. Develop a content strategy: A well-thought-out content strategy is crucial for making the most of live video streaming. Organizations should develop a plan that outlines what type of content they will produce, when they will produce it, and how they will distribute it.

The Future of Live Video Streaming

The future of live video streaming looks bright. As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications of live video streaming in various industries. Some potential developments include:

  • Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): With the advancement of VR and AR technologies, organizations may use live video streaming to create immersive experiences that transport viewers into virtual environments.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI): AI-powered tools can help analyze viewer engagement and provide insights on how to improve content strategy. This can be particularly useful for live video streaming, where real-time feedback is essential.
  • 5G networks: The rollout of 5G networks will enable faster data transfer rates, lower latency, and greater connectivity. This will make it easier for organizations to produce high-quality live video streaming content.

Conclusion

Live video streaming has the potential to revolutionize the way we engage with our audience. By leveraging this technology effectively, organizations can improve customer engagement while boosting their brand. As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications of live video streaming in various industries.

In conclusion, the future of live video streaming is bright, and it’s up to organizations to seize this opportunity and create engaging experiences for their viewers.

About the Author

Matthew Howard is a general partner at Norwest Venture Partners.