And We’re Live in 3…2…1…

While live videos aren’t “hot off the presses” and have been available across social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even LinkedIn—for some time now, we know that they may still be uncharted territory for some brands. We’ve rounded up the top four reasons your brand should think about “going live,” what kind of content works well for live videos, and information on “the state of live videos” as the medium grows into maturity.

Four Reasons Your Brand Should Do Live Video

1. Video feels excitingly “exclusive”

   1. Since these videos are unedited and viewed in real time, they give your audience a unique and exclusive-feeling behind-the-scenes look into your company culture.
   2. According to Go-Globe, 87% of audiences would prefer to watch behind-the-scenes content online compared to any traditionally staged content on TV.

2. Live video builds personality

   1. Differentiating the way your brand shares its story, and the things your brand cares about, helps create a bigger “personality” and brand voice on social media.
   2. 79% of marketers say that live video creates a more authentic social interaction, while 63% also believe it adds a more human touch.

3. Live video diversifies content

   1. Adding live videos in conjunction to traditional static posts helps to diversify content and reach people—however they like to consume information.
   2. According to Live Stream, if given the choice, 80% of people would rather watch a live video from a brand than read a blog.

4. Live video increases engagement (and earns live feedback)

   1. People love the idea of being able to directly interact with a brand, and live video allows them to feel recognized and offer in-time feedback.

1. Live content on Facebook receives 10x more comments than regular videos, according to Mark Zuckerberg.
2. Live videos produce 6 times as many interactions as traditional videos.

Types and Examples of Content to Share on Live Video

1. Culture Events

1. Birthdays
2. Holiday Parties
3. Ugly Sweater Day
4. Dog visitors (Pets aren’t allowed in our office or we would totally jump on this one!)

2. Company Events

1. Tradeshows
2. Award Ceremonies
3. Charity Event
4. Employee Spotlights

3. Brand Specific

1. Behind-the-scenes information on a product
2. New product announcements
3. Field or production tours
4. Product recipe demos

For more inspiration, check out these 4 ways to use stories on Instagram and Facebook!

Stats You Should Know about the Growth of the Live Video Content Category

• Streaming video accounts for more than 2/3 of all internet traffic and is expected to jump to 82% by 2020.

• According to Cisco, live internet video will account for 17% of Internet video traffic by the year 2022.

• The streaming industry is estimated to reach $70.05 billion by 2021.

• EMarketer found that 63% of millennials have watched live content and 42% have created it, making this group the largest consumers and creators of live video.
• Searches for “Facebook Live Stream” has increased in popularity by more than 330% since Facebook Live debuted.
• 78% of online audiences are already watching video on Facebook Live.

From increased engagement, to earning greater brand visibility during a tradeshow, live videos are an asset your brand shouldn’t be sleeping on. Whether your brand has already experimented with live videos, or is new to the game, these insights are a key indication on why it’s important to invest in this growing content category! And if you need further reasoning on why investing in social in general is important, look no further than this post on using social media to build brand authority.

Have something to add? Leave us a comment below or reach out to us on Twitter @TheCoreBlog!

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