If you have been keeping up with the latest social media chatter, then you may have heard the names Meerkat or Periscope in a conversation.
If not, that’s okay. We’ll fill you in on what you need to know.
Meerkat and Periscope are two new social media applications that allow you to live stream video from your mobile device or desktop.
Both mobile applications allow you to watch other people’s live broadcasts, or you can broadcast your own event.
Meerkat and Periscope are the first two broadcasting apps of their kind, and there are only a few differences between them.
With Meerkat, you have to login via Twitter or Facebook before you can view a live stream. Periscope allows you to view a live stream without having to log into any social media channels.
Both applications allow live comments on the video stream, and both integrate with your social media channels. Periscope enables you to choose when you want to start the broadcast, whether you want the broadcast to be public or private, and allows you to share recent broadcasts with your followers.
Why would you want to live broadcast from your mobile phone?
Live streaming video is a great way to interact with your audience in real time, and it allows for deeper engagement with your fans.
Here are a few ways you can use live streaming:
Host Interviews
Hosting an interview over a live broadcasting app is a great way to engage with your audience. Interviews help show the human side of your company, and they can be used to answer questions from your fans and potential clients.
They can also be a great alternative to Twitter chats and the ask me anything (AMA) feed on Reddit.
Behind the Scenes
Live broadcasting behind the scenes is a great way to show viewers something they normally wouldn’t have access to. It also offers a different perspective into your brand or company and helps the audience feel like they are there.
You can use a behind the scenes live broadcast to demonstrate how your company’s products are created or delivered. This gives your audience and potential customers a rare look into how the products they are using are made.
Live Broadcast an Event
If your company is hosting an event, live broadcasting it over Meerkat or Periscope is a great way to share the experience with a larger group of people. By walking around and showing your audience the different areas of the event, it will allow viewers to feel like they are actually there.
You can also ask viewers which parts of the event they would like to see. By being the eyes and ears of your audience, you will help them feel more connected to your brand.
The key thing to remember when using a live broadcasting app is that it is another way for you to tell the story of your brand and engage with your audience on a deeper level.
