Live Video: It's Back!

Why has it returned?

Can we talk about the last couple of weeks?  What an incredible moment in history where we are being called to protect our neighbours by staying home.  Self-isolation has forced many of us to explore alternative methods of communication.  Two weeks ago live video was considered pretty uncool and way too big of an ask for people's short attention spans.  Well... that changed.

Social Media is a tool and it's only as good as the way we use it.

Right now video chat has become a critical way for many of us to maintain our workflow.  Through live video we can stay connected to our customers in a very real and honest way.  If you do go live keep the conversation relevant to how you can serve your customers.  Not sure what they need?  Ask them.  What you don't want to do is position yourself as an expert on the current state of the world.  People are overloaded with information from reputable news sources and government agencies.  Use your live video to remind people of your company values, what you are doing for your customers in the meantime and maintaining a hopeful future for when the world gets back on track.

How to prepare.

• Charge your battery and make sure you have enough power to make it through your video.
• Restart your phone to make sure all updates are properly installed, usually the ones that auto updated in the middle of the night. 
• Run a speed test to ensure you have a strong enough signal to have a good live video.
• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and turn the ringer off (anything you can do to avoid calls and interruptions during your video).
• Check your lighting: face a window with daylight, use a ring light or other auxiliary lighting.
• Make sure your background is appropriate for the tone of your broadcast.
• Check your hair, teeth and outfit to make sure you look great for the very visual medium of video.
• Keep some water close by in case your nerves get the best of you and your mouth runs dry.
• Settle in and go live, be aware that while it is connecting it may be recording so keep a neutral or smiling face.
• If you are having a guest join you remotely communicate beforehand and decide who will be initiating the live stream and who will be requesting to join.
• Once you are connected relax and be yourself, the magic of live video is that it is totally human.
• Keep notes taped to the front of your phone with key points you want to cover in your video, in case you get off track (but do not read a script).

You can save your live video so people can watch the rebroadcast: on Facebook you can keep it on your feed indefinitely and on Instagram you will be able to keep it for 24 hours.  Live video is not for everyone, but it's truly accessible.  It allows us as businesses to connect with our clients on a very human level during a time when 6ft is as close as we can get.  Stay strong and be well.

Author

Tyler Babiy is the owner and creative director of T Squared Social where he works with multiple local businesses to create social media content.  With a formal education in fine arts and fashion design, he is also the driving force behind Social Made Local, a socially responsible apparel brand.  When he is not working he can be found at the dog park, binge watching Netflix or enjoying a craft beer with friends at a local brewery.