Notwithstanding the differences among Twitter’s Periscope, Instagram Live, youtube, zoom, vimeo and Facebook Live and regardless of your streaming platform, the best practices described below are well worth considering.
Know the Aim of Your Video #
Whether you’re creating a lecture, marketing a product, or engaging with your audience, have in place an outline for your stream. You need not stick to the script, but a clear objective would ensure a well-arranged video and a smooth delivery.
Professionality is key. If your video primarily shows you attempting to fix your equipment, thinking out loud, or silently reading viewer comments, your audience might be turned off and might stop watching any subsequent videos.
Give Your Audience a Predictable Schedule #
Stream only if you have something worthwhile to convey—irrespective of the schedule. If your organization shares content like behind-the-scenes tips or holds industry or product events through streaming, let your audience know when you will be live again, giving them time to prepare questions beforehand.
Engage With the Audience #
Live video is ideal for engaging with the audience. No need to respond to all the feedback, but you stand to win loyalty and appreciation with rewards for relevant comments or questions on air.
Advertise Your Live Stream in Advance #
Spread the word on the topic, time, giveaways, or calls to action aimed at convincing people to tune in to your stream.
Recruit a Partner Behind the Camera #
Solicit the cameraman’s help in watching for questions in the comments, overseeing the feed, and ensuring that the on-camera person stays on schedule. If performed well, those tasks would be invaluable in rendering the video as smooth and compelling as can be.
Plan for the Start #
Start your video with an icebreaker, e.g., ask your audience to tell everyone their location. Besides building a rapport with viewers, such an approach would also give latecomers leeway to join the session.
Procure the Appropriate Equipment #
A dimly lit video with foul audio is no way to promote your brand. Besides being annoyed, the audience might stop watching and, worse yet, form a rotten impression of your service, product, or team. It costs only minimally to build and maintain an impressive setup so make that a priority.
