Insights into Real Time/Live Content

Hope you all had a fantastic Weekend. We are back, and today’s topic looks at the growing craze for Live/Real Time Content. You might be asking yourself Live Videos? “What’s the Hype about?” Glad you asked and we will explain why Real-time content has become ever so popular.

Video content has become an important element of our modern, digital world. In 1951, the first ever footage was captured with the first video tape recorder. However, the frontier of video has developed and evolved extremely from its very first inception that is until live streaming video arrived and more or less changed everything.

So, what is this live streaming and what exactly does it constitute?

It is a video that is broadcasted in real time to an audience on the internet; it’s made possible because mobile devices are always connected and live videos have low bandwidth. 

Breakdown of Live/real-time content

1. Video production.
2.  Live encoding.
3. Distribution to viewers.
4.  The platform on which users can view the stream.

Reasons why brands should Go Live.

1. Engagement: Live allows for immediate, authentic and interactive engagement with your fan base allowing you to take questions, better understanding their needs and interpreting their reaction to your content.
2. Scheduling & Reminders: Convenience is driven for both users and broadcasters as you are able to build transaction and interest for an upcoming live session.
3. Live to Content: Users can choose to download the live footage when broadcasting ends or allow the broadcast to run on the page as a video post for consumers who missed the recording.
4. Broadcast longer: Facebook Live’s edge over Instagram and Periscope is that it allows consumers to broadcast live footage for as long as four (4) hours.

Facebook Live

The benefits for businesses who decide to use Facebook Live is simple. The platform’s algorithm prioritizes live video features over other videos. By leveraging on this, businesses are able to create live video content which can help in tapping into increased engagement opportunities and this as a result leads to an increase in organic reach on Facebook.

Facebook’s platform also makes it extremely easy in curating live videos. How? People are able to find a video even after the live stream ends. You are able to post and announce the video on your business page once the live stream is done, this allows you to then create engagement post-live event by gathering the interests of the fans who might have missed the stream the first time around.

In addition, the benefits that Facebook Live presents is that videos can be recorded from desktop computers, which creates the scene and transition possibilities. Facebook live also helps to connect to full broadcasting services ensuring quality is ensured.

What to expect in 2019?

Production Crews

It will be increasingly important for brands to have a director and a more experienced production crew as part of the production process for Live content. Key roles will be;

1. Identify key equipment – necessary for quality output i.e. lighting, sound, mobile device, specialized mixers for live broadcasting.
2. Create storyboards – to lead the production process and identify key scenes to be captured.
3. Framing and composition- for easier concept consumption as well as adapting to an unpredictable production environment.

Just How important is Equipment?

A consistent and quality live experience can be assured with the right equipment. Some of the equipment that can help guarantee quality and consistency include;

Camera / Camera phone: a medium to high-end mobile phone has most of the pre-configured features a professional DSLR (A digital single-lens reflex) would have, from light sensitive lenses to higher quality output capabilities.

Lighting: Smartphone cameras have small image sensors and low dynamic range. Shooting in dark environments will give you grainy, low-quality footage, so you should try to shoot your video in brightly lit areas. In addition, the auto exposure on mobile phones is typically slow to adjust when changing from one scene to the next, so be cautious of this when moving from dark areas to bright ones.

Audio: Terrible audio can ruin a perfect shot. Camera phones have low quality, built-in microphones that pick up unwanted ambient sounds like wind, traffic, and other background noise. Perfect audio might not be an issue if you plan on filming something like a sporting event or concert, but if it’s something like an interview, be sure to find a quiet location to film — or look into microphones specifically built for mobile phones.

Stabilizer (Tripod, dolly): content output clarity and experience are heavily determined by the ability to maintain the frame’s stability (stillness throughout the production).

Stabilizer equipment has been adapted for mobile devices and can be picked up on Amazon or locally at CDI gadgets located at Tembo Co-oP house;  for both DSLR cameras and mobile phone cameras.

6 Crucial Tips to follow before you go live.

1. Pre-hype: Make your fan-base anticipate your broadcast by telling them ahead of time. Facebook live allows users to set reminders of up to a week to the event. YouTube’s premier feature ensures your followers have front-row seats to your video broadcast or release.
2. Go strong or go home: Use a stable wireless connection or a strong mobile data connection (4G recommended) otherwise the Go Live button will be inaccessible.
3. Set the mood: Write a meaningful and exciting descriptor that would compel the reader to watch the live broadcast.
4. Connect: Engage with your online audience by calling them out by name and responding to their enquiries, concerns and comments.
5. Stay on: Keep your broadcast running for more than a minimum of 10 minutes to grow your live viewership.
6. Make it a habit: Get your fan base used to your live presence with frequent, creative content approaches; special milestones, exclusive releases, touching moments, KYC sessions.

So, there you have it if you are looking for the digital agency in Kenya to help you with your social live coverage, feel free to give us a shout and we will gladly deliver the best digital solutions for your business.