5 Live Streaming Trends You Need to Know About

Live streaming has revolutionized how we consume content, and it’s not going away anytime soon. The pandemic fueled explosive growth in the live streaming industry as people worldwide turned to virtual events and online entertainment to cope with canceled plans and social distancing restrictions.

But it’s not just individuals who benefit. Businesses, big and small, are harnessing the potential of live streaming to connect with their audience in ways never before possible. Live streaming allows companies to showcase their authentic selves and build stronger customer relationships.

Keep reading to discover five top live streaming trends that will set you apart and help you connect with your audience in a new way.

What is live streaming?

Have you ever watched a live concert or sports game from the comfort of your own home? If so, you’ve experienced live streaming. It’s the most convenient way to broadcast video and audio content in real time over the internet. And the most exciting part? Viewers can interact with brands as the action unfolds.

Live streaming is taking the world by storm, with millions tuning in every day. And if you’re a business owner, live streaming allows you to reach a wider audience and engage your customers more effectively. With so many streaming platforms now available—from TikTok to LinkedIn—there’s something for everyone.

Let’s take a look at some of the live streaming trends sweeping the internet right now.

Trend #1: Short-form content

Short-form videos are the new content king, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram leading the charge. These bite-sized videos have captured our attention, making it easier for brands to craft snackable and shareable content.

With 60% of Gen Z users on TikTok every day, it’s clear that short-form video marketing is a must-have in your content strategy. Short videos are simpler to create, edit and promote than long-form content, and they’re highly effective in engaging audiences. Their concise nature means they get straight to the point, so they’re perfect for people who are always on the go or have limited time. The most successful videos last between 21 and 34 seconds. So, if you want to make an impact with your content, keep it short and sweet!

Live streaming content on TikTok and Instagram is another powerful way brands can showcase their products and engage with their audience. Businesses can show off their brand personality and build stronger connections with their followers by going live.

Take Nike, for example. They recently made a splash on TikTok Live by hosting an exclusive product launch event. Not only did viewers get a sneak peek at the upcoming release, they also had the chance to ask questions and purchase the product directly from the app.

(Read: Transform Your Marketing Campaign With An Optimized Video Marketing Strategy)

Trend #2: Social commerce

Social commerce has skyrocketed as more businesses turn to social media to sell their products directly to their followers. And one of the most effective ways to do so is through live streaming. A whopping 65% of shoppers have bought directly from social media.

Thanks to popular social platforms like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, TikTok Live and Amazon Live, companies can now reach more people and generate more sales. Through interactive showcases of products, businesses can engage with potential customers in a more exciting and memorable way. Social commerce live streaming is effective, and it’s also cost-efficient compared to traditional advertising methods.

For social commerce live streaming to work, businesses need a social media presence. They should create compelling content to showcase their products and collaborate with social media influencers to tap into social commerce’s vast potential.

Trend #3: Interactive live videos

Interactive live streaming is a great way to engage with your audience in real time through live polls, Q&A sessions and chatbots. Streams with interactive content have higher engagement rates than those without.

Live polls are a fantastic way to get real-time viewers’ feedback and create a fun and engaging experience for internet users. Use polls to gather insights into your audience’s preferences, opinions and interests. With this data, you can tailor your content to suit your viewers better, increasing their satisfaction and loyalty.

Q&A sessions are another helpful way to build a stronger relationship with your audience. You can provide valuable insights and personalized advice by answering questions in real time. Plus, this kind of engagement fosters a sense of community and loyalty among your viewers.

But what about those common questions that come up over and over again? That’s where chatbots come in. These automated tools can answer frequently asked questions instantly, freeing up your time and energy to focus on more meaningful interactions with your audience.

Preparation is the key to making the most of an interactive live stream. Plan your content and clearly define your goals with each session. Promote your stream ahead of time to build anticipation and encourage viewers to participate.

Trend #4: Virtual events

Live streaming virtual or hybrid events can boost engagement without breaking the bank. Virtual events offer numerous advantages over traditional in-person events. Not only are they cost-effective, they also allow attendees to join from anywhere, enabling businesses to reach a broader audience.

Brands can host virtual events to launch new products, hold industry conferences, provide online training, and conduct expert Q&A sessions. This type of engagement is also an excellent way to connect with customers and prospects, increase brand awareness and bolster online presence.

But to make your virtual event a success, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Start by choosing a reliable platform that offers all the bells and whistles you need, such as live streaming capabilities, video conferencing and interactive tools. And to avoid technical hiccups, invest in top-quality equipment and a strong internet connection.

(Read: Your Virtual Workshop Made Simple: What You Need to Know)

Another crucial element is promotion. Get creative with social media and email marketing to create excitement and generate buzz to attract attendees. And remember to follow up with participants after the event, providing them with valuable content and answering any remaining questions they may have.

Trend #5: Multi-platform live streaming

By simultaneously live streaming video content on multiple platforms, you can reach a broader audience and increase your chances of going viral. Some tools make it easy to broadcast your live video on multiple platforms.

But don’t stop there! Once your live stream is over, there are plenty of opportunities to repurpose your content. You can edit the footage to create shorter clips for social media, turn it into a podcast episode, or even write a blog post about the highlights of your stream.

Repurposing your live video content lets you engage with your audience long after the live stream ends. Plus, it saves you time and resources by creating multiple pieces of content from one source.

Let’s look at a few examples of how businesses can leverage live video content:

• A fitness studio can live stream classes on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. This allows customers to join in from home and stay engaged with the brand even when they can’t make it to the physical studio.
• An e-commerce brand uses live video to showcase its products and answer customer questions in real-time. They then repurpose the footage into short clips for social media and a longer YouTube video highlighting the most popular products.

Streaming on multiple platforms and repurposing your content can maximize your efforts and connect with your audience in new and exciting ways.

How to choose the right live streaming platform

Live streaming can help businesses build a solid online presence. But with so many platforms to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Think about your target audience and the content you’re creating. There are a lot of different platforms out there, so choose one that fits your business goals. There’s TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, Twitch, Vimeo and many more.

If you want to reach a younger crowd, try TikTok or Instagram. With longer, more in-depth content, YouTube and Vimeo work best. And LinkedIn Live is perfect for businesses that want to connect with a professional audience.

Knowing where your audience hangs out is crucial to make the greatest impact with your live streaming efforts. This will help you find the perfect platform that speaks to your target demographic and amplifies your message.

How do I get started with live video streaming?

Whether you plan to create short-form content, utilize social commerce or host virtual events, live streaming can help you grow your business.

Here’s what you need to know to get started with live streaming:

1. Invest in quality equipment: While you don’t need to spend a fortune, investing in quality equipment like a good microphone and camera can go a long way to improving the overall quality of your live streams.
2. Plan ahead: Don’t wing it! Plan your content ahead of time, and make sure you have everything you need before going live. This can help you stay organized and ensure a smooth, engaging live stream.
3. Engage with your audience: Keep your viewers involved by responding to comments, answering questions and using interactive features. Being present during your live videos can make all the difference in building a loyal following.
4. Promote your live stream: Get the word out! Promote your live stream ahead of time on social media, create a countdown and encourage your followers to tune in.
5. Analyze your performance: After your live stream, analyze your performance and see what worked and what didn’t. This can help you improve your content and engagement for future live streams.

By following these tips and staying on top of the latest live streaming trends, you can take your live streams to the next level. And contact us if you need help bringing your story to life.