This week, Periscope added Tweet Embeds, Replay Highlights, and Live Autoplay to its stock of features. With Periscope’s “hundreds of millions of live and replay broadcasts,” the streaming app is a great tool for reaching and engaging audiences.
Here’s what the app’s new features mean for avid Periscope users and content marketers alike.
Replay Highlights are just as described – they show users highlights from their home feed so that they don’t miss anything worthwhile on the app. You can also get a glimpse of another user’s past broadcasts by looking at highlights from their profile, or watch highlights related to any search term (including hashtags).
Periscope says, “We look at a variety of signals to determine what parts of a replay should be included in a highlight and will continue to improve these signals over time.” It could prove to be a valuable addition for marketers by encouraging viewers to watch a video they may have otherwise ignored while scrolling.
Live Autoplay is different than most autoplay features in that it doesn’t include audio. Live broadcasts will automatically start in both the Watch Tab and Global Feed without sound, which is a great way to get as many eyes as possible onto your live video content without distraction from audio.
Tweet Embeds is an exciting feature for Periscope. Users can now embed their Periscope broadcasts directly into tweets, which will increase engagement and boost views for broadcasts. This might not be a surprising feature for some; Periscope says media outlets like Mic, Washington Post, and Mashable have already been using the feature.
As an example, Washington Post used a robot to drive around the 2016 Republican National Convention, broadcasting live Periscope video to viewers around the world. Not only was it a creative way to engage audiences, but also the unique setup was a hit with people at the convention which resulted in more interesting conversation for viewers.
LIVE on #Periscope: Robot reporter rolls around the convention hall | Come
#RNCinCLE https://t.co/t7RsZXLlh9
— Ryan Y. Kellett (@rkellett) July 18, 2016
Embedding visual content into tweets is a great opportunity for marketers to get more eyes on their most important messages. There are several ways to use video and live video in your content marketing strategy, many of which are valuable for enhancing brand loyalty and boosting engagement. With this new Periscope feature, brands looking to jump on the live video bandwagon will have a much easier time engaging loyal Twitter followers.
Why should content marketers take advantage of Periscope?
Live video is an incredibly powerful marketing tool these days. Periscope alone has hosted 200 million broadcasts to date, and users consume a whopping 110 years-worth of broadcasted video every day. For marketers, live video offers an unedited, human look at a company and increases brand loyalty. It instills a sense of urgency with viewers who feel like they need to tune in or miss something important. Necessity balanced with accessibility is a combination that delivers some of the most important content marketing goals marketers aim for today.
Ready to take on Periscope in your content strategy? Here are some simple ideas for your next (or first) Periscope broadcast.
1. Give a virtual tour of your office. All you need is a phone or a tablet for a tour. Give your audience a heads up on your social channels so that they have time to get ready for your broadcast. Take them on a live tour around the office, introducing them to some of the employees and showing them what makes your brand stand out.
2. Showcase a product or service. Unboxing videos are popular for a reason. People love seeing new products in action from all different angles. With live video, you can highlight the best features of your product or service with a real-time demonstration that just might encourage your viewers to make a purchase.
3. Answer a valuable question. No matter what industry you’re in, there are questions to be answered. Live video is a great way to engage an audience by providing valuable insight into a problem or common question. It shows your audience that you know your stuff if you’re able to field questions and respond to comments in real-time, which equates to brand authority. Periscope’s real-time comment feature makes it even easier to chat with the people watching your broadcast, too.
4. Conduct an interview. Whether you have an employee with an interesting story to tell, a CEO who knows their stuff about your industry, or an influencer who can reach a wide audience, interviews are an engaging option for live video. Just make sure you’re prepared with good questions and have a bright office space where you’ll broadcast the interview.
5. Host a live contest or giveaway. Everyone loves freebies and videos. Combine the two, and you might have a recipe for success. Choose a prize that’s worthwhile to your audience and tell them to tune in for a chance to win. While they’re watching your Periscope broadcast, make sure to engage the viewers about your brand to make the contest even more memorable.
6. Just say hi. Nothing beats simply engaging your audience with real conversation. If you don’t have an idea for a live video, start a Periscope broadcast for fun and see who jumps on to watch. It might transform into an informative chat, a how-to session, or even an office tour that delivers engagement, social shares, and increases your followers.
The post 6 Quick and Easy Ways to Use Periscope appeared first on ZenContent.