Following on from services like Periscope and Meerkat it was inevitable that live video streaming would come to Facebook. Just launched to about 5% of the US ( iOS only for now) the new feature has already been put to use by A list celebs like Vin Diesel and Martha Stewart. Facebook have announced on their blog today that us less famous users will have access soon.
The new service will allow you to stream live video from your phone and out to friends and followers so they can watch live and make real-time comments.
Brand building
I have already seen services like Periscope used successfully by fitness industry professionals and brands. They put it to use by broadcasting daily health and fitness tips or a Q+A session where the audience was able to interact by using the real time comments feature.
I think the potential is great for building brands and uses could include:
- Interactive customer support
- Product demonstrations/launches
- Remote focus groups
- Share customer feedback
- Sharing breaking news
- Sharing promotions and deals
- Run Q&A sessions
- Improve transparency
The future
Yes, live streaming from mobile will eat up data plans and drain batteries but it might not be too long off that we wake up to a world where there’s always a friend or organisation you follow broadcasting live somewhere.
