There were several social media trends in 2016, including:

• Live streaming videos
• Snapchat stories
• Mobile optimization
• Faster real-time engagement
• More focus on social commerce
• Higher demand for organic content (keeping SEO in mind)
• Increase in video marketing

Many of these predictions have proven to be true, but we’d like to focus on one of the big ones: live streaming video. Video has grown considerably on social media platforms for both personal and marketing use.

Several platforms upped the game with live streaming videos:

• Facebook Live
• Snapchat Live Stories
• YouTube Live Stream
• Periscope (Twitter app)
• Instagram Live Videos

Businesses can use live streaming videos for:

• Storytelling
• Events
• Customer service
• Selling
• An inside look
• How-to guides

Organizations and brands have a big opportunity in front of them with live streaming. It takes real-time engagement to a new level and sends a clear message to the consumer that the business considers them important enough to communicate on a more personal level. So often, when a business just relies on written communication, misunderstandings occur. It can be hard to convey emotion with words, and live streaming allows for the emotional connection that will help a business relate to it’s audience. Yes, a connection can be made with words, but seeing and hearing – being spoken to, adds that personal touch that can be missing.

Tips for businesses using live streaming video:

• Be engaging and engage your audience.
• Remember who you’re talking to.
• It’s a conversation, not a presentation.
• Make it both informative and interesting/fun.

Check out these articles to get a better understanding of how live streaming can be used successfully for your business:

• 14 Ways Your Business Can Successfully Use Live-Streaming Video: http://bit.ly/2gIxfrh
• 11 Creative Ways to Use Live Streaming on Snapchat, Facebook Live & More: http://bit.ly/2gFaLcp
• Which Livestreaming Platform Should Your Business Use? http://bit.ly/27XR0OR
• How To Market Your Business With Video Live Streaming: http://bit.ly/2cKWNC4

Sources:

http://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-trends/

https://bitly.com/blog/the-top-20-social-media-trends-in-2016-according/
http://www.socialmediatoday.com/social-networks/how-live-streaming-going-crush-it-2016
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/2016-social-media-marketing-predictions-from-the-experts/

 

Author:

Teri Kojetin is the Administrative Services Manager for NISM (National Institute for Social Media). Teri has a background that ranges from teaching in Mexico as a missionary for 15 years, administrative services for 12 years and 4 years of community management in social media agencies before landing at NISM where she combines both her administrative and social media skills.

Teri has been involved in non-profit charitable organizations in both a volunteering capacity and campaign management. Teri believes that providing all-around support to others, along with an attitude of learning and living out your passion, leads to fulfillment and success both for others and for herself. When she isn’t working, Teri enjoys journaling, painting, cooking, camping and spending time with her mini me granddaughter.
You can learn more about her on LinkedIn and Twitter.