Live video helps brands inject an authentic human element into their marketing, which is often missing in highly produced pre-recorded videos. BuzzFeed It’s hard to write an article about live video marketing without mentioning BuzzFeed. BuzzFeed’s live videos aren’t always the most intellectually sophisticated, but the brand knows what types of videos are compelling to watch. Dunkin’ Donuts Providing behind-the-scenes footage is a great way to showcase the human side of your brand and build rapport with your audience. The video also includes interviews with staff experts who provide unique insights into the brand’s most popular products – such as the visually appealing Iced Macchiato. Even if your facilities don’t include an awesome donut factory, you can still use live video to authentically showcase your staff and workplace in order to build rapport with your audience. While your product might not be as exciting as one of Space X’s Falcon 9 rockets, live video can be used to provide in-depth product demonstrations where you can answer questions in real-time to alleviate purchasing fears and build trust. In this regard, live video isn’t just an opportunity to promote your brand – it also enables you to bring your audience together and make them feel a part of something greater than themselves. Live video adds authenticity to your blog, business and brand. Cheers, Aaron see more 0 • Reply • Share › Twitter Facebook Load more comments Powered by Disqus Subscribe Add Disqus to your siteAdd DisqusAdd Disqus' Privacy PolicyPrivacy PolicyPrivacy SECURITY WARNING: Please treat the URL above as you would your password and do not share it with anyone.
By 2019, Cisco predicts that internet traffic from videos will make up 80% of all internet traffic worldwide.
Thanks to the mass adoption of high-speed internet and in particular, mobile internet, a video is now the most powerful content marketing tool we have at our disposal.
With compelling visuals and rich sounds, brands can use video to communicate their story and build relationships in a way that isn’t possible with text content.
As a testament to the power of video marketing, the mere mention of the word “video” in an email subject line boosts open rates by 19% and clickthrough rates by 65%.
The rise of live video
Live video represents an emerging trend within video marketing. On Facebook, users spend 3X more time watching live videos compared to traditional videos.
By broadcasting live, brands can create an intimate two-way channel of communication with their audiences. Live video can be used to host Q&A sessions, answer customer queries, host interviews with experts, give product demonstrations and more.
Part of the appeal of live videos is that they’re imperfect. Audiences are forgiving of mediocre video quality and don’t mind if a member of staff accidentally walks in front of the camera – this is to be expected when you’re getting exciting behind-the-scenes footage from your favorite brand.
Live video helps brands inject an authentic human element into their marketing, which is often missing in highly produced pre-recorded videos. After all, people want to buy from other people, not faceless corporations.
If you’re thinking about integrating live video in your marketing campaigns, it’s worth taking inspiration from these 5 brands who are already making waves in the world of live video.
1. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
Live video and professional sports are always going to be a great pairing. Of the many sports brands out there, UFC is setting an example for how to provide extreme amounts of value to its audience via live video streaming.
In addition to streaming UFC events, the brand also streams press conferences, live Q&As with ring girls and fighters, weigh ins, and combat sports from other organizations.
UFC’s Fightpass, which is like a Netflix for fight fans, streams live mixed martial arts events from smaller organizations like Cage Warriors and Invicta FC. Fightpass also streams related sports such as kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu.
The UFC understands its audience well. If someone wants to watch a mainstream UFC event, there is a good chance they’ll also have an interest in a more niche Jiu Jitsu tournament.
The fighter weigh ins take place one day before UFC events and receive a huge viewership online. People love the intensity of the face offs and want to see which fighters look like they’re in shape (or not) before they fight.
When fighters miss weight, it’s usually a topic for conversation.
Knowing that UFC fans simply can’t get enough fight action, the UFC recently started a Tuesday Night Contender Series which features rising talent and is filmed in a smaller, intimate surrounding that makes Fightpass viewers feel as if they’re in the audience themselves.
With Snoop Dogg as the commentator, it makes for some highly entertaining viewing every Tuesday.
Finding out what people want and then giving it to them is the core premise behind successful businesses. The UFC is able to do this very effectively using live video.
2. BuzzFeed
It’s hard to write an article about live video marketing without mentioning BuzzFeed. Due to a disastrous failed attempt to host a Facebook Live video with President Obama, BuzzFeed and live video will always share an association.
Despite this one mistake, BuzzFeed usually delivers the goods with its live video marketing.
BuzzFeed’s live videos aren’t always the most intellectually sophisticated, but the brand knows what types of videos are compelling to watch. For instance, in April last year, 807,000 people watched live as BuzzFeed employees exploded a watermelon using rubber brands.
This is one of the reasons that live video is so powerful. You can create an intimate connection with people watching in real-time, but the content will live on to give your brand exposure for months or even years after the event.
Another of BuzzFeed’s crazy live videos was a dance battle where viewers could vote on performances and provide suggestions for dance moves. It also proved to be popular, although I have no idea how you dance like a cabbage patch or pregnant dog.
3. Dunkin’ Donuts
Providing behind-the-scenes footage is a great way to showcase the human side of your brand and build rapport with your audience. If you’re a fan of the delicious snacks that Dunkin’ Donuts manufactures, it makes sense you’d be interested in the production process used to create them.
In February 2016, Dunkin’ Donuts hosted a live tour of its facilities, including a test kitchen which is used for staff training purposes. The video also includes interviews with staff experts who provide unique insights into the brand’s most popular products – such as the visually appealing Iced Macchiato.
The highlight of the video was undoubtedly the donut factory. A staff member explains the process for laying out the dough, cutting the right shapes out, frying it, decorating it and creating donut cakes.
While interviewing the donut expert, it’s revealed that he has been working at the company for 41 years. This subtly conveys that…
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