Facebook live is an option that was added back in 2016. This feature allows people to directly interact with people through a live video. By using this feature, people can show video content in real-time. The utility of this feature came into prominence in recent times. The global pandemic has forced people to live indoors and conduct almost all kinds of daily activities through the internet. Hence, in this trying time, the live option of Facebook has garnered more prominence.
Strategic use of live option on Facebook
The live option can be used by any Facebook user, and it is wrong to assume that just by going live, a person can garner attention on the social media platform. The live-action has to be thought out beforehand. There is the scope to improvise and make mistakes during a live video. However, to make attention-grabbing live videos, it is vital to draft a live session plan.
The following points elaborate upon the correct use of the live feature for enabling maximum audience interaction on the social media platform:
A clear purpose:
It is suitable to have a purpose in mind for making the live video. It can be a marketing campaign or a live concert but having a plan is useful. The live video should be centered on a topic. This will help the audience in understanding the meaning behind the video. Aggressive advertising through live videos isn't a good idea. But if the purpose behind the video is well-formed in mind, it is easier to convince the audience during the live session.
Inform the audience:
A person can go-live at any time. However, to garner the attention of the audience, it is suitable to schedule the live video. Scheduling the video will automatically let others know about the live session beforehand. This can ensure more engagement on Facebook. It is also essential to describe the event and add suitable images to know about the live session's topic/theme. Paid events can also be created to enter the session after purchasing a ticket online or through registration.
Interact with the viewers:
The live session is about interaction. The person conducting the live session should greet and interact with the viewers, read out comments, answer questions and pin exciting comments to the top. This will make the audience feel validated during the live session.
Tag appropriate people:
Live sessions allow tagging people. The person who wants to go live can tag specific people during the session or schedule the session. But tagging anyone or everyone isn't a wise choice. It is essential to think about the people in the known circle who would be interested in the topic that is to be discussed in the live video.
How to operate the live function
There are three ways of using the live feature on Facebook. Each method is delineated below:
Live through the Facebook application on mobile-
- Open the profile page from where the live video is to be streamed
- The live icon is present at the bottom of the post composer
- Tap ad, then describe the live session, tag people, and add location
- Tap on the Start live video icon to initiate the broadcast.
Live through Messenger room-
- Select the live icon present in the upper right and corner of the page.
- Insert title of the video
- Select the place for broadcasting the video.
- Choose the people for the messenger room live chat session
- After all the participants have accepted the live session invite, click the start button to begin the live video feed.
Live through desktop-
- While opening Facebook from the desktop, one can find the live video option under the status box.
- Click on live video, and the live producer tool will be shown to prompt the user to select the video source.
- Select the camera option and insert description, title on the left side.
- Tag people and/or select the donate icon for fundraising.
- Click on the go-live icon to begin the video session.
The comments of the viewers contain information about the quality of the content streamed through live video. It is best to use the live video feature intelligently to gain maximum exposure on Facebook.