Live video streaming helps businesses promote transparency, good communication, and relatability.

Live video is one the biggest trends in social media marketing right now. According to the 2018 Social Media Marketing Industry Report, 77 percent of marketers plan to increase their use of video this year and 68 percent want to start using live video.

It’s really no surprise video has gained such traction. Platforms like YouTube made the transition from watching TV in your home to watching videos on your phone seamless. And live streaming fits in with today’s emphasis on corporate transparency and putting a real, human face to business social media accounts. It allows brands to drop their corporate façade and connect to users in a more human way.

Before you ask, let me say it again: Yes, video can work for the supply chain.

Starbucks and live streaming

You don’t have to take our word for it. Look at the success of Starbucks. Back in 2016 the coffee giant tried their first live feed at an event in Queens, New York, to promote National Voter Registration Day. The live video showcased Starbuck’s involvement in the community and their dedication to social events. It was a huge success. The streaming content allowed viewers who wouldn’t otherwise be able to make the event learn about the cause and its importance.

Still not convinced? Check out this infographic with 4 reasons why the supply chain needs to try live video.

Infographic: 4 reasons the supply chain needs live video

(Made with Canva)

Live streaming platforms

Want to dive into live video, but don’t know where to start? Here’s a few of the most popular platforms.

• Facebook Live: Facebook Live lets you broadcast in real time for up to 90 minutes per session. Users who have recently engaged (or who frequently engage) with your page will receive a notification that you are streaming live, and they can go to your page to view the video. Viewers can comment and react during the course of your broadcast, allowing you to read their remarks and respond immediately.
• Periscope: Twitter-owned and run, Periscope is a standalone platform but integrates seamlessly with Twitter. It has more than 10 million users, more than two million of whom log in daily. The service lets users live stream from their mobile devices and push out those streams on Twitter.
• YouTube Live: YouTube Live enables YouTube to utilize its expansive creator and advertising network to generate even more video to be hosted and monetized. YouTube makes it incredibly easy to aim, shoot and post live video.

Related posts:

• 5 Things Companies Should Learn from YouTube Creators about Video
• Cheap and Easy Tools for Creating YouTube Videos
• Instagram Stories: How the Supply Chain Can Use Them to Engage Prospects and Customers