Think live YouTube.
Think 24-hour SnapChat videos.
Think Skyping with the world.
That’s Periscope.
Periscope is Twitter’s live-streaming video app. It was released in March and has been making a splash with feeds being shared more than 1.5 million times. Still though, that’s a small number considering the potential created by a new social media toy.
Video, even the ones that are a product of services like convert to AVC1, is the current darling of social media, the way photos once were. Attention spans are so short we need more and more stimulation to be engaged. Until we can beam directly into your brain, video is it.
Another Tool in the Toolbox
Of course, you might be thinking, “Why do I need another tool? I can share video through Facebook, Instagram, or Vine,” but unlike those platforms, there are no time limits or phone memory limits (the video is never stored to your device) with Periscope. Your phone becomes a window on your world rather than a capturing device for #latergrams. Periscope broadcasts are pure, unedited, on-the-fly footage.
Oh and it’s all vertical video, which makes us twitchy, but we like a good creative challenge. Bring it on.
Since Periscope broadcasts are filmed on a mobile phone, you might get a case of the shakes and background noise; unless you get yourself a tripods and a mic.
Who’s Already Using It?
- Red Bull has used it to stream events from Miami Music Week
- Mountain Dew use it to engage further with their Twitter followers
- GE live-streamed interviews with Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Adidas gave fans a chance to watch soccer star James Rodriguez sign his contract extension with the company
Real-Time Interactions
One of the best features of Periscope is that viewers can comment during the live-feed, ask questions, ‘Like’ the feed, and follow other viewers. There is no lag between recording and broadcasting unlike with live video competitor, Meerkat. You can reply to viewers’ comments in real-time. It’s like having a live, studio audience for your mobile broadcast.
Temporary and Exclusive
By default, your Periscope broadcast will be available to watch for 24 hours before the experience disappears into the ether. Nothing lasts forever.
While Periscope broadcasts are public by default, you can make them invite-only. This opens up the possibility of creating truly exclusive content for your audience, which you can work to your brand’s advantage. Think product launches, live Q&As, celebrity takeovers, or behind the scenes peeks. Make your viewers feel like they’re being admitted past the velvet ropes. Everyone loves to feel like a VIP.
The real strength of live-streaming with Periscope over YouTube or Facebook video is the exclusive, instant nature and the possibility for real-time viewer interaction.
It doesn’t take much to get start with Periscope. Have a phone and an internet connect? You’re good! Audience? If you have an active Twitter account, you have an audience.
