5 Lessons Learned From Facebook Live

5 Lessons Learned From Facebook Live

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Earlier this year, Facebook rolled out its newest feature, Facebook Live. If you haven’t seen a live broadcast yet, Facebook Live, in the words of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is “like having a TV camera in your pocket.” Users can “go live” in Facebook groups, events and pages, and “live reactions” allow viewers to interact with the content in real time. Video has become a central part of Facebook over the last few years, and Live seems like a natural step for Facebook to take.

The emergence of Facebook Live has organizations of all kinds experimenting with the social media giant’s new feature. From breaking news to behind-the-scenes looks, Facebook Live has a lot of awesome potential. Here’s what we’ve learned after a summer of going LIVE:

1. Quality video is important, but don’t obsess.
Facebook Live videos aren’t supposed to be professional, nightly news quality! (Odds are you don’t have a full technical crew at your disposal.) But there are a few things you can do to make your live video shine:

  • Make sure your smartphone is on a steady, stable surface when you broadcast. (Tripods are best, but level surfaces like tables, counters or shelves will do in a pinch.)
  • Keep your phone in landscape mode (sideways) for better video.
  • Good audio is more important than good video.
  • Keep your video’s title and description short, sweet and straight to the point.

2. Engagement is a major key.

Viewers can react to and comment on videos in real time. This is a great opportunity to answer questions and engage with your audience during the broadcast. People comment 10 times more often on Facebook Live videos than on regular videos.

And live videos stay on your Facebook page long after you hit stop! Your video won’t disappear once the broadcast concludes.

3. The possibilities are endless!
From Q&As to press conferences, and from impromptu interviews to behind the scenes sneak peeks, there are a lot of great uses for Facebook Live. Prince Harry got tested for HIV in a Facebook Live video to demonstrate the importance of getting tested. And who could forget that one Friday when Buzzfeed made a watermelon explode with rubber bands?

Facebook Live is so remarkable because it creates the feeling of being present in the moment. And it gives anyone with a smartphone the power to produce a live broadcast.

4. Length isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The magic length for videos is around three minutes; any longer and you risk losing your viewers’ attention. But on Facebook Live, length isn’t necessarily a bad thing. People can pop in and out of your live stream, and revisit your page to watch the entire broadcast later. (Facebook’s algorithm favors Facebook Live video. You’ll have more eyes on your content and a greater chance to engage users.)

As long as your content is engaging and you keep the pace movin’ right along, don’t fret about length. 

5. Let it be, let it be.

Don’t worry, it’s going to be great! Some of the most popular Facebook Live posts have been whimsical “man on the street” interviews and simple Q&A sessions with interesting people and a single camera. When you’re preparing for a broadcast, think through logistics, but don’t get tied up with details either. Don’t obsess about things like lighting and stabilizing your camera; your smartphone can automatically adjust a little to account for these things. If at first you drop your phone, try and try again! Facebook Live is easy to use, but it might take some time for you to feel comfortable.

Don’t take it too seriously, don’t be afraid to experiment, and have fun with your live broadcast!

Now go forth: Connect, engage and inspire!

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Kate Runy

CONTENT & MEDIA SPECIALIST

A passionate technical wizard, Kate thrives on managing online content, social media for communications, and development projects.  Kate is the workhorse of the team, pulling out amazing feats of content creation and management week in and week out. 

Prior to joining BC/DC Ideas, Kate coordinated website and social media content, communications, and advertising for Go Global NC and Alzheimer’s NC.

Things that make her happy: I love animals about as much as I love working for nonprofits.

Mishel Gomez Cespedes

CONTENT COORDINATOR

Mishel brings a passion for video storytelling and quippy social media content to the team.  At BC/DC Ideas, she is most likely editing video or scheduling the next moving social media post for our clients.

Her ear for storytelling is her greatest asset. Mishel has a unique ability to assemble content into a concise story that moves audiences to action.

A graduate of Wake Forest University she spent a semester in Spain and years serving her community through the campus organizations. Now, she is putting her passion for good to work.

Brian Crawford

creative director

Mix equal parts nerd and creativity and that’s Brian. A natural problem-solver, Brian’s ability to cut to the core of any problem helps guide our creative team to the correct solution without wasted time or money. It’s the core, this little nugget of truth, that helps our clients take the next step with their audiences.

Brian gets the greatest joy out of helping our clients realize and connect with their story. He is a true believer that everyone and every organization has a compelling story to tell, you just have to listen with an open heart.

Things that make him happy: Hanging out at the park with family, toddler-speak, hitting the focus pull, and good coffee.

Dawn Crawford

principal

The engine behind BC/DC Ideas, Dawn has dedicated her career to good. Dawn brings her considerable experience and expertise to helping elevate the nonprofit sector. Our team’s lead strategist, Dawn is often seen leading our IdeaStorms, penning communications plans, or checking in with clients.

Before launching BC/DC Ideas in 2010, she earned her chops in 10+ years of communications leadership roles for public health, healthcare and youth-focused nonprofits. Working for nonprofits is Dawn’s dream job, and she loves that her 40+ hours a week make the world a better place.

Things that make her happy: A glass of champagne to celebrate big wins, Basecamp, living in the South, seeing the world, and a well-formatted spreadsheet.