Considering Live Video for Your Website? What You Need to Know
As the web developed, it became more interactive. Websites began incorporating blogs, which allowed for a more informal conversation that encouraged the viewers to respond. But even with blogs, there can be a definite lag between comments, which slows down the conversation. Websites also began including video and audio clips, which are useful, but don’t lend themselves to immediate interaction between the viewers and the website’s business.
For a more immediate degree of interaction, businesses have begun incorporating live streaming video.
What is Live Streaming Video?
Live streaming is created when audio or video signals are sent over the Internet in real time. Some examples of it include video conferencing, NCAA basketball tournament videos, and showing movies online. The immediacy and the degree of interaction are the key aspects of live streaming.
Imagine if the television show “American Idol” were broadcast as a live streaming video. Although it is currently shown live, it does not allow for viewer interaction during the actual program. What if, after a performance, host Ryan Seacrest were to turn to the viewers and ask for them to vote immediately through their computers. A winner could be determined even before the commercial break.
Live video, or streaming video, is being used in online adult education classes. The teacher can introduce the material and students can ask questions in real time, leading to a greater understanding of the lesson.
Businesses and organizations that want to introduce products or help their users increase their product knowledge also use streaming video.
When To Use Live Streaming Video
A regular day in the office probably doesn’t warrant using live streaming video. But a special event certainly would. A grand opening, a special religious service, a product introduction, an educational course, or a business meeting with employees spread across the country or world could warrant the use of live video.
Ustream.tv is a leader in creating and sharing live video. It allows users with a camera and an Internet connection to quickly set up a streaming video format. Ustream’s service is free, and is used for personal and business use. Ustream recently introduced a pay service, Watershed, which is designed specifically for businesses.
Other providers such as Mogulus and Justin.TV also offer free and for fee models.
You can establish your own “channel” of programs on most providers, and can also embed your video onto your own website.
Do You Need Live Streaming Video?
If you have an important event that you want to share with your customers, members, volunteers, or followers, this is an excellent way to keep them involved and informed. If you want to spread your message to others who are not familiar with you, and encourage their interaction, this can be a good start. If your website is well developed, maintained, and robust with updated information, and you are marketing your organization or business through social media channels, this is a good next step.
