INTRODUCTION
For the past several years, video has been the most engaging type of content on Facebook, particularly Live videos. In fact, SocialMediaToday reports that people spend three times as much time watching Live videos than pre-recorded videos on Facebook.
Your convention and visitors bureau or destination marketing organization can better promote your region to potential visitors by embracing and perfecting Facebook Live techniques beyond the basic setup.
Following are four advanced Facebook Live features CVBs and DMOs should be using.
GO LIVE FROM AN EXTERNAL CAMERA
According to viewers, video quality is the most important factor for Facebook Live. While many smartphones can capture a decent quality video, they do have their limits.
As one example, consider using a drone camera for your festival to add a more dynamic and professional feel to your stream. You will need to use Facebook’s Live API to use these types of devices.
OFFER CLOSED CAPTIONING
It is estimated that 85 percent of videos are viewed without sound. Add closed captioning to your video with Facebook Live API to keep people engaged when the volume is off (e.g. they’re watching your tourism videos while they’re at work). Captions will automatically appear on live broadcasts as long as the viewer has the feature turned on in their settings.
PRE-RECORD YOUR FACEBOOK LIVE VIDEO
Ironically, Facebook Live videos don’t actually need to be live. You are able to pre-schedule the airing of a completed “live” video within “Publishing Tools” on your Facebook page. This can help remove some of the stress associated with actually going live, especially with certain types of events. Plus, Facebook will generate a post announcing the time and description of the Live video to your followers so they know to tune in.
USE CROSSPOSTING TO EXTEND YOUR REACH
Live crossposting allows you to post your Facebook Live video on another page without uploading it twice or sharing. This is particularly handy for CVBs and DMOs that are featuring a business or event that has a Facebook page. You’ll just need to establish a crossposting relationship with that page in advance.