Going Live on Social Media

 

The trend on social media today is pictures and video. We’ve talked about Instagram, a picture-based social media platform, and TikTok, a video-based one. Other apps support images and video such as YouTube (a familiar one), Facebook Live, and Twitch. These apps, including Instagram, can allow users to do live or recorded videos to promote their platforms.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I attended a great class taught by Shannon Kauderer, the ML of the Albany NaNoWriMo group (https://www.shannonyseult.com and on Twitter @SYseult). In the class, she discussed various ways to go live, including the apps listed above. Each has its own way of broadcasting your message, and Shannon has great information about recording. Rather than getting into the specifics of setting up each platform, I’ll keep to the basics.

YouTube is a video-sharing platform. You can record your videos offline as well as in real-time. This app allows thousands of users to find your material through keywords. To start, make an account with an appropriate screen name. Then click the movie camera in the right corner. Choose Upload Video or Go Live. The first option throws you into the YouTube Studio, where you upload an already created vid. Give it a name and create a good thumbnail (small pic to represent the vid, preferably not one with your mouth open, just saying). Scroll down to advanced options to add categories, subtitles, tags, and more. Each vid you add will be part of your channel. Users can subscribe to it and see you at any time. If you chose the Go Live option, you may need to verify your phone number first. Elect to do it Right Now! or schedule it for the future. YouTube walks you through the steps. Be sure your camera is ready.

Facebook Live is another choice for doing streaming videos. To record in real-time with your profile, the button is an option on your status update. Clicking the button puts you in the Live Production area. Determine when to record, where to post the video, even opt to record with others. Like YouTube, there are many options for the stream. Scan through the page and find all the bells and whistles.

Twitch is a live-streaming forum that might be new to some. Gamers use this platform to play their games live with audiences watching. There are already a ton of authors using this app for read-alouds, talks, and writing sprints. Twitch has a chat option to have users interact with you as you broadcast. Like the other services, have your camera and microphone ready. Twitch, like YouTube, gives you a channel. Customize it to fit your brand with tags under the Creator Dashboard. Each video becomes part of your channel. Users can subscribe, and monetizing differs from YouTube. Here you can get tips directly from users.

I’ve already hinted at this feature on Instagram using Your Story or Reels to record live. Also TikTok is a popular option for doing real-time broadcasts. Needless to say, you have so many choices. Pick on and go.

And do what exactly, Ginny?

I’m glad you asked.

Streaming videos and digital channels are the future of social media. Look at how TikTok has taken off. Users want to see video content, memes, and live streams. Give them what they want. Create live events for unboxing your latest book or a dramatic cover reveal. Read aloud from a backlist book or create a book trailer. Start community discussion or live writing events. The chat in Twitch allows you to interact directly with the audience. Live stream signing events, conferences, workshops (that you teach), or you walking your dog. The content is up to you. And if you record it, they will watch.

Go forth, my writers, and record it all. You’d be amazing at what the readers love to watch.