Live streaming has been around for a long long time. In fact, Periscope was first launched in March 2015!
Towards the end of 2017, people were beginning to really take notice of live streaming. Top social media companies were investing time in development and advertising to see it become more culturally used.
Today, different social media platforms like...
...all have live streaming functions. This is a real indication for a public desire to broadcast to the world!
We have noticed schools slowly taking up live streaming, but the time to understand and utilise it is now! Trends in tech and digital marketing are so fluid - it is important to not fall behind.
Live streaming is a really intimate method of delivering engaging content to your school community. For a parent, it can prove a really effective way to feel close to the action and offer an emotional understanding of what their child does at your school.
It’s the truest form of authenticity on social media. You show what is REALLY happening at your school. Right now. In real-time!
There are a growing number of streaming services but the important ones for your school to take note of are:
The three above are the most notable for your school, as each can be implemented into your marketing strategy effectively. Below are a few more worth noting (but less inclined towards school marketing efforts).
The platform will differ according to your school marketing needs, the #ContentStrategy in place and the audience you wish to reach.
Not sure how to get started with live streaming? Here are a few great ideas to get you thinking about what broadcasting can offer:
If you’re an international school, or have international students, this is a no-brainer.
When people are restricted by location, live streaming gives them access to see the school and have that one-to-one attention to get what they need from you.
The school can also schedule virtual open days to a wider, larger audience.
Head’s assemblies happen. There’s no need to think of content, or stories, or anything. You just hold your smartphone and stream the assemblies. Simple.
It’s a great way for parents to check in and connect, offering them a unique insight into your school's culture.
Schools have so much knowledge to share. Why not share this online? People (outside of the school’s community) can watch the streaming and share.
This can help you be seen as an educational resource and help increase the awareness of your school’s brand.
Perhaps you could do a weekly ‘lesson’. Each week a different department teaches something interesting.
There’s also the altruistic view of helping the world gain access to education.
Don't let parents miss out on seeing their child win the 100m or break the school's javelin record!
Plan in advance and broadcast each event. Share event times to parents ahead of the day, so they can tune into the ones their child is taking part in.
Science experiments happen all the time. These are the types of streams that do not require thought or ideas, they just happen. All you need is a smartphone or tablet and you’re ready to stream.
This is a quick win. Just get on and stream!
Sometimes parents and family members can’t make it to performances but wish they could. Live streaming gives them the ability to watch live from anywhere in the world.
Just be clear about how they can view and ensure that the set up works (i.e. is the recording device stable? Does it have enough battery or is plugged into a power source?)
We have written an article for using Facebook Live, which is filled with some handy tips that can be implemented across other channels easily. Be sure to give it a read!
Live streaming is in the moment. If you want to tune in, you have to do it NOW. Fear of missing out will increase your social engagement.
Has your school tried live streaming yet? How will you use it? Let us know ✍️