Everyone’s going live on Facebook these days.
Nearly all of the notifications that I now receive on the social media platform each day are invitations to take a live peek at the random and bizarre moments in the lives of my friends.
It’s been this way since “Facebook Live” launched to the public earlier this year.
With the touch of a button, Facebook Live allows users to broadcast real-time videos to their friends and followers.
I’ve seen it all too. From close-up views at concerts, to dancing toddlers, to worship services, and even a rant from someone waiting in an excessively long fast food drive thru line.
While the idea of getting a live glimpse into someone’s life can be wildly intriguing, the novelty of the affair can wear off pretty quickly if the content isn’t interesting.
Here are four types of content that are sure to make your Facebook Live videos creative, engaging, and interesting to watch:
1. Breaking News/Citizen Journalism
Witnessing a newsworthy event as it unfolds? One that might have a major impact on your community or culture? If you happen to be in the right place at the right time to capture such an event, consider sharing the moment on Facebook Live. It can be an opportunity to shed light on an event that might otherwise go unseen by the masses, or to capture an event from a unique perspective that might be unavailable to traditional media outlets.
2. Special Announcements
A live video can be a creative, fun and engaging way to share a major announcement with your friends and followers. Have a new project that you’d like to unveil? Expecting a new addition to your family? Running for public office? You can share these and other types of important announcements in real time on Facebook Live, and get instant reactions from your friends and followers in the process. For maximum effect, set a date and time for the announcement in advance. In the days leading up to the special date, publish status messages encouraging people to tune in. The possibilities are endless.
3. Q&A
Perhaps you’re an influencer in a particular field, or there’s a subject that you’re extremely knowledgeable about. Whatever the case may be, consider hosting a live question and answer session or talk show on Facebook Live. It’s a great way to interact with your friends and followers, and impart your expert knowledge and insight in the process. You can ask for questions to be submitted in advance, or take questions as they’re submitted during the live broadcast.
4. Behind the Scenes
Use Facebook Live to give your friends and followers a unique look at the places, spaces, tools, and processes that are integral to what you do. If you’re a photographer, consider giving people a look at your workflow or the gear inside your camera bag. If you’re a stylist, take your friends and followers along as you organize looks for a fashion show. The possibilities are endless. Whatever your field, give people a glimpse inside your creative workshop with Facebook Live.
Regardless of the type of content that you decide to share on Facebook Live, the major keys to attracting viewers and keeping them tuned in are to be informative, interactive, and creative.
