Videos are everywhere these days; on our Facebook feeds, in Snapchat and Instagram Stories. While most people are uploading their videos and stories, the truly fearless are using Facebook Live. This feature is a glorious step forward for video. It allows influencers and businesses to showcase fun and exciting moments that can interest anyone. Going live, though, can wreak havoc on people’s credibility as a social media influencer or business owner if not used correctly. Before jumping onto the Facebook Live wagon, make sure to avoid these mistakes for a better livestreaming experience.
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Turn on Landscape Mode
We see videos all the time with an ugly box frame. Shooting live used to mean holding your phone vertically, but alas, technology is amazing and ever-changing! You can flip your phone sideways, turn on landscape mode and go live. Although iPhone users had first access to this hack, earlier this year, Facebook announced that Android would also have the feature.
“This opens up the game so much more! While a bigger percentage of Facebook Live users have those less-than-appealing lines, you do get those influencers who’ve figured out that you can go live in landscape. Those videos stand out from the crowd because there is so much more to see! It’s visually appealing and helps engage with your audience,” said Clair, one of our social media strategists.
While sometimes it’s beneficial to have those outlining black lines framing your video, most people are fonder of a wider picture. Landscape mode allows more space in your shots, gaining more content in just one frame. But remember, you’ll NEED to be in landscape mode before going live. You CANNOT turn your phone sideways after the feature’s been activated.
Be Aware of Where You Are
Is the sun glaring into your camera? Is it getting dark? Is the lighting dim in an office setting? You should know your background. When using Facebook Live outdoors, the sun will play a huge factor in your filming. If it’s the evening and you want to go live, be mindful of which shots are most crucial to share. Outdoor elements aren’t the only factors, however. Be wary of crowds and background noises when going live indoors.
“I’ve been victim to the sun. Its harsh rays have forced me to move around and find just the right angle for my audience. For the most part, phones have great adjustment features that allow you to auto correct harsh shading or rays. You’ll want for your audience to have the perfect view, so one great tip is to be at the forefront of wherever you’re recording. Frame your live shots beforehand and observe where the best scenes are. That way when you start your broadcast, everything will be perfect,” Clair added.
All About Timing
Facebook requires live video to be between four seconds and four hours long. The longer your stream, the more people are likely to discover and engage. More engaged viewers allows your broadcast to be favored over regular news feeds. Facebook even recommends live feeds to be at least 10 minutes long.
“When looking to go live, consider the message you’re getting across. Have different visual engagements or speaking points that allow for a longer video. I’ve seen many businesses go live for just a couple of minutes, and before it even pops up in my feed, it’s gone. It takes time to build an audience, so make sure to have enough content to capture people,“ Clair concluded.
Facebook Live for Your Business
It’s crucial for your business to utilize all of Facebook’s capabilities. Propel yours forward by taking advantages of features like Facebook Live. It allows for a unique and authentic insight into your business or event. At Imagine It Studios, we love everything Facebook-related. If you’re still hesitant on how Facebook or social media marketing can work for you, then visit our digital marketing agency in McAllen to learn more.