Hey, friends! There’s been a lot of buzz in the social media world in the past few weeks about the newest “kid” on the block, Periscope. Here is a quick guide to answer some of your questions about what this app is, why you should use it, and how it can best be utilized!
WHAT IS IT?
Periscope is a tool that allows you to share a live broadcast of anything, anywhere. All you need is a smartphone, and you can {as the catchphrase states} “explore the world through someone else’s eyes.” To join, just download the app and create a user profile. If you have Twitter already, you can just sync it to your Twitter account, which makes setup even quicker. Then, choose who you’d like to follow and you can be notified whenever those folks are live! When you join a live broadcast, you’re able to type comments or questions that the broadcaster will see in real time and can respond to. You can also tap the screen to create a little heart {or lots!} which lets the person know you like what you’re seeing and hearing.
Key Points:
– broadcasts are live, so what you see is what you get!
– you can join in live or watch a replay later
– live viewers can interact with comments and hearts {replay viewers can heart, but not comment}
– broadcasts only remain on the app for 24 hours, at which time they can’t be accessed by the public anymore
WHY IS IT A GAME CHANGER?
For the first time, all kinds of folks are getting in front of the camera and sharing themselves, their homes, their businesses, and more, all without filters. This is allowing people to get to know their favorite bloggers, celebrities, etc. on a much more “real” level because nothing is polished or perfect. It’s giving people behind the scenes glimpses and snippets of real life. So why should you join? First, because it’s fun! It’s awesome getting to interact and ask questions and get answers in real-time from people across the country. Also, I don’t think this app is going away anytime soon, so now is a good time to jump on and start learning along with everyone else while things are just starting out!
HOW IS PERISCOPE BEST USED?
Whether you’re a blogger or not, I think there are certain ways Periscope broadcasts can be useful and fun, while others aren’t so great. None of us wants to get on there and see someone just rambling away and talking in circles. Whatever you broadcast, have a plan. Know what you want to say before you click that start button. Here are some ideas for great broadcasts that I’ve seen:
Tour of house/room
Sneak peek of an upcoming project you’re working on
Live demonstration of a skill or project
Q&A/Interview {have questions ahead of time}
Informational broadcast {ie: 5 top tips for Periscope or 8 things I wish I’d known when I started blogging}
It’s always fun to bring another person into the mix too, like a fellow blogger or contributor, your kiddo, or your spouse from time to time so the audience can enjoy watching your interactions with them as well…especially if you have great chemistry together.
Sometimes there are still glitches since the app is so new; there are connection problems from time to time or sometimes the picture gets fuzzy, but it’s a really fun format and I think you’re going to enjoy it! Here’s a look at a few broadcasts I’ve done…the hearts and comments won’t show up on the YouTube version, but it’ll give you an idea of what this is like!
7 Tips for Growing on Periscope: Part 1 and Part 2
8 Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started Blogging
What are your top tips for Periscope? You can find me there as @oneartsymama; can’t wait to see you!
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