Live streaming is a marketing trend that has grown fast and furious, mostly because it allows brands to speak directly to their audiences. Literally. It’s the kind of interactivity and authenticity consumers value and have come to expect from their favorite brands. The fascination of being so closely connected has grown thanks to the advances of Snapchat, Instagram Stories, and Facebook Live.

After all, what good is technology if it doesn’t help us to connect? Live streaming aligns with the evolving consumer preferences over the years. Without using live streaming as part of a marketing strategy, brands are missing out on a huge percentage of viewers. 82% of viewers prefer live video from a brand over social posts, and 80% would rather watch a brand’s live video rather than read a blog. With 360 million Facebook Live users, is that really an audience reach you want to miss out on?

BuzzFeed racked up 51 million views with the livestream countdown to the 2020 presidential election. Atlanta Buzz generated 38 million views with its livestream of people lining up to hug police officers in Dallas. And, who could forget “Chewbacca Mom” who scored an impressive 162 million views just by trying on a mask and giggling about it?

Without a doubt live streaming has everything to make marketing magic happen. It has majority interest, millions of engaged users, and a platform that allows brands to instill excitement and instant connection among current fans as well as unexplored audiences.

Research which platforms and strategies would work best for your brand and the audiences you are trying to reach. This rise of real-time engagement is an opportunity not to be missed as the competition for viewer attention continues in the digital marketing world.

As illustrated in the infographic, Rise of Live Streaming – Redefining Real-Time Engagement, live streaming isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It’s most likely worth the effort to set up your camera and hit record.

Live Streaming Trends & Marketing Tips Infographic