BEING ALL IN, IN THE  BRAVE NEW WORLD OF EVER CHANGING SOCIAL MEDIA

 Since I originally wrote this post, it seems like ¨light years¨ ago, actually it was in August 2015. I have updated myself and continue to do so regularly. It is like someone said Fear of Missing Out aka FOMO. Many new improvements, Live Video feature, Geofilters, and all the Apps available to enhance your pictures prompted to use all new available tools.

I saw the potential of reaching a wider audience on Social Media, particularly on platforms that had a  Live Video feature. The platforms I am currently using are Linkedin Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. I am now way an expert, but I find that all the platforms give one an opportunity to tell a unique story and the possibility for engagement and bridging communities. Linkedin has also added the capability to upload videos and to Go Live for better penetration to your target customers. It is recommended to keep the native videos a maximum of  2 minutes. Add also a short write-up to explain the key points of your message. Once you get access to broadcast LIVE, you must do that from a 3rd party software, such as Restream. For Live broadcasts, the sweet spot is 20-minute broadcasts which give an opportunity for better engagement. I learned from the first broadcasts I had 10 Live viewers and grew to replay viewers of over 600 in less than a week. Here is a link to my first Linkedin LIVE

Here is 5 key tips for video.

• For pre recorded video suggest to use Filmic Pro, it is one of the best Videos in the market.
• For Instagram use 16:9 resolution, shoot the video in portrait mode and record it in 4K 2160p. Other social platforms handle the Landscape mode. YouTube will accept the 4K and the other platforms downgrade resolution to their standards automatically.
• Frame rate 25.
• Audio is crucial and do not rely on the device mic. alone. I suggest Lavalier lapel mic. Röde Smart Lav+ 
• For lighting I use an  one directional LED light,  to start with. I use Yongnuo YN300 Air on a tripod.
• I use the same tech when I am LIVE on Facebook

Facebook

Facebook announced in 2016 that they will go all out on Live Video. As of now there are over 2 billion monthly users on Facebook.

The latest challenge with Facebook is that they have changed its algorithm. While Facebook is still the largest platform my focus now is on Instagram. I am able to reach a wider audience with Instagram

Instagram

Since Instagram enhanced its features, its monthly users as of Dec 2018 are over 1 billion and growing. Advertisers have picked up on this and it is very clear that video adverts are coming both on Facebook and Instagram.

• Instagram has evolved since mid-2016 and has Instagram Stories where you can post short clips which is gone in 24 hours. Instagram has also a LIVE feature, where you can broadcast to your friends, and once you stop the broadcast, it is gone forever.
• Reel is another feature in Instagram. With Reels, you can create vlog content or demonstrations, or behind-the-scenes. The maximum length of the video is 90 sec. I wonder how long it will take before Instagram allow longer videos. So… could a future 10-minute length video be on the horizon (similar to TikTok?)
• The key to growth is for Instagram to take advantage of the main features, in Stories and Posts. IGTV gives you the platform to post 10-minute videos horizontally and now vertically. We love to connect with you also on Instagram …. Here is the link 😀, but better open in the Instagram App with your mobile device, see all the engaging features.

I try to keep my content varied and engaging. My strategy is to educate, entertain and inspire, all relating to hospitality issues, whether hotel,  food industry, or just share my unique stories.

I connect with people on platforms where they are. That is why I use all these Apps.

What Apps are you using, and what are your experiences with these Apps? I like to hear what are your thoughts and I can include them in my blog posts, with your permission of course.