Brands are starting to notice the benefits associated with live video streaming and if you haven’t discovered the rewards that come with real-time video yet, now is the time to jump on the bandwagon. Online video is rapidly growing in popularity, despite the fact it is not a new concept. The rise in popularity could be down to the ever-increasing number of smartphone and Internet users. Alternatively, recent technology innovation and higher quality recording equipment could be the reason why businesses are taking the opportunity to interact with clients through video. Whatever the reason for the rise in demand might be, one thing is for sure – if you want to capture your audience’s attention effectively, you need to consider your streaming software options.
Why are brands using online video to reach their target market?
Building trust and loyalty among the people who view your online videos is dependent on the quality of the content you distribute. When it is meaningful, it will inspire the viewer and hopefully, encourage them to take action, whether this is by signing up for a newsletter, attending an event, subscribing to a service, etc. Potential customers can be converted into paying customers with ease when you utilize online video in the right way. Furthermore, if you launch a countdown for your live streaming video, your customers will believe there is a sense of urgency and that if they do not watch the video, they will miss out on something important. Video can be live streamed on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Because video is so easy to view when on the move, brands can build better overall exposure by using real-time and pre-recorded broadcasts.
Choosing Between the Many Online Video Vendors
So, you realize that online video could be very beneficial for the success of your business, but you are not quite sure what to look for in a vendor? Well, the truth is that there is no “one size fits all” approach to online video. Every company’s requirements will differ and therefore the type of software they are seeking out will vary. Fun, tangible content can run on a diverse range of hardware and software systems. However, you must consider which systems are currently in place and make sure the online video vendor is able to connect with the existing systems. Ask yourself what the destination channels will be and what video formats you want to use.
Considering Software Based on Your Project Type
One of the easiest ways to narrow down your search for the most suitable type of online video software is to focus on the big picture. What project are you working on and what tools do you already have at your disposal? Let’s take a look at two of the most common video projects and what features ought to be included with the software you select:
- Video-on-Demand (VOD) – VOD is considered a form of external distribution. Analytics, video delivery, and media management are a few of the capabilities you must take into account when searching for software.
- Live – Another form of external distribution is live video, which works well with monetization and customization.
In addition to the above projects, video content may fall into the following categories:
- Enterprise Distribution
- Conferencing Providers
- Webinar Providers
- Cloud Encoding Vendors
Broadcasting video online will make a difference to your marketing efforts, not to mention your networking opportunities. From generating a bigger audience to keeping your audience up-to-date with business happenings, the possibilities will be endless if you seek out the right vendors and web resources for online video. Consider your streaming needs ahead of making a decision, because the standard of software varies from vendor to vendor.