If you’re looking for fresh ways to engage with your audience, live streaming might be the game-changer you need. Whether your goal is connecting with your community or real-time interaction, live streaming is a powerful way to build relationships and boost engagement.
But you may be wondering—Is live streaming still relevant in 2025? The answer is a YES! Even in the era of YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, live streaming on social media remains a valuable tool for marketers, small business owners, and coaches to grow their brands and attract new clients.
What is Live Streaming?
Live streaming is a real-time way to share video and audio over the internet. It involves recording content and broadcasting it instantly through a social media streaming platform so people can watch it live from anywhere.
Live streaming is used for various events like concerts, sports, conferences, ceremonies, and video games. It’s also popular for presentations, online meetings, and training sessions in business settings. Breaking news and sports were the most popular categories of livestream videos among U.S. audiences as of 2024.
Some main platforms for live streaming include YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Twitch and Instagram Live. These platforms let you share live content and interact with your audience through chats and comments. If you’re hesitant about adding the impact of live streaming to your marketing strategy, let’s explore why it’s a must-have for successful campaigns. The benefits might just surprise you!
Why Live Streaming Matters
Live videos are a great way to connect with your audience, attract new followers, and boost engagement. Choosing content that captures viewers’ attention is important to make an impact.
Events are ideal for live streaming because they help you tell a story and involve your audience. Other types of content can also make a big impression, like:
- Behind-the-scenes videos: These give viewers a look at exclusive content, making them feel part of something special.
- Product or service creation videos: Showing the process from design to production lets people see what goes into creating your products. This transparency builds trust and increases livestream engagement with your brand.
Live streaming offers a unique way to share meaningful moments and create stronger connections with your community.
Advantages of Live Streaming for Social Media Engagement
The following are some advantages of live streaming for better social media engagement.
- Building a Sense of Community
Live streaming fosters a sense of belonging by allowing real-time audience interaction. For example, brands like Nike use Instagram Live to host Q&A sessions with athletes, creating a more personal connection with their followers. Engaging with viewers by answering their questions or acknowledging their comments during a livestream strengthens relationships and makes them feel valued.
- Powerful Marketing Tool for Small Businesses
Live streaming is a budget-friendly way for small businesses to showcase their products or services and one of the best social media engagement strategies. Platforms like Facebook Live and Instagram Live enable brands to promote new products directly to their audience without expensive production costs. For instance, local bakeries or artisans often use live streams to demonstrate their creative process, bringing customers closer to their offerings and leveling the playing field with larger competitors.
- Establishing Credibility and Authenticity
Live streaming gives brands a chance to display their authentic side. Businesses can build trust with their audience by sharing unedited, real-time content. For example, Glossier often uses live streaming to show behind-the-scenes footage of product launches, helping customers connect with their brand story and enhancing their credibility.
- Maximizing Content Value
One of the best things about live streams is their ability to be repurposed. After the live event, you can save and share the recording on platforms like YouTube, your website, or social media pages. TED Talks, for example, stream events live and then upload them to YouTube for future viewing, significantly increasing their content’s reach and utility.
- Reaching a Broader Audience
Social media’s global reach makes live streaming a powerful tool for connecting with diverse audiences. Brands like Red Bull use live streams on platforms like YouTube to broadcast extreme sports events, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. The prominence of live content in social media feeds ensures you capture attention and engage audiences beyond your usual followers.
- Opportunities for Business Growth
Live streaming can drive growth by showcasing new products, features, and exclusive deals. For instance, Sephora often hosts live tutorials where makeup artists demonstrate products and offer exclusive discounts to live viewers, generating excitement and boosting sales.
- Favorable Social Media Algorithms
Live content gets priority from social media algorithms because it keeps users engaged for longer periods. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube Live give live videos higher visibility, making them more likely to appear in users’ feeds. This increased exposure can help businesses like yours grow their audience and amplify their message.
- Real-Time Input and Insights
Live streams allow you to receive immediate feedback from your viewers. Polls, comments, and reactions during a live session give valuable insights into audience preferences. For example, Starbucks has used live streams to gather customer input on new drink flavors, helping them tailor offerings to customer tastes.
- Enhanced Audience Engagement
Live streaming encourages active participation through features like Q&A sessions, polls, and interactive chats. For instance, H&M has hosted live styling sessions where viewers can ask questions and vote on looks, making the experience more engaging and memorable.
- Increasing Brand Awareness
Sharing live, helpful, and entertaining content can attract new customers and expand your brand’s reach. For example, Apple uses live streams for product launches, captivating millions of viewers globally and sparking conversations that extend their visibility. Viewers sharing your streams amplifies your reach, making live content a powerful tool for boosting brand awareness.
[Also read: 9 Easy Tips for Making Your Social Media Stand Out]
Which Platform is Best for Live Streaming?
Pick the platforms that best match your goals and audience. For beginners, focus on quality over quantity—choose just a couple of platforms to start with and grow from there. As you gain confidence and experience, experiment with new ideas and maintain a consistent schedule to build a strong online presence.
LinkedIn Live is great for professionals, entrepreneurs, and course creators, especially in the B2B world. It’s perfect for sharing expert advice, showcasing your knowledge, and connecting with other professionals. For example, LinkedIn Live is ideal for hosting a webinar or sharing career tips.
YouTube Live is one of the best platforms to reach a larger audience. With YouTube’s massive user base, you can host interactive sessions like product demos or tutorials to attract new subscribers and boost your visibility. For example, if you’re launching a new product, YouTube Live can help you showcase it to a global audience.
Instagram Live is ideal for brands with an existing following on Instagram. Use it to connect with your followers, share behind-the-scenes moments, or host live Q&A sessions. For instance, a clothing brand might go live to showcase its latest collection or answer customer questions.
Facebook Live suits various businesses, from e-commerce stores to coaching services. It’s great for engaging with your audience, promoting products, or hosting live events. For example, a fitness coach might use Facebook Live to host a free workout session and attract new clients.
Twitch is perfect for the gaming community or tech-savvy audiences. Twitch is great for hosting live gaming sessions, product demos, or tech tutorials. For example, if you’re launching a new gaming accessory, you can showcase it live on Twitch to connect with gamers.
[Also read: How to Get Higher ROI with Social Media Advertising and Ads]
Fun Live Stream Ideas to Help You Get Started
If you’re diving into live streaming and need inspiration, here’s an expanded list of engaging ideas to connect with your audience and keep them coming back for more:
- Behind-the-Scenes Access
Give viewers an exclusive look at your process—whether it’s your workspace, a production set, or even a day in your life. This humanizes your brand and a sense of inclusion.
- Live Q&A Sessions
Host real-time interactive sessions where viewers can ask questions about your expertise, projects, or interests. Platforms like YouTube or Instagram Live are perfect for better community engagement and trust.
- Product Launch Events
Create a buzz by unveiling new products or services in a live stream. Include demonstrations, exclusive offers, and a countdown to drive excitement and immediate engagement.
- Interactive Tutorials and Demos
Share valuable skills or insights with live tutorials. This could range from fitness sessions and DIY crafts to advanced tech walkthroughs. Pair your knowledge with audience interaction to maximize impact.
- Guest Collaborations
Partner with influencers, industry experts, or fans to co-host streams. These collaborations can broaden your reach and introduce new perspectives to your audience.
- Virtual Events and Challenges
Organize live competitions, charity drives, or themed events. For example, host gaming challenges or fitness marathons to captivate your audience while adding value.
- Exclusive Content and Coaching
Offer premium sessions or personalized coaching in gaming, fitness, or education. Platforms like Patreon can help you monetize by providing exclusive content to your most loyal supporters.
- Monetization Opportunities
- Affiliate Marketing: Recommend and share links to products you genuinely love, earning a commission on sales.
- Sponsored Content: Partner with brands to promote their services during your stream.
- Merchandise Sales: Design and sell custom merch like T-shirts, mugs, or digital badges that reflect your brand identity.
- Ad Revenue and Virtual Goods: Use in-stream ads or sell virtual tokens, badges, and emotes to increase revenue without overwhelming viewers.
- Crowdfunding and Donations
Encourage viewers to support your content through platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, or stream-integrated donations. Offer perks such as exclusive behind-the-scenes access, shoutouts, or personalized messages.
- Entertainment Streams
- Live Performances: Showcase your talent with music, stand-up comedy, or art creation.
- Watch Parties: React to real-time trending shows, movies, or events while engaging with your audience.
- Gaming Streams: Stream your gaming sessions with added commentary and viewer interaction.
Take Your Live Stream to the Next Level with Global Upscale
Take your live stream to the next level with Global Upscale. Our team specializes in transforming your live streaming experience by offering professional video production, creative content strategies, and personalized branding integration. From high-quality production with custom overlays to real-time audience engagement techniques like live polls and giveaways, we ensure your stream captures viewers. We also handle pre-event promotion, utilizing social media and email campaigns to build anticipation. After your live stream, our post-event analytics and highlight reels help extend the lifespan of your content, driving continuous engagement. Whether showcasing new products or hosting interactive sessions, Global Upscale ensures your live stream stands out. Explore how we can elevate your brand at Global Upscale Video Productions.
