Live video has become an increasingly popular tool for businesses and individuals to connect with their audience, promote their products or services, and share their mission. Whether you’re considering going live on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or any other social network, there are some best practices you should keep in mind to ensure a successful live stream. In this blog, we’ll explore some of these best practices, including tips from LinkedIn’s own recommendations, as well as additional insights from a digital marketing specialist.

1. Limit the frequency of your live streams: While it’s important to be consistent and engage with your audience, going live too frequently can lead to oversaturation. Avoid going live multiple times a day, as this can exhaust your audience and reduce the impact of your live streams. Instead, consider establishing a fixed time and day for your live streams, such as every Wednesday at 9 o’clock or every Friday at 12 o’clock. This allows your audience to anticipate and plan for your live streams, and gives you enough time to prepare meaningful content that will keep them engaged.

2. Go live within the first 60 days: If you’re planning to go live on LinkedIn, be sure to do so within the first 60 days of obtaining access. LinkedIn may revoke your live streaming privileges if you haven’t gone live within this timeframe. This highlights the importance of not only going live consistently, but also not waiting too long to do so after gaining access to the feature.

3. Avoid using prerecorded content: To maintain the trust of your audience, it’s best to go live in real-time and avoid using prerecorded content. While it may be tempting to produce polished and edited videos, using prerecorded content can be perceived as a betrayal of trust if not clearly disclosed. However, a hybrid approach can be used, where you incorporate prerecorded sequences, such as interviews, within your live stream. If you do use prerecorded content, be transparent about it and ensure that it adds value to your live stream rather than detracts from it.

4. Have a clear goal for your live stream: Before going live, make sure you have a clear goal in mind for your live stream. What do you want to achieve? What message do you want to convey? What action do you want your audience to take? Having a clear objective will help you stay focused and deliver a more engaging and meaningful live stream.

5. Interact with your audience: One of the key benefits of live video is the ability to interact with your audience in real-time. Encourage your viewers to leave comments, ask questions, and provide feedback during your live stream. Respond to their comments and questions, and make them feel heard and valued. This will help you build a stronger connection with your audience and keep them engaged throughout your live stream.

6. Test your equipment and connection beforehand: Technical issues can be a major obstacle to a successful live stream. Before going live, make sure to test your equipment, such as your camera, microphone, and internet connection, to ensure everything is working properly. Have a backup plan in case of any technical difficulties, such as a spare microphone or an alternative internet connection.

7. Be authentic and show your personality: Live video provides an opportunity for you to connect with your audience on a personal level. Be yourself, show your personality, and let your authentic self shine through. Avoid scripted speeches and rehearsed lines, as they can come across as inauthentic and disengage your audience. Instead, be genuine, spontaneous, and relatable, and your audience is more likely to connect with you and stay engaged.