Have you downloaded the new Periscope app? I'm totally in love. Live streaming video is now accessible to anyone (well, if you have an iphone anyway). Now, I may be a high end video nut - of course, it's what I do for a living. But, what you sacrifice in quality here, you gain in authenticity and pure awe. It's so great to be able to connect with people all around the world and learn about their cultures, without spending a dime!
Now, let me be clear - yes, this could affect potential business-by encouraging people to handle live streaming on their own. But, honestly-the benefits of you learning about this, far outweigh my biz concerns (plus, this isn't an arena where I play often).
Here is a quick tutorial about the app itself! I'd still suggest hiring a professional if you want to stream an event, mainly due to reliability of the stream, clarity of picture, and the fact that the app really encourages vertical video...which, is the only dumb functionality thing I don't agree with. haha!
For those of you who are unable to watch the video...because, let's be honest - you're peeping this at work, and don't want your boss to see - here are answers to a few questions I get frequently:
q. what is periscope?
a. an app that allows you to live stream straight from you mobile device.
q. how do people use it?
a. it depends - many people use it to talk to people. They answer questions about their occupations, country, etc... Other people become tour guides of sorts, and like to show what is happening around them - events, beautiful sights, etc...
q. what should a newbie know?
a. periscope, like most social platforms - thrives on conversation. If people ask you questions, answer them, and ask questions back.
q. what about trolls?
a. they are everywhere. Simply click on their photo, and hit "block." Problem solved.
q. anything to beware of?
a. the titles of broadcasts can be deceiving. If you are browsing with your children, it's a good idea to open the stream first, then show them after you make sure there is nothing dirty or scandalous happening ;-) Also, keep in mind that it makes it easy for people to know if you aren't at your house/are at your house. My rule of thumb is that I never show my house number, and keep my location vague when I talk about where I live.
q. what is the coolest thing you've seen?
a. i had a wonderful conversation with a journalist from Kuwait about women's rights the other day. Really eye-opening. MC Hammer (yes, that MC Hammer) has a great stream, and since there aren't a ton of users yet, he tends to remember repeat viewers/names of them. It's cool. Also, I'd recommend BradManTv -he is a lifecaster, which means he keeps his device on 24/7.
q. any other cons?
a. it will suck your data plan dry, and your battery. So, it's best to use it if you're connected to wifi, with a full battery.
q. what are the hearts on the screen for?
a. it's basically a quick way to tell whomever is broadcasting, that you love what you see or what they've said. Simply double tap, and a heart will show up.
Here are some photos/screenshots of cool things I've seen so far:
Curling in Raleigh (by my pal @jfmecca) on periscope!
Live music from Nashville, Tennessee on periscope!
Joshua Malina (one of my favorite actors from the TV show Scandal) talks to his fans and answers questions between takes.
A man feeds a hummingbird out of his hand on periscope!
I've already noticed a lot of people using this app around Minneapolis to shoot video and show our beautiful city to the world, and it makes me so happy! Hopefully you will be able to check it out soon, and travel the world without spending a dime (as long as you don't go over on data, haha). Enjoy, and happy scoping!