Ginny Frost
The trend on social media today is pictures and
video. We’ve talked
about Instagram, a picture-based social media platform, and TikTok, a video-based
one. Other apps support images and video such as YouTube (a familiar one),
Facebook Live, and Twitch. These apps, including Instagram, can allow users to
do live or recorded videos to promote their platforms.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I attended a great
class taught by Shannon Kauderer, the ML of the Albany NaNoWriMo group (https://www.shannonyseult.com
and on Twitter @SYseult). In the
class, she discussed various ways to go live, including the apps listed above.
Each has its own way of broadcasting your message, and Shannon has great
information about recording. Rather than getting into the specifics of setting
up each platform, I’ll
keep to the basics.
YouTube is a video-sharing platform. You can record
your videos offline as well as in real-time. This app allows thousands of users
to find your material through keywords. To start, make an account with an
appropriate screen name. Then click the movie camera in the right corner.
Choose Upload Video or Go Live. The first option throws you into the YouTube Studio,
where you upload an already created vid. Give it a name and create a good
thumbnail (small pic to represent the vid, preferably not one with your mouth
open, just saying). Scroll down to advanced options to add categories,
subtitles, tags, and more. Each vid you add will be part of your channel. Users
can subscribe to it and see you at any time. If you chose the Go Live option,
you may need to verify your phone number first. Elect to do it Right Now! or
schedule it for the future. YouTube walks you through the steps. Be sure your
camera is ready.
Facebook Live is another choice for doing streaming
videos. To record in real-time with your profile, the button is an option on
your status update. Clicking the button puts you in the Live Production area. Determine
when to record, where to post the video, even opt to record with others. Like
YouTube, there are many options for the stream. Scan through the page and find
all the bells and whistles.
Twitch is a live-streaming forum that might be new to
some. Gamers use this platform to play their games live with audiences
watching. There are already a ton of authors using this app for read-alouds,
talks, and writing sprints. Twitch has a chat option to have users interact
with you as you broadcast. Like the other services, have your camera and
microphone ready. Twitch, like YouTube, gives you a channel. Customize it to
fit your brand with tags under the Creator Dashboard. Each video becomes part
of your channel. Users can subscribe, and monetizing differs from YouTube. Here
you can get tips directly from users.
I’ve
already hinted at this feature on Instagram using Your Story or Reels to record
live. Also TikTok is a popular option for doing real-time broadcasts. Needless
to say, you have so many choices. Pick on and go.
And do what exactly, Ginny?
I’m
glad you asked.
Streaming videos
and digital channels are the future of social media. Look at how TikTok has
taken off. Users want to see video content, memes, and live streams. Give them
what they want. Create live events for unboxing your latest book or a dramatic
cover reveal. Read aloud from a backlist book or create a book trailer. Start
community discussion or live writing events. The chat in Twitch allows you to
interact directly with the audience. Live stream signing events, conferences,
workshops (that you teach), or you walking your dog. The content is up to you.
And if you record it, they will watch.
Go forth, my writers,
and record it all. You’d
be amazing at what the readers love to watch.