Twitter purchased the live video streaming app Periscope for a sizeable sum in early 2015, before it had even been officially launched. Periscope, another social media application, allows users to tell their news via live streaming of video.
In the past week, Twitter has integrated Periscope into its native app to allow its users to broadcast live video through the app, in an attempt to compete with Facebook Live launched earlier this year. Viewers of the live video broadcast can engage with the user through comments and hearts, just like on a Tweet.
How Does It Work?
It’s really easy to do a live broadcast. You firstly need to ensure that your Twitter app is updated with the latest Periscope integration. You click the icon to compose a Tweet as normal. You should now see a “Live” icon which should be selected. From there, you just need to follow the directions.
You may be prompted to download the Periscope app, which you should do. From there on, it’s as simple as clicking the “start live broadcast” button. The live video starts and only stops when you choose to end the live stream. The video is then saved as a Tweet which can be re-Tweeted, “Liked” or commented upon, just like any Tweet.
Is It For Schools?
I decided to test this new Twitter service by live streaming our school Carol Service from our local church this week. Without really knowing how this would work, and with little pre-planning, I started the broadcast.
It goes without saying that you need a good signal in order for the live broadcast to work. I set up a very basic camera tripod and attached my iPhone to the tripod using the latest technology (an elastic band!) As the Carol Service began, I clicked on the “start live broadcast” button. The handle on the tripod allowed me to pan over and back.
As I hadn’t really publicised the fact too widely that I was going to to a live stream, there weren’t too many viewers tuning in to our first broadcast. However, I was still delighted that it actually worked – looking back on the Tweet with a copy of the video, I was surprised by the quality of the picture and sound.
How Can Schools Use the Service
Lots of schools and teachers/classes have joined Twitter over the past number of years. With this new Twitter option, they may be inclined to explore the possibilities of a live stream of a variety of school events: concerts, plays, prize giving ceremonies, music performances, football/hurling matching – the list is endless.
So, have a go and consider doing a Live Broadcast via Twitter.
