What are the pros and cons of using live streaming vs. pre-recorded videos on social media?

I see both options as opportunities. Let me explain to you why. 1. Live broadcasting was something available only to millionaire companies that could afford satellite space and trucks. Now, it is available to any of us with just a phone. With live streaming, you can show the action or tell the stories when they are happening. The risk is higher because you don't control all the technical aspects or will need to be ready to react to simple changes in lighting or audio. 2. With pre-recorded streaming, you can control more aspects of your feed and you can even fix things in post-production before going on air. However, if your show is about live action, you will be late and probably fans will have seen the action somewhere else.

Live streaming offers numerous benefits, including: 1. **Real-Time Interaction:** 2. **Urgency and Exclusivity:** 3. **Extended Reach:** 4. **Authenticity and Personality:** 5. **Feedback and Adaptability:** 6. **Boosted Visibility:** 7. **Versatility:** 8. **Marketing Opportunities:**

When you go live on social platforms, they'll try to spread your broadcast over not just your network, but also your network’s network, which can increase your audience reach. Live audiences like the real-time engagement that live video offers. A Facebook study done by Social Insider showed that live videos generate double the engagement compared to pre-recorded videos. It's a great way to interact with your viewers. Consumers crave authenticity & seeing behind-the-scenes. They want to feel like an insider & often reward that feeling with shares, likes, & comments. Live streaming is also a real time-saver. No reviewing, editing, or retakes. Your video can come across more genuine & authentic when real people are there watching.

Live streaming also saves lots of editing time that you otherwise would spend having to prepare, export and upload a video for sharing.

So while it is a huge time saver to not have to edit, most professional media producers appreciate the ability to tighten up and enhance their video in post production.

Post-production challenges can be overcome with the help of technology. For example, connecting your camera and mic setup to your streaming PC with a Blackmagic ATEM switcher and running the video through a piece of software like OBS to record in high quality while also streaming. The recording can then be post-produced just like any other video recording. This requires some planning and training at first, but once people get comfortable with the technical setup, it's all fairly straightforward from there.

Additionally, opting to pre-record takes the pressure off whoever is on camera. It gives them the space to try multiple takes without having to deliver their lines or script perfectly in one shot.

Pre-recorded videos take a lot more time to prepare for sharing than live videos. So while you may get a more polished video by going this route, you'll also take a lot more time editing.

Most importantly, know that you don't have to spend a lot of money on tools, equipment or software/apps to get a good product. A little bit of research and a solid plan is the best investment you can make.