What Is Periscope? Videos From Behind The Scenes.
A recently launched live video stream app has taken over my phone – and I LOVE it! It’s called Periscope and if you haven’t heard of it yet believe me it is just a matter of time before you start asking,
What is Periscope?
Periscope is a live stream video app available on both IOS and Andriod systems – aka. iphones and driods – that is taking over data plans everywhere! Sure there are a few teens are using it, but so is just about every age demographic who has a cell phone with a video camera. What makes periscope any different than the 20 other apps that allow video streams? For me it is the “behind the scenes” feel and live interaction of Periscope that have me hooked – oh and those lovely little hearts you can send as feedback just by tapping on your screen during live play and replay.
Download the Periscope App and connect with me @KraylFunch.
I have been testing out a handful of short videos around the house and at a few events the past week or so as well as watching tons of other accounts to see what works and what is a fail, and I would like to report that I have seen a true pattern, but in reality it seems everyone is still testing and trying to see what in fact works. In all fairness the app was only launched in late March 2015 to the iTunes store and only released to android this week, so it makes sense there will be a learning period.
Let’s start with a few of the basics of what is Periscope?
HOW DO I GET PERISCOPE ::
The Periscope app is available to download through the periscope.tv website or your app store on your phone {currently there are no direct weblinks to an account}. Because the geniuses over at Twitter purchased the periscope app even before it was officially launched, for the reported small sum of $100 million cash plus stocks, you will be required to have a twitter account to play. However, as I have mentioned in various posts I love twitter so this is just a bonus and makes it super easy for all my twitter friends to connect and know when I am “scoping”.
WHAT DOES PERISCOPE LOOK LIKE ::
The screen shot of your account page will look similar to mine – showing your image, a short description, how many people you are following and how many people are following you. Also on the main screen are icons to watch videos, or live streams, of others you are following, begin your own broadcast and search for new friends.
WHY DO I LOVE PERISCOPE ::
It is totally addictive to see #1 what others are watching and #2 what others are willing to put out there. I know it seems crazy but you can get caught up watching the girls at the HGTV headquarters making green smoothies from the herb garden just as easily as you can watching Andy Cohen live stream from the couch of his beach house in the Hampton’s. Believe me, both have happened!
But I also love it because it allows me to share behind-the-scenes videos of my life that does not require a fully staged photo-shoot set up like creating a video for my YouTube channel might. It’s a quick look into my daily life – whether it is an event I am setting up for, making dinner at home or checking in on a client project – it is good unfiltered, unscripted reality.
Please note :: Unlike YouTube videos that live on into eternity, all Periscope videos disappear after 24 hours. So don’t delay if there is a video you are interested in, jump in.
WHAT ARE THOSE HEARTS ABOUT ON PERISCOPE ::
When you join a live feed you will see the count of total viewers on the right side and hopefully above it a stream of colored hearts. Click on the screen to add your own heart love. Keep clicking! And click some more! Give that channel lots of hearts – there is no penalty for you and only a benefit to the account holder. I believe I read somewhere you can give up to 400 per video, so don’t be stingy.
GETTING INVOLVED ON PERISCOPE ::
The live chat feature on Periscope is perfect for interaction with the person streaming but also with the other viewers, it is a way to connect on the content and find those who share your interests. Don’t be shy. Say hello and mention your state or city to connect – or simply watch the action.
A little known feature is the “share with your followers” button which is can be found by clicking on the icon showing other viewers then scrolling down to the share icon on the left. Click to open it and you will be able to choose to share with everyone or only certain people. It’s a great tool for both the account you are watching and your followers – I know I am always looking for new accounts to interact with and love a recommendation.
WHAT IS PERISCOPE – A SUMMARY ::
While we never know which social media platform is here to stay or will be old news by next week, after watching Periscope evolve for only a short time it seems to be embraced by news anchors, talk show hosts, chefs, shop owners and anyone looking to share their story with the world.
So grab the app and let’s connect! You can search me as Krayl Funch on Periscope. See you behind the scenes!
I have a few ideas about how I plan to use it but would love to hear your ideas too! How will you interact with periscope, let me know in the comments below!
Download the Periscope App and connect with me @KraylFunch.
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And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.
Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.
26 Comments
Karissa
Thanks for sharing. I had heard of Periscope but didn’t really know what it was about.
Krayl Funch
It’s totally addictive Karissa!
Taylor S.
I just downloaded it so your tips came at the perfect time – I can’t wait to start using it!
Krayl Funch
Perfect Taylor!! Let lets connect there!
Shelly
Thank you for the review of Periscope! I’ve never used it yet, but definitely something I want to start doing. Although, I keep telling myself, it’s so overwhelming. Another platform to try and keep up with. *sigh*
Krayl Funch
Shelly is it SO fun – you will love it … but I agree something has to give if you add a new one to the mix.
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc.
Thanks for the review! I have been wondering what the hype was all about!! I like the behind the scenes aspect… I don’t know if I wold remember to use it though!
Krayl Funch
oh Betsy – once it is on your phone you will see it all the time!
winifred jac
i’ve been wondering all about this so thank you. i am not sure how i would use it for a style blog…
Krayl Funch
Winifred – a daily style video would be great!
Rachee
I’ve just started using Periscope and I really enjoy it. I’ll check out more of your tips to see how much more I can use the service.
Krayl Funch
Rachee! Let’s connect there too!
Christina Thomas
I love periscope! I had to stop paying attention to it because it’s so addictive. It is great to broadcast during live events and as you said for behind the scenes work. I look forward to integrating it more into my social campaigns. Thanks for sharing this information. See you on the scope!
Krayl Funch
Christina – I think it would be great for your events! Can’t wait to see you there!
Natalie
I’ve heard a lot of buzz about Periscope over the last few weeks, so this post was perfectly timed to help me better understand it! I’m not sure how I’d use it within my own brand currently, but it would be wonderful to be able to catch family and friends at important events!
Krayl Funch
Natalie – the uses are never ending really! Just start and I know it will fall into place for you.
Mary Hill
Sounds great. I will have to bookmark this post so when I have time I can download the program on my phone. I love photography. I wonder how I would incorporate video? I am so busy on Social Media now. Where do you find the time to add another dimension? Just my first thoughts at this time. It is worth checking in to the program though. 😉
Krayl Funch
Mary – yes… way too many platforms but we all have to find the ones that really work for our message. It is super fast to add if you already have twitter.
Cristy Mishkula
I’ve just downloaded it and it looks great, specially for bloggers. Once it starts to catch on I will be able to follow more people.
Krayl Funch
Cristy – I can’t wait until they allow sharing of a direct profile page -I think that will really help us find each other!
Amy at Mom's Magical Miles
I just downloaded this last week and I was really digging it! We were at the Legoland Florida Water Park for the first time and I just walked around the park talking about the different features. I can’t wait to catch some cool concerts via Periscope!
Krayl Funch
Amy I will have to find you there! It’s such fun to see real life. No filters there!
April
Hi! I am dropping by from the #FridaySharefest. I have seen some people talking about Periscope but haven’t checked into it myself. It seems like a lot of fun. I love your breakdown of what it is, makes me wanna check it out when I am hanging out on my phone next. Have a great week!
Krayl Funch
April ~ I would love to connect there too! Let me know where you are and lets share each other to spread the word!
Beth
I could totally see the value of this for things like being able to watch my niece’s graduation today from LA which is actually being streamed live by the school so don’t need it but should have read your blog before my son’s graduation on Thursday and used the app so my brother could have watched from LA. I don’t think though I need any more distractions than I already have so I’ll skip the smoothie making and Andy Cohen live feeds 🙂
Krayl Funch
Beth ~ It would be great to see behind the scenes for the graduation. I am sure you will find a use for it in business as well!