If you haven't downloaded Periscope to your phone, you're missing out. This little gem lets you "spy" on others from around the world, catching a glimpse inside their private lives. It's voyeurism at it's most entertaining!
The concept is simple: you broadcast a live video stream anytime, anywhere from your phone. Followers are notified that you're broadcasting and can tune in to see what you're up to. Broadcasts are typically short, and are available for replay for 24 hours.
Users are currently broadcasting anything from first dates, to walking their dog, to grocery shopping; and they're also using it to build a brand for their business and create followers.
It's a pretty straight-forward app, however, there are a few things that aren't intuitively easy to figure out. I will share with you some of the basic functions of the app so that you can get started right away!
Even if you shy away from doing video, it's fun to follow what other people are up to!
First of all, Periscope is owned by Twitter. You can easily integrate your accounts, or if you don't have a Twitter account, you can have a free standing Periscope account.
Once you're logged in, you'll want to enable your camera, microphone, and location. I made the mistake of waiting to do this, and then couldn't figure out why I had no sound when watching others' broadcasts.
- Privacy: For each broadcast you will have the option to make it public (anyone can watch) or private (only followers, or specific users can watch). Much like Facebook, you can also report inappropriate broadcasts and block users.
Overall I am really enjoying 'Scope and am having fun experimenting with it. Periscope lets people into our lives via video, much like Instagram lets people into our lives via photographs. It's fun to watch what other people are up to, and be a virtual fly on their wall.
Presently, you can not schedule broadcasts and I hope they keep it that way. It makes it more "real" when it is spontaneous, which I feel is part of the charm.
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