Live video in focus as Social Media Week Lagos kicks off

Live video a digital phenomenon that is fast transforming the manner in which people present their narratives and engage audiences was a major focus on the first day of the much anticipated Social Media Week Lagos.

The week-long event kicked off on Monday, 27 February 2017 and is already living up to its mission to provide ideas, trends, insights and inspiration to help people and businesses understand how to conduct their businesses in a hyper-connected world.

In one of the first sessions themed, ‘How Live Video can transform African storytelling’ experts bartered ideas on ways live videos empowers people to tell their own stories of everyday life and control the narrative of Africa.

According to Adetomiwa Aladekomo, an experienced media and marketing professional who participated on the panel said utilizing social media creatively can change the narrative about Africa and live video is critical.

“Live video has allowed Africans to let the world know we are more than wars,” Aladekomo said.

Another panellist, Sesi Yemmie, a lifestyle blogger told the audience of policy makers, experts, enthusiast and entire business community that some of the major setback of live video is the issue of data and internet penetration. Lack of good data makes filing good quality videos a herculean task.

Another challenge is being able to control the environment one is filming from. To film in the market, Yemmie said she has to be very discreet and relies more on her phone than on camera.

For Aladekomo learning how to use new technologies and follow the trends in the world of information technology was very important to adopting the digital revolution.

Brands looking to leverage live video, do not have to wait too long to make the decision. Live video is perfect for brands.

Jadesola Osiberu, director of Gidi Up noted that “Clients are asking advertising agencies for more of short (viral) video clips and less of conventional offline campaigns.”