Live or Pre-Recorded Video, which works better?

The power of video cannot be denied. Over the last 5 years, video marketing has skyrocketed and allowed many new and aspiring businesses to establish their brand. But the age-old question remains; live or pre-recorded which works better?

Let us start by discussing why you should be using video in your marketing.

Besides the obvious that video is powerful, it also has the power to help you grow your brand at an exponential rate if used correctly. The video puts a face to the brand, catapults the brand voice and builds know, like, and trust much quicker. Video is also great to show your audience instead of telling your audience why your offer is so great. You can show behind the scenes, do tutorials, webinars, and workshops all supported by video marketing.

It is no wonder that all the social networks have now included an element of video marketing on their platforms. You have access to

stories,
reels,
and live videos.

HOW TO START CREATING VIDEO CONTENT

When to use pre-recorded videos

I love to use pre-recorded videos specifically for my reels and stories. The advantage of these pre-recorded videos is that they can be more polished than your live videos and you get to use them over a longer period.

With these types of videos, you may create a script, spend time getting the lighting correct and even add extra graphics for intro and outro effects. It allows you to spend more time polishing the look and feel of your brand and it tends to take more time to complete.

Pre-recorded videos help you to stay more focused on the message and deliver with great punch and pizzazz. It may also take a pre-recorded video longer to reach your audience depending on the platform that you use.

When to use Live videos

Live videos are great when building know, like and trust, especially as a new entrepreneur. A live video allows your audience to authentically engage with you and your brand and answer any questions that they need to be answered. Unlike a pre-recorded video, you may not necessarily have a script but a set of bulleted points that you want to share with your audience. These tend to be shorter and to the point and have the expected result that your listener will take action almost immediately after listening.

A live video tends to have a great sense of authenticity because your audience gets to see you operate in ‘real-time’ and show off your skills and knowledge.

What you should know

Either live or pre-recorded can be daunting for many people. Some of the questions that may float through your mind are:

What do I wear?
How does my hair or face look?
What do I sound like?
What if no one shows up?
What if no one views or responds?
What if someone questions the information that I am sharing?

These are ALL valid questions to ask yourself. But more importantly, while sifting through the answers, also remember your goal as an entrepreneur. With that goal top of mind to serve, share value and sell, the fear of showing up in front of video will eventually dissipate.

I usually encourage my clients to start with pre-recorded videos first and get accustomed to seeing your face and hearing your voice. Then gradually move to live videos when you feel more comfortable. But the comfort will only come with practice and consistency.

Where to share your videos?

Most platforms allow you to go live now and that is a great tool that you should be taking advantage of. But when you are thinking about going live or sharing pre-recorded videos, the sky is the limit.