Auto Brands Getting On The Live-Streaming Craze

Read original story on: Digiday

Last week at the International Auto Show in New York City, car manufacturers including Jaguar, Toyota, Mercedes, and Nissan unveiled new models of their cars on two of the hottest platforms at the moment – the live-streaming apps Meerkat and Periscope. Lending from the now-or-never urgency of live broadcasting, the auto brands leveraged the intense buzz surrounding the two apps into a timely showcase opportunity to connect with their audience.

Live Streaming Hits Full Swing With Twitter’s Periscope

Read original story on: The Verge

The Meerkat-Twitter controversy caused quite a stir at SXSW earlier this month, which eventually resulted in tons of free publicity and a surprising rise for Meerkat. But that may not be for long, as Twitter has officially launched its own app for live broadcasting your life. Periscope arrives today on iPhone, with streams also viewable on the web and an Android version on the way.

One killer feature of Periscope that will differentiate it from Meerkat is a “Replays” feature that lets users save streams to watch later. It also foster real-time interaction between audience and broadcasters via on-screen text displays and floating “hearts” visible to the audience tuning in.

If Periscope wishes to capitalize on the sudden popularity of live-streaming and become the platform of choice, first it has to beat Meerkat’s head start, which might not be so easy, as the latter just announced $14 million in new funding led by Greylock. And we are already seeing some early-adopting brands experimenting with Periscope to engage with their audience. If you’re also trying out Periscope, you can follow us @ipglab.

Header image taken from Screenshot of Periscope App

SXSW 2015: The Six Most-Talked About Digital Brand Activations

As our time here at the legendary interactive festival winds down, here is a look back at the 10 most talked-about brand activations:

  1. Studio uses Tinder to promote Ex Machina
    Some festival-goers using Tinder were matched with Ava, a 25-year-old Tinder bot created to promote Alex Garland’s sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, which premiered at SXSW.
  1. Meerkat breaks out
    FOMO is never higher than during SXSW, making this live-streaming app the perfect way to instantly drop in on celebrities, founders, and brands during the festival.
  1. Mophie uses St. Bernards to search and rescue owners with near-dead devices
    Through a partnership with the St. Bernard Rescue Foundation, nine full-size dogs and three puppies were used to deliver Mophie chargers—stored inside brandy barrel necklaces—to attendees in dire need of a charge.
  1. Lyft integrates One Touch PayPal into its interface
    As part of a promotional campaign during SXSW, riders who paid with PayPal received a $5 discount on their first ten rides as well as a chance to hitch a ride in a Ferrari 458 Italia, 1963 Bentley, Tesla Model S, or another noteworthy ride.
  1. Game of Thrones allows attendees to create digital art
    GoT encouraged attendees step on a stage, grab a (wooden) sword, and then go nuts on digital targets.
  1. USA Networks leverages beacons at SXSW for the “Mr. Robot” premiere
    The network created custom beacon alerts at various locations through the official SXSW app, rewarding festival-goers with free food and drinks, courtesy of “Mr. Robot.”