Learning how to stream video online using Vimeo OTT is easy. Follow this guide to plan and execute a live video stream. By following these steps, you will run a video experience for your audience directly on your website. Running a live video stream from your website is powerful because you can offer an engaging experience free of social media distractions.
Why Use Vimeo for OTT?
Over the top (OTT) media is a popular way to share video content online without using a cable, satellite, and other traditional means. Many people know Vimeo as an online video platform. However, it is capable of much more than sharing videos. Vimeo OTT is an excellent choice for streaming because it is fully brandable and offers multiple monetization choices, including advertising and subscriptions. It is one of the best ways to add streaming video to your organization.
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1) Set Up Your Vimeo Account
Your starting point in streaming video with Vimeo is to create your account. Your first step is to choose a Vimeo OTT plan. The starter plan is suitable for organizations just getting started in live video streaming. The growth and enterprise plans are better suited to companies that need multiple streams and pay-per-view options.
2) Customize Vimeo OTT For Your Organization
Out of the box, Vimeo OTT has significant video streaming capabilities. That said, creating an immersive branded video experience requires some work on your part. Fortunately, customizing Vimeo for your organization is simple.
At a minimum, use the following tips to customize the Vimeo OTT platform.
- Apply Your Branding To The Vimeo OTT Platform. Upload your branding to Vimeo OTT.
- Create A Vimeo OTT Custom App. You can create a custom app for your video channel. Reach out to Vimeo to discuss this further.
3) Integrate Vimeo With Your Website
Your next step is to add a Vimeo OTT video to your website. Adding live streaming video to your website means you can create a more engaging video experience. For example, you might run a live stream video to promote a new product. When that video stream is displayed directly on your website, it is easier for customers to view and order products.
4) Plan Your Video Stream Content
With Vimeo OTT installed you are now ready to plan your video content. If you are already experienced in running online video events, skip ahead to the next step.
For organizations new to live stream video, take some time to brainstorm and plan your content. Fortunately, you don’t have to start from scratch. Instead, read our post: 9 Steps To Make Your Own Live Stream. You will learn about the audio and video equipment needed for an event.
5) Enhance Your Livestream With Live Chat
Creating a live stream video that grabs your audience’s attention is difficult. Your audience might get distracted by a notification, email, or text at any moment. There are two ways to solve the problem of maintaining high levels of engagement.
Reduce Distraction
Start by looking for ways to reduce distractions. Using Vimeo OTT, your video experience can be branded, and free of clutter found on other platforms. You can also encourage attendees to turn off other browsers and devices for the duration of the event.
Increase Engagement
Ultimately there is a limit to how far you can cut distractions – that’s why boosting engagement is critical. Adding live chat to your video event is one of the best ways to make your virtual event more engaging. For example, you can use Arena Live Chat to run quick polls during the event. Offering a poll is one of the fastest ways to gather feedback from your audience. In addition, you can take questions from the audience through live chat.
Live chat to encourage comments and questions transforms your live stream video into a social experience. People often feel uncomfortable abruptly leaving a social event. When attendees see your video event in social terms, they are more likely to stay engaged.
6) Staff Your Livestream Video Event
A successful live stream video experience is a team effort. At a minimum, we suggest having a team of two people: presenter and support. The presenter will be front and center on the screen, interviewing other people and delivering content. On the other hand, the support person can focus on the live chat session and help attendees with questions. In addition, the support person can share links and conversion cards to drive action. For more significant events with hundreds or thousands of participants, a larger team may be needed to maintain engagement with your audience.
Once you have your team, boost their confidence by equipping them with a live training session.
7) Complete a Vimeo OTT Video Trial Run
Learning to use new video technology can be difficult. If you are unfamiliar with Vimeo’s advanced features like pay-per-view, your team may feel overwhelmed. Plan a small-scale video streaming event with your team to build your team’s confidence. As the test event progresses, verify that the presenters and support staff can view the live chat.
8) Schedule and launch Your Vimeo OTT Event
You are now ready to launch your first live stream video event using Vimeo. To maximize attendance, schedule the event at least a week in the future and then promote it. Make sure you post about the event on social media and highlight the event on your website.
Tip: Plan to offer subscriptions to your live stream video event? Reach out to Vimeo for tips on how to set up your subscription options.
What are Custom Cards on Vimeo?
Custom cards on Vimeo are interactive elements you can add to your videos to boost engagement and drive specific actions. Think of them as your secret weapon for turning passive viewers into active participants. Whether you’re aiming to promote a new product, gather feedback, or direct traffic to your site, custom cards can make it happen.
Why Use Custom Cards?
- Increase Viewer Interaction: Encourage viewers to click, engage, and explore more of your content.
- Direct Traffic: Guide viewers to specific landing pages, product pages, or surveys.
- Enhance User Experience: Provide relevant information without interrupting the viewing experience.
How Custom Cards Improve User Experience
Custom cards do more than just sit pretty on your video. They offer real value to your audience by providing relevant, timely information exactly when they need it. Imagine watching a video about a new gadget and instantly getting a card that links to its product page. No searching, no hassle—just a seamless, engaging experience.
Types of Custom Cards on Vimeo
Not all custom cards are created equal. Depending on your goals, you can choose from several types to get the job done. Here’s a breakdown:
Interactive Call-to-Action Cards
These are your go-to for driving specific actions. Want viewers to sign up for your newsletter or check out a new product? Interactive call-to-action cards are perfect for that. They can prompt actions like:
- Sign-ups: Direct viewers to a registration page.
- Purchases: Link directly to a product page.
- Downloads: Offer downloadable resources like eBooks or whitepapers.
Informational Cards
Sometimes, your audience needs a bit more context. Informational cards provide additional details without pulling viewers away from the video. Use them to:
- Explain Features: Highlight key features of a product.
- Share Stats: Provide interesting statistics or data.
- Offer Tips: Give quick tips or hacks related to the video content.
Social Media Cards
Want to grow your social following? Social media cards can link directly to your profiles or related content. They’re great for:
- Boosting Engagement: Encourage viewers to follow you on social media.
- Sharing Content: Direct viewers to related videos or posts.
- Building Community: Foster a sense of community by connecting viewers with your social channels.
Benefits of Using Custom Cards on Vimeo
You might be wondering, “Are custom cards really worth the effort?” Spoiler alert: they are. Here’s why:
Boost Viewer Engagement
Custom cards can significantly increase interaction rates. When viewers see an actionable card, they’re more likely to engage with your content. This means longer watch times and a more invested audience.
Improve Conversion Rates
By strategically placing custom cards, you can direct viewers to product pages, sign-up forms, or other conversion points. This can lead to higher conversion rates and, ultimately, more sales. Imagine a viewer watching a demo of your product and then clicking a card to purchase—instant conversion.
Enhance Content Personalization
Custom cards allow you to tailor messages to different audience segments. Whether you’re targeting new viewers or returning customers, personalized cards can make your content more relevant and engaging. This level of personalization can foster a deeper connection with your audience.
How to Add Custom Cards on Vimeo
Ready to dive in and start adding custom cards to your videos? Great! Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Access Vimeo’s Video Settings: Log in to your Vimeo account and go to the video you want to edit.
- Choose the Custom Card Option: In the video settings, look for the option to add custom cards.
- Customize Your Card: Add text, links, and images to your card. Make sure your message is clear and compelling.
- Save and Publish: Once you’re happy with your card, save your changes and publish the video.
Tips for Effective Custom Cards
- Keep Messages Concise: Your card should be easy to read at a glance.
- Use Compelling Calls to Action: Make it clear what you want viewers to do.
- Align with Video Content: Ensure your card is relevant to the video content to avoid disrupting the viewer experience.
Adding custom cards to your Vimeo videos can seem daunting at first, but with these steps, you’ll be a pro in no time. And the best part? You’ll see tangible results in viewer engagement and conversions. So why wait? Start experimenting with custom cards today and watch your video content strategy soar.
Examples of Effective Custom Cards
Seeing is believing. Let’s dive into some real-world examples of how custom cards on Vimeo can drive engagement and conversions. These examples will give you a solid idea of how to use custom cards effectively.
E-commerce Product Promotions
Imagine you run an online store selling eco-friendly products. You create a video showcasing your latest reusable water bottle. During the video, a custom card pops up with a direct link to the product page.
- Highlight Key Features: Showcase the bottle’s unique features like its double insulation and eco-friendly materials.
- Drive Traffic: Direct viewers to the product page where they can make a purchase.
- Increase Sales: By providing a seamless path from video to purchase, you boost your conversion rates.
Event Announcements and Registrations
Hosting a webinar or live event? Use custom cards to drive registrations. Let’s say you’re a fitness coach hosting a live workout session. During your promotional video, a custom card appears inviting viewers to sign up.
- Promote the Event: Share key details about the event, like date and time.
- Encourage Sign-ups: Include a link to the registration page.
- Boost Attendance: Make it easy for viewers to register on the spot.
Educational Content Enhancements
If you’re in the education space, custom cards can provide additional resources and links. For example, you’re a math tutor creating a video on algebra basics. You can add custom cards linking to practice worksheets or further reading.
- Provide Extra Resources: Link to downloadable worksheets or supplementary materials.
- Enhance Learning: Offer additional reading or video content for deeper understanding.
- Engage Students: Keep learners engaged with interactive elements that complement the main content.
Strategies for Maximizing the Impact of Custom Cards
So, you’ve added custom cards to your videos. Now what? Here are some strategies to ensure you’re getting the most out of them.
A/B Testing Custom Cards
Ever wonder which message resonates more with your audience? A/B testing is your friend. Try different card designs, messages, and placements to see what works best.
- Test Different Designs: Experiment with various card layouts and color schemes.
- Compare Messages: See which calls to action get more clicks.
- Analyze Results: Use Vimeo’s analytics to track performance and make data-driven decisions.
Integrating Analytics
Analytics are crucial for understanding how your custom cards perform. Vimeo provides robust analytics tools to help you track engagement and conversion metrics.
- Track Performance: Monitor click-through rates and viewer engagement.
- Adjust Strategies: Use data insights to refine your custom card strategies.
- Measure Success: Determine the ROI of your custom card efforts.
Leveraging AI for Personalization
Personalization can take your custom cards to the next level. Tools like Arena’s AI-powered community features can help tailor your messages to individual viewers.
- Use AI Tools: Leverage AI to create personalized messages based on viewer behavior.
- Tailor Content: Customize cards to align with viewer preferences and interests.
- Boost Engagement: Personalized content is more likely to resonate with viewers, increasing engagement.
Launch Your First Vimeo Live Stream Today
Following these seven steps will guide you from start to finish in streaming video with Vimeo OTT. To enhance your streaming experience further, consider leveraging live chat to build a sense of community around your content.
Engaging with your audience in real-time using live chat not only boosts viewer interaction but also fosters a loyal community. Incorporating live chat into your Vimeo OTT streams can transform your video events into interactive experiences, keeping your audience engaged and coming back for more.
