Brands introduce livestreams to support and entertain people during COVID-19
Trend - As people remain limited to what they can find in the safety of their homes for their entertainment, more brands are offering livestreamed content that keeps people feeling stimulated as they figure out new ways to spend their time. Everything from aquarium views to more traditional TV content are now being offered in live formats for people to enjoy.
Insight - Consumers often seek out engaging brand interactions, but they're doing so even more now given the state of the global climate. The mental and economic stress millions are currently facing has forced consumers to be creative with what they're using to "escape" the current realities of their day-to-day. Everything from new hobbies to new forms of entertainment are being explored, and giving consumers some respite from stress and anxiety.
Insight - Consumers often seek out engaging brand interactions, but they're doing so even more now given the state of the global climate. The mental and economic stress millions are currently facing has forced consumers to be creative with what they're using to "escape" the current realities of their day-to-day. Everything from new hobbies to new forms of entertainment are being explored, and giving consumers some respite from stress and anxiety.
Workshop Question - How does your brand support its customers through stress and anxiety?
Trend Themes
1. Livestreamed Entertainment - Brands are offering livestreamed content to keep consumers engaged during COVID-19 restrictions, creating opportunities for innovative business interaction.
2. Small Business Support - Large corporations such as Verizon are using live streaming benefit concerts to assist small businesses and offer support, leading to potential innovation for how businesses support each other.
3. Social Media Adaptation - Platforms like Facebook have adapted their live-streaming features to accommodate increasing demand, creating innovation opportunities for platforms to reach new consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Entertainment - Brands in the entertainment industry have an opportunity to offer innovative new ways of streaming their content to connect with and retain consumers.
2. Small Business Initiatives - Industries that rely on small business can take inspiration from Verizon's benefit concerts and explore new ways to support their customers during challenging times.
3. Social Media Marketing - The increasing demand for live streaming on social platforms offers new opportunities for marketing professionals to reach and engage with their target audience.
