It’s hard to believe that it’s now been over 15 years since Facebook seized control of the social media landscape on its way to fulfilling its mission of connecting everyone in the world online.
Just as social media over that time has changed, so too has the form in which the conversation has taken shape. From the long-form blog-style posts of MySpace, to the abbreviated character Twitter comments, online communication trends continue to evolve. Not surprisingly words have since been replaced by pictures due mostly in part to Instagram, so it only makes sense that the next iteration would be video posts, such as those to be found on the all-new Say Video Forum. With that in mind, authentic video conversations are the most likely candidate for where online discussions could be headed.
Table of Contents
● Video Is In Demand
● More Authentic Conversation
● More Talk with Less Noise
● Final Thoughts
Video Is In Demand
With social video content generating 1200% more shares than text and image posts combined it’s safe to say that the appetite for this medium is absolutely insatiable. The ability for ordinary people to be the stars of their own productions, as well as the speed, ease, and virtually non-existent budget required to produce content makes video an extremely compelling form of self-expression. Today, anyone with either an iPhone or Android device can download a video conversation network such as Say, and immediately get in the game.
More Authentic Conversation
Unlike (sometimes mindless) banter that can be cranked out in only a few keystrokes, the time investment required to produce a video is a good deal more. Consequently, the use of video to facilitate discussion results in the cultivation of a community more apt to be serious about their contributions. With a conversation network such as Say, the results manifest themselves in more thoughtful opinions and ideas on topics ranging from politics to the environment, lifestyle, and more.
Additionally, because video enables users of a platform to actually see who is adding to the conversation it makes the forming of meaningful connections with whom you’re communicating with all the more possible. Whereas traditional social media is typically one way, with people talking to profiles, the ability to observe and process body language of a speaker, his or her intonation, and other elements of interaction that can be otherwise misconstrued also helps to extend and move the dialogue along. When these aspects combine, the forum that results is one where its users feel safer to express their opinions, resulting in a more honest and welcoming venue for the sharing of ideas.
More Talk with Less Noise
One of the more unfortunate and seemingly unavoidable drawbacks of online conversation networks is the presence of trolls and bots that inevitably rear their ugly heads. The ability to defend against these disruptive forces is greatly bolstered, however, through the use of video. Without the veneer of a flat profile photo to hide behind, trolls and bots are rendered obsolete on a platform requiring participation with accountability. Furthermore, putting the community member in front of the camera rather than behind the scenes is an extremely effective means of filtering out the aficionados from the phonies.
Final Thoughts
Not only is the phenomenon of social video here to stay, as evidenced by the data regarding its sharability it’s only getting more pervasive. As more people find their way online and with more thoughts to share, the need for a conversation network that fosters intelligent discourse free of distractions, in a safe and positive environment. Video conversation networks fill this void with an effectiveness that other forms of media don’t provide. So get ready for your close-up, because the next wave in social media trends has officially arrived.
