Local Religious Organizations Create Audio-Video Trend
Most of us pivoted in the past two years, and some organizations survived by adding new technology to a new plan.
“90% of Americans say the internet has been essential or important to them, many made video calls (and used steaming video), and 40% used technology in new ways.”—Pew Research Center
One market segment that quickly pivoted to add streaming video includes religious organizations. Some even grew the size of their congregation by using streaming video.
Engagement grew with their longtime community, and even new followers found their place of worship through streaming video. Viewers can now visit their local place of worship through a streaming service. They can even visit a favorite in another city or even internationally.
As religious organizations pivot and continue into 2022, they have lessons to teach all business and organization leaders.
Boost Engagement through Streaming Video
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, our Audio-Video Group team realized the technology pivot across religious centers in the DMV region. In 2020, our team began helping local religious centers to create a plan to add live video to their messaging plan.
Soon, leaders began reporting a growing trend. Their congregations are engaged and growing beyond expectations. And this trend is not only in the Maryland, Virginia, and DC regions. Religious communities worldwide are reporting the same trend.
“The distance to one’s nearest church has changed almost overnight,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “A form of communication that was not even used by most churches before the pandemic has now reached almost half of Americans.”—Lifeway Research
Read that quote again. Lifeway Research reports that nearly half of all Americans responded that they had viewed at least one religious streaming video during the COVID-19 pandemic. The same research report states that 45% of Americans attended a live streaming religious event, and 15% of those had never participated in a church in the past.
Ready to Embrace Live Streaming Events
Religious organizations took a chance on streaming events with a positive outcome. Statistics show that Americans are ready to embrace live streaming events beyond religion.
Sure, before the pandemic, many participated in live streaming concerts and benefits. But 45% of Americans did not embrace the technology. If there is a shard of silver lining in the ongoing pandemic, perhaps it is a shift in technology trends.
In addition to religious events, here are just a few ways that we have all embraced live streaming video in the past two years:
- Education seminars and classes for all ages
- New product releases and marketing events
- Charity benefits include live auctions, music events, and gifting days
- Business conferences, networking, and even trade shows
- Government and civic announcements and news releases
Recently, Audio-Video Group published a blog with tips to create a hybrid event. Including a live video stream event is a top tip while planning a hybrid event.
Incorporating Live Streaming Video in Your 2022 Plan
As you plan for 2022, you may want to look to your local religious center for ideas and include live streaming events. You can ensure a positive impact by using a professional team, such as Audio-Video Group, to scope a list of hardware and software for live streaming.
Although tempting to use your smartphone, a professional event depends on pro-line gear. Remember, you want a reliable streaming solution with an engaging video. It is up to your team to decide the content that fits the needs of your viewers, but an audio-video professional will ensure that your live and streaming audio-video goals are met with the exact hardware and software.
An AV professional will also ensure that your streaming event is secure with safe video hosting. All Audio-Video Group professionals can tell you about the importance of cybersecurity while live streaming.
Contact us if you are ready to include live streaming video in your organization’s communication plan.