I am so excited since TODAY is the first first day of our #SeptemberScopers scope a day challenge! I have been getting a LOT of emails and Facebook messages from people who are excited to take part, but still have a few questions on exactly how periscope works. So I figured I would write a post answering the most common questions I have been getting.
Read on if you are looking for the basics of Periscope!
How do I find people to follow?ย
This is a little tricky, since you have to type their name into the search function and even then, it may not always pop up. You need to know the person’s Periscope handle, which is usually the same as their twitter handle. The best way to find people is to go down the list of suggested people, which is simply who you already follow on Twitter. I also find people while watching scopes, if I recognize someone in there… I will double click on their comment and a little box pops up. Then, you can click “Follow User.” You can also find people by checking out who else watched a broadcast you enjoyed.
How do I start a live broadcast?
Click the camera button and the screen will come up. That is where you will name your broadcast something amazing & catchy! (also, include the hashtag #SeptemberScopers if you are taking part in the challenge) Remember the camera will start facing outward, so be careful what you are showing. ๐ Double tap the screen to have the camera facing you. (like a selfie)ย Many people start their scopes facing a computer screen with their latest blog post, or a picture… so there is something nice to see in the preview frame once your replay is up.
Be sure to share to twitter! |
How do I share my broadcast?
Make sure your twitter share settings are on, so when you start a scope it automatically goes out to twitter. I keep my location services off, but many people say that it is good to leave it on since then you will show up on the map feature, allowing more people to find you. (If you are at a cool location then maybe.. but at your house, I would leave it off) Also you can encourage people to share your broadcast to their followers and on twitter. (more on that in a minute)
How do I support other people taking the #SeptemberScopers challenge?ย
Search the hashtag on twitter. If you see someone live, watch it! Interact with them during their scope by leaving comments and hearts by tapping on the screen. You can also share their scope to your twitter followers. You can do this two ways, if it is live, then swipe right on your iPhone (swipe up if its on an android) There you will find the share options. You can also share a replay doing the same thing. Speaking of replays… watch them if you missed the live feed. You can also give hearts during the replay.
What are those hearts all about?
Hearts are kind of like Periscope applause. Giving a bunch of hearts helps the broadcaster feel like they are doing a good job & it is always nice to get support! Periscope uses the number of hearts your have to gauge your popularity. Have you ever noticed how sometimes people show up on your home page, but you aren’t following them? They are probably scoping about something similar to what you usually watch and also have a lot of hearts. Periscope shares engaging scopers to others… and it is all about the hearts. The more hearts you have, the more likely it is you will show up as a suggested scoper in other people’s feed.. even if they are not following you. Something to note, you can give as many hearts as you want, but anything more than 500 hearts from one person during a broadcast won’t count.
I have a troll, what do I do?ย
If someone is making rude or nasty comments during your scope you can block them right then and there. Just click on their comment and hit block user. Done.
How to I end my scope?ย
Just swipe down and hit ‘End Broadcast.’ This sounds very easy, but if you have seen my scopes, you know this part is a challenge for me! My daily iPhone calendar always comes down first instead of the ‘Stop Broadcast’ button! ha!
I HATED my scope, now what?
That’s okay… just delete the replay. You can delete it anytime during the 24 hours that is it up.
I LOVED my scope, now what?ย
So you rocked your scope and now you want to keep it beyond 24 hours. You can change the settings so your scopes automatically save to your phone, but that can take up A LOT of memory. Another option is to use Katch.me to keep your broadcasts. The only issue with this is you have to use the #Katch in your scope title before you tweet it out so Katch knows what you want to keep. If you don’t want this in your original title, there is a way around it. Just tweet out your own replay later including #Katch. ๐
I few hours after my scope, I shared it on my Twitter and included the #Katch, so now it is on my Katch feed to share |
Bonus tips:
Tease your broadcast. If you know you are jumping on Periscope soon, let your followers know. I usually post something on Instagram & twitter about 10 minutes before I scope. Even if people don’t see the post until later, they may think it sounds interesting and catch the replay!
Ask people to share during your scope. Stop a few times during your scope and ask people to share. Something like:
“If you think your followers would be interested in what I am talking about, I would love for you to swipe right if you are on iPhone or swipe up on Android and click the share button!”ย
Bad screen grab, but just before this I asked people to share with their followers & they were kind enough to do it! ๐ |
Ok now that we have the basics down.. LET’S DO THIS! #SeptemberScopers is here! I am so excited to watch everyone’s scopes!
Angela Gilmore says
I haven't tried periscope yet. Though reading this post made me want to give it a try. Is it too late to join the challenge?
Lauren says
It's never too late, you can join anytime! ๐ I will be looking for your scopes!
Artadorned says
I heard really good things about periscope so I'm temped to try it now!
http://www.artadorned.com
Lauren says
I hope you join us! It is a VERY supportive group and it will be lots of fun!
Views From a Step Stool says
I just started using Periscope and need to spend some time figuring it out! Can't wait to join in on the fun this month and here's hoping I don't crash and burn ๐
Lauren says
I am so glad you decided to join in! I thought you were fantastic!
Susie & Kate says
Well one down… I couldn't figure out how to turn off the camera and was photo, excuse me, video bombed by my daughter. However it wasn't as bad as I thought. Will see if I can keep up all month!!
Lauren says
I think it was great!! I cant wait to get to know everyone more!
Southern Made Blog says
This is so great! I definitely need to jump on this hashtag with y'all! Periscope can be intimidating if you've yet to scope. This is perfect for pushing me out of my comfort zone! Great idea!!
Lauren says
Yes!!! do it!! It is going to be so much fun!!
Carol Trimmer says
This article was so helpful! I might try Periscope. I didn't think you could delete an "undesirable" periscope so that was good to know. Takes some of the permanency out of it if it didn't turn out well. Thanks for the info.
Joanna Clute says
Yesterday was a challenge, but so fun! Thanks for sharing these tips:)
Jason Love says
This is great. I learned about it from Goofball Mommy mentioning it during her Scope.
I have to make-up yesterday, but that means I get to do two tomorrow.
Jennifer Corter says
I'm totally still afraid of Periscope, lol.
Theresa says
Great tips. Not sure I'm going to try Periscope.
Sue Parke says
I need to read this again when I have more time. I'm still trying to figure out how to gain followers and hearts on Periscope! I feel good on my other SM sites, but not scoping yet. Thanks for writing this!
Sue Parke says
I need to read this again when I have more time. I'm still trying to figure out how to gain followers and hearts on Periscope! I feel good on my other SM sites, but not scoping yet. Thanks for writing this!