The #1 Social Media Strategy for Nonprofits: Live Video!
How can you spend less time on nonprofit social media while making a bigger impact? The answer isn’t posting more or chasing every trend it’s going live. Live video is hands down the best way to engage your audience, build trust, and increase your nonprofit’s reach without spending hours on content creation.
Why? Because live video is raw, real, and relationship driven. No overthinking, no endless editing, it's just you, your mission, and a direct connection with your supporters.
Why Live Video Works (and Why You Should Start Using It Today)
Most nonprofits spend too much time perfecting social media content, trying to craft the “perfect” post. But the reality? People want authenticity, not perfection. Live video delivers exactly that.
Here’s why it’s a life changer:
It builds trust: Your audience gets to see the real people behind your nonprofit in real-time.
Social media algorithms love it: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn prioritize live content, meaning more reach without paying for ads.
It’s ridiculously easy: No need for fancy equipment, just hit “Go Live” and start talking.
It creates instant engagement: Unlike static posts, live videos let you interact with your audience in the moment.
And the best part? There’s no perfect script required. The most successful live videos feel like a casual coffee chat with your supporters, not a rehearsed presentation.
Ready to take your nonprofit’s social media strategy to the next level? Try going live this week! Set a date, pick a topic, and just start. You’ll be amazed at the connections you build.
Common Excuses (and Why They Don’t Hold Up)
If your nonprofit isn’t using live video yet, you’re not alone. But let’s be honest most of the reasons holding you back aren’t actually deal breakers.
“We don’t have time.” Live video is the fastest way to create content. Just turn on your camera and talk, no editing, no graphics, no stress.
“We’re not good at it.” No one starts as a live video expert. Social media is all about experimenting, and the more you do it, the better you’ll get.
“Our nonprofit isn’t about us.” Someone has to tell the story. If you’re not showing up for your cause, who will?
“We don’t have anything to say.” If you wish more people knew about your impact, live video is the best way to share it. Updates, volunteer shoutouts, behind-the-scenes peeks there’s always something worth sharing.
How to Start Using Live Video for Your Nonprofit
Ready to go live but not sure where to start? Here’s a simple framework:
Step 1: Choose Your Platform
Pick the social media platform where your audience is most active. Facebook Live is great for community engagement, Instagram Live works well for younger audiences, and LinkedIn Live is ideal for nonprofit thought leadership.
Step 2: Pick a Simple Topic
Your live video doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few easy ideas:
Behind-the-scenes: Show a day in the life at your nonprofit.
Impact stories: Share a quick success story or donor highlight.
Live Q&A: Answer common questions about your nonprofit.
Event previews: Build excitement for an upcoming fundraiser or initiative.
Step 3: Hit “Go Live” and Keep It Real
Don’t overthink it. Talk like you would to a friend. If something goes wrong? Laugh it off and keep going. Authenticity is what makes live video work.
Step 4: Engage with Viewers
A big part of live video is interaction. Ask questions, shout out viewers by name, and encourage comments. The more engagement you get, the more people social media will show your video to.
Step 5: Repurpose Your Live Content
Live videos don’t have to disappear once you’re done. Download and repurpose them into reels, short clips, or even a blog post (like this one!).
Final Thoughts: Start Today, Keep It Simple
If your nonprofit isn’t using live video, you’re missing a huge opportunity to connect with your audience in a real, meaningful way. The key? Just start.
Pick a platform.
Go live for 5-10 minutes.
Keep it simple and natural.
Need help executing a powerful nonprofit marketing strategy? We specialize in marketing for nonprofits and can guide you every step of the way. Book a free discovery call now and start seeing results!
