Blab is Gone…2 Alternatives to Video Record Interviews

Blab, the live streaming service I used to video record interviews, is gone. I learned about its demise in a newsletter and went to check it out for myself. Yep, it was true.

It was a pretty cool program to video record interviews. The following features made it worth using:

• It was easy to use
• Blab sent audio and video links to your interview when it was over
• Hosts could interact with viewers through the chat option
• People could join and add value to the conversation with one click
• Attendees could sign up to a Blab prior to the event and get the replay afterward

This is the platform I used for my conversations with Mitch Mitchell, Heidi Richards-Mooney and Marki Lemons.

The only caveat to using Blab was you had to have a Twitter account, which limited the people you could interview. Otherwise, it was great for recording interviews.

Two Alternatives to Video Record Interviews: Skype & Google+ Hangouts

Now that Blab is gone, there are two tools you can use to video record interviews: Skype and Google+ Hangouts. Both are free; offer desktop and mobile options; and allow you to talk to multiple people at once.

Skype

Skype was first to bring the Jetsons into the 21^st century with video calling. Two parties could see each other during their conversation. Now, you can make conference calls with up to 25 people.

Although the program doesn’t have an option to record calls, you can use Vodburner, a third-party program, to record and edit video calls.

Right now, you don’t need a Microsoft account to use Skype; that’s probably coming soon.

Google+ Hangouts

The second program you can use to video record interviews is Google+ Hangouts. You can talk to up 10 people at a time.

With Hangouts, you can record your conversation and post it later or you can broadcast live. Your live broadcast will show in real-time on your YouTube channel or Google+ home page. You have to have a Google account to use any of their products.

I will miss the convenience of Blab, but Skype and Google+ Hangouts are options to video record my interviews. Both programs offer features that allow you to educate and engage your interview and audience, online and offline.

What About You?

Do you video record interviews? Which program(s) do you use? What are the pros and cons of the program(s)?

Let us know in the comment box below.

 

 

Image credits: Brands of the World, Blab