I’m always fascinated to see people using social media platforms/tools in creative and interesting ways. A few days ago, I heard Caroline McCarthy (@caro), who is a community manager for Google Plus, speak about some of the creative ways individuals were using Google Hangouts. Here’s five unique examples of how individuals can better harness the power of Hangouts.
1. Virtual Star Parties
This may be the coolest, most out of the box, way that individuals are using Hangouts. A bunch of guys figured out how to hook up their telescopes to their webcams, and host virtual stargazing parties.
2. Virtual Knitting Circles
One yarn enthusiast and store owner wanted to share her passion, and she started a virtual knitting circle from her Virginia store.
3. Virtual Photo Walks
I first heard about this from a newsroom that I used to work at in college. Virtual Photo Walks uses Hangouts to take people to places they might not otherwise get to see due to a hospitalization or the inability to leave the house. These virtual photo walk excursions have included places from around the globe.
4. Virtual Concerts
Relatively unknown musicians are hopping on Hangouts and singing for whoever will listen. Many musicians are gaining large followings, and a few have even be seen by record companies from their newfound popularity. One of the best known examples is 20-something New York singer Daria Musk, who went from a relatively unknown singer to streaming concerts for 200,000+ on hangouts on air and signing a major record deal in a matter of months.
5. Beer Tastings
It’s no secret that there is a huge and very engaged craft beer following online. There are Facebook groups, Twitter chats, blogs, and now even Hangouts specifically geared to the craft beer community. There are literally hundreds of groups, just like this, that spring up where people talk about a specific new brew.
What’s the most creative way that you are using Google Plus Hangouts? Please share them below in the comment section.
