INFLUENCER MARKETING

12 Ways to Sell More with Influencer Live Streaming: Pre, During & Post-Stream Tactics

Alexandra Kazakova

By Alexandra Kazakova
17 min READ | Apr 4 2025

Table of contents

Imagine a sales channel where consumers can engage with products in real time, ask questions, and receive immediate responses – all from the comfort of their homes.

That’s influencer live streaming. It combines social media with e-commerce, turning engagement into real-time sales.

And it works.

That’s why the live streaming market hit $1.83 billion in 2024 and is on track to top $3.5 billion by 2028.

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The rise of live commerce has transformed how brands engage with consumers, offering real-time interactions that drive immediate purchasing decisions.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to scale your ROI.

This article breaks down 12 strategies to make influencer live streaming work for you.

Let’s dive in.

P.S: Want to maximize conversions from livestream influencer promotions? Work with inBeat to build high-impact influencer marketing campaigns that drive real-time sales.

TL;DR:

Livestream shopping is booming, projected to hit $3.5B by 2028. It merges e-commerce with real-time influencer engagement to drive fast conversions.

Best platforms include TikTok Shop, Amazon Live, Instagram Live Shopping, YouTube Live, and Whatnot – each offering integrated shopping features and real-time interaction.

Why it works: Higher engagement, faster sales cycles, stronger trust, and urgency-driven purchases. Live content converts better than traditional ads.
Pre-stream tactics:

  • Partner with influencers whose audience matches your target market.
  • Set SMART goals and clear KPIs for success.
  • Promote the event early through social posts, email, and countdowns.

During the stream:

  • Use high-quality production (camera, lighting, audio) for professionalism.
  • Make content interactive with demos, polls, and real-time chats.
  • Add urgency with limited-time offers and exclusive bundles.
  • Enable seamless e-commerce with in-stream shopping links and instant checkout.
  • Stream across multiple platforms and co-host with guest influencers.
  • Engage in real-time to overcome objections and push conversions.

Post-stream strategies:

  • Repurpose content into Reels, Shorts, and Stories to keep the buzz going.
  • Analyze metrics and feedback to optimize future streams.
  • Follow up with segmented email campaigns and community-building efforts.

Case studies from brands like TikTok Shop, Nordstrom, and Hobbii show massive ROI, with some influencers driving millions in sales in a single session.

Key takeaways: Start with the right influencer, focus on interactivity, create urgency, make purchasing frictionless, and nurture leads after the stream.

Want to scale livestream sales? inBeat helps brands build custom influencer campaigns that turn real-time engagement into revenue.

What Is Livestream Shopping?

Livestream shopping is a sales-driven broadcast where influencers or brands showcase products online, allowing viewers to interact and buy instantly.

“For buyers, live shopping creates an opportunity to learn more about the products they want, discover the latest trends, and see real-time reviews from the content creators they trust, such as whether a top is see-through, or if a foundation shade matches their skin color.” -  David Sykes, chief commercial officer for buy now pay later (BNPL) app Klarna.

For example, during a recent Black Friday event, TikTok Shop hosted over 30,000 livestreams, generating more than $100 million in U.S. sales.

Which Platforms Are Best for Livestream Shopping in Influencer Marketing?

Below is a comparison of notable platforms:​

Why Influencer Live Streaming Works for Sales

Influencer live streaming isn’t just about real-time engagement. It’s a direct path to sales. Let's summarize why:

  • Enhanced engagement: Live streams foster real-time interaction between influencers and viewers, leading to engagement rates that are twice as high as traditional video content.
  • Boost sales: Live video converts better. 89% of marketers say it’s the most effective video format for ROI.
  • More trust: Viewers perceive live sessions as more genuine, which builds trust. Notably, 82% of consumers prefer engaging with brands through live videos over standard social media posts.
  • Faster sales: The interactive nature of live streams allows influencers to showcase products and answer questions instantly, streamlining the purchasing process.
  • Sense of urgency: Limited-time offers during live streams create a fear of missing out (FOMO), prompting quick buying actions.
  • Building community: Live streaming really brings viewers together, creating a loyal fanbase that's more likely to keep coming back for more.

But how can you maximize its impact?

That brings us to the next section:

Best 12 Strategies for Influencer Live Streaming

Let's break down the best strategies for influencer live streaming:

Pre-Stream Preparation

1. Select the Right Influencer Partner

Work with influencers whose audience matches your target market.

Think about teaming up with micro and nano influencers because they're seen as more genuine and can really ramp up engagement.

For example, micro-influencers are pulling in engagement rates around 11.7%, which is nearly double what it was last year.

Nano-influencers? They're doing even better with rates soaring to 14.2%, almost tripling their previous stats.

Pro tip: For expert guidance on refining your influencer selection, connect with inBeat Agency and let their strategic insights drive your sales performance.

2. Define Clear Objectives and KPIs

To make your influencer live streaming campaigns hit the mark, start by setting clear goals and figuring out how you'll measure success.

Here’s how to get started:

  • Set clear goals: Define what you aim to achieve—be it increasing conversion rates, boosting average order value, or enhancing engagement metrics. For instance, if your goal is to elevate engagement, focus on metrics like likes, comments, and shares.
  • Pick the right KPIs: Align your goals with measurable indicators. Common influencer marketing KPIs include reach, impressions, views, engagement, and sales.
  • Define success: Determine what success looks like for your live stream. This could involve setting a target number of unique viewers, achieving a specific engagement rate, or generating a certain amount of sales during the event.

Pro tip: When setting objectives and KPIs for your influencer live streaming campaigns, ensure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART).

This approach provides clarity and focus, facilitating more effective performance tracking and optimization.

3. Promote the Event in Advance

To get more people to show up and stay engaged in your stream, promote it properly before the event.

Post teasers on social media, send email reminders, start a countdown, and push it across different platforms.

And, of course, have influencers announce it to their audience to build hype.

For example, e.l.f. Cosmetics did this well with their "E.L.F. TIME Show," during Super Bowl Sunday spreading the word through their socials and website to get people excited in advance.

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Pro tip: Try leveraging early engagement incentives – offer exclusive, time-limited bonuses to those who join early, sparking immediate buzz. Pair this with micro-influencer collaborations to reach niche audiences and create a ripple effect of excitement that carries through the stream.

Enhance the Live Stream Experience

4. Optimize Production Quality

To attract more people to your influencer live streams (and keep them watching), start by upgrading your gear. A sharp HD camera, good lighting, and clear audio gear make your streams look and sound professional. This keeps viewers hooked and, more importantly, builds their trust.

What Gear Do You Need to be a Live Streamer, Podcaster, or Video Creator?

Next, pick platforms that make shopping easy. For example, TikTok Shop lets viewers buy products right during a stream, making it super convenient. Amazon Live does something similar by mixing product listings with the live action, allowing for on-the-spot purchases.

Pro tip: Implement adaptive bitrate streaming to ensure viewers with varying internet speeds receive the best possible quality without buffering. Additionally, consider using software like vMix to improve your production capabilities. The point is to integrate multiple camera angles and real-time graphics seamlessly. ​

5. Create Engaging and Interactive Content

Keep your live streams lively and fun! Mix it up with cool demos, sneak peeks behind the curtain, and real-time chats.

Why not throw in some live polls to keep everyone on their toes?

@brandpal_live These details can greatly increase your sales!!!#BrandPal #tiktokshop #BrandPal_Academy #LiveTraining #fyp #livestream #host ♬ original sound - brandpal_live

Telling stories during your streams can also draw people in, making them feel part of something special while showing off what your products can do.

For example, Canadian retailer Aldo collaborated with stylist Mimi Cuttrell and entertainer Nate Wyatt to host a live shopping event where they shared style tips and showcased products.

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It’s all about making your streams more than just watchable – make them a place where your audience loves to hang out and interact.

Pro tip: Improve your stream with real-time interactive overlays that adapt instantly to viewer input. That way, you can seamlessly shift between product demos and spontaneous Q&A moments.

Here’s a good tutorial to get you started:

6. Leverage Exclusivity and Urgency

Make your live stream more effective by offering exclusive, time-sensitive deals.

Try limited-time discounts, flash sales, and special bundles to create urgency (FOMO effect) among your viewers.

This approach can increase average order values by 12-15%, as people are more likely to buy more when they feel like they might miss out.

Pro tip: Incorporate real-time countdown timers during your live shopping events to visually emphasize the limited availability of exclusive deals. This visual cue can heighten urgency, encouraging viewers to make swift purchasing decisions.

Even better pro tip: Countdown timers work great for live streams, but not so much for replays because it messes the user experience. So, remove the countdown timer after your stream has ended to optimize your video for replay.

Sales-Driven Tactics During the Stream

7. Integrate Seamless E-commerce Functionality

Make it super easy for viewers to buy things right then and there.

For example, throw in clickable links for shopping, quick checkout options, and some special discount codes right in the stream. This way, people can buy on impulse without second-guessing.

Take TikTok Shop as a cue – they let users buy without even leaving the app, which really helps keep those sales numbers up.

"Livestream shopping is more than a profit generator. It’s a brilliant content marketing strategy to build brand awareness and increase demand." - The Ecomm Manager

By making the buying process smooth, you capture the audience’s peak excitement and turn it directly into sales.

Pro tip: Enable saved payment methods within your streaming platform to encourage repeat buyers and speed up transactions.

8. Collaborate Across Platforms

Want more viewers on your live streams? Stream on multiple platforms at once.

Tools like Restream let you hit Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube simultaneously, keeping your message the same everywhere.

Invite guest influencers to join your streams, tapping into their audiences and creating genuine engagement.

For instance, during New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025, Tory Burch teamed up with creators Maria Georgas and Mandy Lee for backstage interviews, which drew about 13.7 million views on TikTok.

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Pro tip: Use platform-specific engagement tools - like TikTok’s interactive Q&A, Instagram’s shopping tags, and YouTube’s Super Chat - to tailor interactions for each audience while multistreaming. This ensures viewers on every platform receive a unique, engaging experience without feeling like they’re watching a recycled broadcast.

9. Use Real-Time Engagement to Drive Conversions

A live stream gives you direct access to engaged buyers. Use it.

Respond to comments instantly to answer objections, highlight product benefits, and build trust.

A hesitant viewer asking about sizing? Show how sizing works in real time.

Someone questioning durability? Demonstrate it.

@bossupcosmetics Ding ding ding! 🛎️ We are LIVE now! Join us on our livestream for great flash sale deals! #BossUp #LiveNow #ShopLatinOwned ♬ original sound - BossUp Cosmetics

Every interaction moves them closer to a purchase. Drop clear CTAs throughout – pin a discount code in the chat, direct viewers to a limited-time offer, or tell them to click the in-stream purchase button.

Pro tip: Announce that only live participants get access to a special bundle or limited-time add-on. Use viewer names when responding to questions to personalize the experience and reinforce that their interest matters.

Post-Stream Strategies for Sustained Sales

10. Repurpose and Distribute Content

Turn your livestream’s best moments into short, shareable clips.

Highlight product features, tutorials, or fun audience interactions, and post these snippets on social media.

They not only remind viewers about the event but also grab the attention of those who missed it.

For example, many brands on TikTok and Instagram transform live Q&As into engaging Reels and Stories, keeping the buzz alive long after the stream ends.

Pro tip: Add captions and on-screen text to repurposed clips to cater to viewers who watch without sound – 85% of Facebook videos are viewed this way. Use platform-specific formats, like vertical videos for TikTok and YouTube Shorts, to maximize reach and engagement across different audiences.

11. Analyze Performance and Gather Feedback

Measure your livestream’s success by looking at the numbers.

Check viewership, engagement, and conversions to see what worked. You can use real-time analytics to find where people dropped off and adjust for next time.

But we also advise you to gather feedback from surveys or comments to see what mattered most to viewers. Improve based on the data, and your future streams will perform better.

Pro tip: Compare engagement spikes with product mentions to see which items generated the most interest, then feature them more prominently in future streams. Use A/B testing on different CTA placements to determine which timing drives the highest conversions.

12. Follow-Up and Nurture Leads

Keep sales going after your livestream with a solid follow-up plan.

Send personalized emails with exclusive discounts or early access to new products.

Build an online community where customers can share feedback and experiences – 60% of consumers trust user-generated content the most when deciding what to buy.

Stay connected, keep them engaged, and turn one-time buyers into repeat customers.

Pro tip: Segment your email recipients based on their interaction levels during the stream—high engagers, cart abandoners, and passive viewers—and tailor your messages accordingly to maximize relevance and response rates.

Influencer Live Streaming Examples & Case Studies

Let's dive into real case studies of influencer live streaming sales:

1. Xin Youzhi (Xinba)

Known as "Xinba," Xin Youzhi is a prominent Chinese livestreamer with over 98.8 million followers on Kuaishou.

Source

In a 12-hour live-streaming session during China's Singles' Day shopping festival in 2020, he achieved sales totaling RMB 1.88 billion.

2. Mitchell Halliday (Made by Mitchell)

British makeup artist Mitchell Halliday leveraged TikTok's live shopping features to achieve remarkable success.

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Through his brand "Made by Mitchell," he amassed $1 million in sales within 12 hours during a live shopping event.

​3. Samsung Panama

Samsung Panama partnered with Smartzer to host a live shopping event featuring exclusive, time-sensitive discounts.

During the broadcast, Samsung's sales representatives showcased various products to an audience of hundreds.

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Viewers engaged with the hosts through a chat feature, adopting personalized nicknames to interact. This approach replicated the personalized experience of in-person shopping.

4. ​Hobbii

Hobbii, an international retailer specializing in yarn and knitting supplies, has effectively integrated live shopping into its marketing strategy.

By hosting live-streamed events that combine product showcases with interactive content, Hobbii has achieved conversion rates nearly five times higher than those from traditional social media advertisements.

Source

Notably, during these live sessions, every sixth comment leads to a purchase. On the one hand, this highlights the efficacy of this approach in driving sales and fostering customer engagement. On the other hand, it highlights that you need a really solid strategy in place.

5. Nordstrom

​In March 2021, Nordstrom launched a dedicated live shopping channel to enhance customer engagement.

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The platform has since hosted numerous events on topics such as dressing for special occasions, fall fashion highlights, and spring beauty trends.

Influencer Live Streaming: The Fastest Way to Convert Viewers into Buyers

Influencer live streaming isn’t just content – it’s a selling machine. Live demos, real-time engagement, and instant answers drive sales faster than traditional marketing.

This article has shown you how to get started to scale your sales.

Start with the right influencer. Micro and nano influencers pull in better engagement, which means more buyers. Set clear goals, track key metrics, and promote early to build hype.

On stream, keep production sharp, make content interactive, and use time-limited offers to push sales. Make checkout effortless with built-in e-commerce. Engage viewers, handle objections, and drop clear CTAs throughout.

Afterward, repurpose clips, analyze results, and follow up with leads. Done right, this approach can boost conversion rates up to 10x over standard ads.

P.S: Want high-impact live-streaming campaigns? inBeat connects you with the right influencers to turn engagement into revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is influencer live streaming, and how does it boost sales?
Influencer live streaming merges real-time product showcases with influencer marketing on a social media platform. Viewers engage, ask questions, and see products in action before buying. This interactive experience builds trust, shortens the buyer’s journey, and increases conversion rates. The sense of community in a livestream shopping event also creates urgency, leading to faster purchases.

How do I choose the right influencer for a livestream shopping event?
Focus on engagement, not just follower count. While high-followership influencers offer broad reach, smaller livestream influencers often connect better with their target audience. Evaluate their credibility, past influencer marketing results, and ability to foster an interactive experience that keeps livestream viewers engaged without awkward silences.

What are the best practices for optimizing a live stream to maximize sales?
Encourage real-time Q&As, chat interactions, and audience participation to enhance the interactive experience. Structure content to balance product promotion with valuable insights. Keep livestream viewers engaged by tailoring product demonstrations to audience behavior and maintaining a consistent streaming schedule. Avoid awkward silences by keeping the energy high and the conversation flowing.

Which social media platforms are best for influencer live streaming?
Live-streaming platforms that work start with TikTok Live Shopping. This integrates directly with social commerce and capitalizes on consumer behavior psychology. YouTube allows brands to repurpose livestream content for long-term visibility, including blog post summaries. Twitch is ideal for building a sense of community around brands in competitive markets. Basically, the point is to build a solid social experience.

Which products perform best in livestream shopping events?
Consumer non-durable goods—especially beauty, fashion, and electronics—see high engagement due to immediate purchase intent. High-quality products perform best, as low-quality items struggle to maintain trust. The size of the livestream community influences pricing strategies and sales volume.

How should brands integrate influencer live streaming into their marketing efforts?
Align live streaming with broader marketing efforts, including PPC and influencer campaigns, for sustained exposure. Short-term livestream shopping events drive conversions, while long-term partnerships with asynchronous influencers strengthen brand credibility. Repurposing content into a blog post can extend reach beyond livestream viewers.

How does influencer live streaming differ from regular influencers promoting products?
Unlike regular influencers who post pre-recorded content, livestream influencers engage their audience in real time, creating an interactive experience. The social experience of a livestream shopping event fosters reciprocal engagement, where viewers can ask questions, see product demonstrations, and get immediate feedback from streamers. This dynamic approach enhances the efficacy of influencer activities and drives conversions faster than static posts.

What are the benefits of working with micro-streamers and low-followership influencers?
Micro-streamers and low-followership influencers often have highly engaged audiences, making them ideal for brands seeking authentic connections. Their smaller but dedicated communities drive stronger reciprocal engagement and trust. Partnering with passionate streamers within niche influencer networks can lead to more effective influencer marketing outcomes than working solely with prominent streamers.

How can brands provide briefings to influencers for better live streaming results?
Successful livestream influencer marketing campaigns start with clear briefings to influencers. Brands should outline key talking points, highlight product benefits, and provide guidance on audience engagement strategies. Feedback to streamers after each session helps refine their approach, ensuring continuous improvement in implementation of livestream influencer marketing efforts.

What role do asynchronous influencers play in influencer marketing collaborations?
Asynchronous influencers create content that remains accessible after the live event, extending the impact of livestream influencer content. Unlike live-only campaigns, repurposing livestream influencer content on platforms like YouTube and blogs enhances visibility, providing long-term value. Collaborating with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous influencers strengthens influencer marketing collaborations and improves overall campaign reach.

How do partnerships with streamers contribute to a brand’s success?
Long-term partnerships with streamers create consistent brand messaging and build credibility over time. Working with a credible streamer who aligns with your target audience ensures authenticity, while engaging passionate streamers maintains audience interest. The concern for streamers’ well-being, such as preventing burnout, also plays a role in sustaining long-term success.

What are the best strategies for optimizing the interactivity of livestream influencer campaigns?
Maximizing the interactivity of livestream influencer campaigns involves real-time engagement tools like live chat, Q&As, and social polls. Popular streamers can enhance audience participation through giveaways and limited-time offers. The interactivity of livestream influencer content helps brands convert passive viewers into active buyers, increasing sales potential.

What are the best opportunities for livestream influencers to grow their presence?
Livestream influencers can expand their audience by participating in influencer networks, cross-promoting with other streamers, and leveraging multi-platform exposure. Popular streamers gain traction through consistent, high-quality content, while micro-streamers and low-followership influencers benefit from strategic partnerships with brands seeking niche engagement.