Current Trends in Live Streaming

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Live streaming is an ever changing platform that creators use to communicate with their audiences. These streams are constantly developing new standards, audiences constantly expect new unique content, and creators are constantly looking for the best new technology to help them generate their maximum revenue. Since live streaming seems to always be changing, it can be difficult to follow. That is why we are laying out the current active trends in the live streaming community, to help you stay in the loop.

Firstly, it is important to understand the growth of the streaming industry. Between 2019 and 2020, the industry grew by 99%. The following year, the industry experienced  21% growth. This trend in overall growth and development, and consistent increases in revenue is not expected to stop any time soon.

Getting into more specific trends, current audiences are moving away from long stories in live streaming. Enormous numbers of consumers reported to prefer short video content. Platforms like Instagram stories, and TikTok have fully taken advantage of this trend and heavily capitalize on it, dominating the short video content market.

Whether you are interested in learning more about live streaming or not, everyone should be aware of this next trend. Live streamed music is slowly phasing out traditional radio. Whether its creators showing off their playlists, artists releasing new music on live streams, or DJ’s giving a live audience a show, radio stations can not compete with the innovation and versatility of live streaming music. In the next several years, keep an eye out for your favorite radio stations shifting over to live streaming platforms to reach a wider audience.

Radio isn’t the only traditional platform on the decrease. Live television is rapidly losing popularity as well. Many experts believe that live sports will be the first to completely shift over to live streaming platforms. We see it now with many sporting events on ESPN+ and Hulu such as MMA, college sports, and even nationally televised basketball and football games. For many people, this rapid introduction of sports into live streaming platforms has gone unnoticed, so be sure to look out for your favorite programs, and sports to be taken off the air, and added to streaming services.

The last trend I will cover is creator collaboration. Studies definitively show that when creators collaborate in their content, and share the stage, numbers sky rocket. Their combined viewerships and sponsors respond very well to multiple creators working together in their content. This is a trend in live streaming that will be around for a long time as there is a direct correlation from creator content collaboration, and total number of streams and profit.

Top 5 Best Platforms for Live Streaming

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In recent years, live streaming has surged as a way to make money. From sharing video game clips, to vlogging, live streaming has developed into an efficient, and strategic way to make money in an amazingly short span of time. Today, there are an enormous number of apps and platforms for creators to stream their content, and for new streamers, it may be difficult to decide which platform is best for them. Because of this, we decided to lay out our top five choices for the best platforms to help you make money from your livestreams.

#1: Youtube Live

Youtube Live is the perfect platform for more experienced streamers with a larger following. This platform has built in functions that produce statistical reports on creators’ streams. If you choose to stream on Youtube live, you’ll have access to lots of extremely useful data for growing and monetizing your audience. Additionally, this platform gives you the option to archive your streams, allowing both you, and your audience to go back and rewatch live content.

#2: Twitch

When it comes to gaming, twitch is the ideal platform. In fact, it is the largest streaming platform in the world for gamers. Twitch offers a live chat feature which allows creators to interact and engage with their audience in real time. This will help you as a creator foster relationships with your viewers.

#3: Instagram Live

For individuals who have a large social media presence and are looking to become streamers, Instagram Live is the platform for you. The moment you decide to start streaming, all of your followers will be notified, and may tune in to your Instagram story. This is a great platform for gaining, and maintaining a large audience in a short span of time. Additionally, Instagram is one of the largest social media services in the world. Over 1 billion people worldwide have Instagram accounts. Furthermore, 500 million people per day tune in to watch instagram stories. If you want to grow your following in the fastest way you can, Instagram Live is the recommended platform.

#4: UStream

Although not as popular as some of the other streaming platforms, UStream has one of the best audience interaction features in the market. Creators can instantly chat and poll millions of people at a time. Additionally, facebook and twitter feeds are integrated into the software, allowing creators, and viewers to discuss trending topics, and news with ease. This platform also notifies viewers when their favorite creators are scheduled to go live.

#5: Vimeo

When it comes to reliability, Vimeo is always a sure thing. The software used on this platform was designed to handle unlimited streams, viewers, and content. Because of this, youll never have to worry about any technical difficulties. This award winning software also comes with a 24/7 live support feature, so both creators and viewers are able to ask representatives anything they may need help with. For new streamers looking to get started, vimeo is a great and easy platform to master your streaming skills on.

Strategies for Live Video Monetization

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Live video is more popular than ever. Live video offers a direct, personal connection with your audience. No matter what industry or platform you’re creating for, nearly half of live video audiences would pay for live, exclusive, on-demand video from a favorite team, speaker, or performer – giving you the opportunity to monetize your live stream and improve your video monetization platform.

Why You Should Monetize Your Live Video Content

In today’s world, creating and streaming live video is entirely accessible to small businesses and independent creators. There has never been a more even playing field for those looking to start their own live-streamed show.
Video monetization platforms can help you produce professional-looking live stream videos and help you access the platforms of your choice.
Live streaming revenue
Streaming video already accounts for two-thirds of the world’s internet traffic, and the video live streaming industry has increased by 99% in 2020. Successful brands are seizing this opportunity, diving head-first into the live video gold rush.
Grow your fanbase
By incorporating live video into your content production, you will be able to distribute this medium to many different platforms, including social media.
Aside from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, emerging platforms like Twitch.tv cater to audiences interested in live streaming. When it comes to live video, there are endless possibilities to keep your audience engaged with your brand.

How to Make Money With Live Videos

Now that we’ve covered why you should monetize your live stream, we have to get into the how. There are many different ways to make money from your live videos, and finding the right model for your business will help you to grow. Here are a few of the most popular monetization models:
1. Donations
Online donations are fast-becoming a considerable source of revenue for content creators. Online giving is growing 13% each year.
2. Ads
Think advertisements are just for corporate broadcasters? Think again. Adding short advertisements to your live broadcast recreates the familiar look and feel of traditional television for a fast-growing digital audience.
3. Lead Capture
Live video brings a dynamic component to your marketing strategy, engaging viewers whether they tune in on desktop or mobile.
4. Pay-Per-View Model
If you’re using live video to broadcast events, think of a pay-per-view service as a virtual box office.

 

 

Live Video – Exciting Video Marketing Trend for 2022

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Research has found that 84% of consumers have been convinced to buy a product after watching a video, and they’re twice as likely to share videos than other types of online content. Cisco reported that by 2022, video will account for 82% of all online traffic.

Live Video

Live video skyrocketed in importance in 2020 as the pandemic put a halt on in-person events and experiences. It emerged as an essential way for brands to continue connecting with consumers, and today our outlook on what kind of content is “streamable” has been totally transformed.

Live video is being used by everyone from influencers promoting products to music artists holding virtual concerts to Broadway companies streaming full-length productions.

For content marketers, live video should be at the top of the list of video marketing priorities. Even as life is getting back to normal, consumer demand for live video content isn’t going away — it’s growing.

And while consumers prefer video content in general, they engage at a much higher rate when the content is live. On Facebook, for example, users watch live videos for 3x longer than pre-recorded videos, and live content generates 6x more interactions.

Surprisingly, though, only 28% of video marketers intend to use Facebook Live as part of their strategy (and this stat is similar across social media platforms). More B2B Marketers are reporting the use of video email marketing as an effective tool.

The takeaway? Brands have an opportunity to build engagement and gain a competitive advantage by embracing live video right now.

Smartphone Production

Gone are the days when video marketing required expensive equipment and a big production budget. In fact, even brands that can afford those things are turning to smartphones to create more relatable, authentic content.

Apple gave the concept a platform in their wildly successful #ShotOniPhone campaign. They asked users to submit their best iPhone shots for a chance to have them featured on an Apple commercial or billboard.

Over the years the campaign has generated more than 15 million submissions and proven that video content created on a smartphone can be indistinguishable from what we see in traditional media.

How to Set Up Your Live Stream Equipment

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Live streaming online is a great way to spread your message, increase brand awareness, and cultivate relationships with fans and followers.

What Equipment Do You Need for Live Streaming?

You can get started with live streaming with a very basic kit, or you can create a more involved setup for a more professional look. Many common social media channels like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitch make it easy to create a live stream right from the app. In many cases you’ll only need a cell phone and internet access to get started.

Streaming Equipment for Every Budget and Level
If you’re just starting out with live streams, don’t feel like you need to make a big investment right away. It’s a good idea to research different setups and the kinds of live streams they’re used for before you start shopping. Here are a few common setups to consider:

Entry Level Streaming Equipment Wi-Fi Camera Setup

  • Smartphone, tablet, or webcam
  • Tripod (optional)
  • Wi-Fi Connection

Ideal For: Video Blogs and Podcasts

Intermediate Level Streaming Equipment: Single HD Camera Setup

  • HD Video Camera or Camcorder
  • Tripod
  • Video Encoder
  • Portable Wi-Fi Device

Ideal For: Video Blogs, Podcasts, Small Seminars and Events

Professional Level Streaming Equipment: Multi-Camera Setup

  • Multiple HD Video Cameras or Camcorders
  • Tripods
  • Video Encoder
  • Audio Mixer
  • Computer Graphics Software
  • Portable Wi-Fi Device

Ideal For: Concerts, Church Services, Theater Plays, and Surveillance