Many social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, now offer live video feeds. The companies that might offer live videos on these services range from news sources to magazines, sports networks, and blogs, among others. But how successful is live video, and where might the future of live video be heading?
Major tech companies, such as Facebook, think that live video will be immensely popular in the future. This is largely based on evidence that Internet users are increasingly consuming information through videos as opposed to articles or other sources. Facebook’s live video option, for example, could prove particularly successful for political news sources, by offering an easy-to-access, alternative video feed. It could also work well for musicians, who could record low-key sessions, similar to NPR’s Tiny Desk sessions. Live video seems to work especially well for sites like Buzzfeed, which targets a younger audience.
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Facebook’s live video stream is comparable to Facebook introducing live television. Only this live video is more casual and awkward than live television: it is often an “anything goes” type of approach that may include informative discussions, blogger or fitness trainer Q&A sessions, or even sitting in on a business meeting. It decreases the distance between those who make the video and those who view the video — an appealing option for viewers who increasingly distrust major video and news networks.
As camera technology improves on devices, this should help to increase the video quality of live video. New production equipment is in the works, as well, and new video software should allow for multiple camera angles and screen graphics. All of this should help live video to improve across devices, from PCs to laptops to mobile devices.
Recently, Twitter signed a deal with the NFL to broadcast one live NFL game per week, which has proved to be popular. This could encourage more live video deals with Twitter, and even Facebook or Instagram. The most popular options could end up being reality TV shows, sports events, or concerts. Then too, more commercials and advertisements will come, so that Facebook and businesses can further use Facebook for advertising purposes.
YouTube Live also wants to change how you watch live TV or events by allowing you to watch those shows or events on their site. YouTube is already used for web shows, subscription services, and even illegal videos, all of which shows that live video could be immensely popular on the site in the future.
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