In recent years, live streaming has developed from a niche technology used by just a handful of people and platforms to a global phenomenon that seems to know no bounds whatsoever.
In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to think of any industry that hasn’t been affected by live streaming technology in some way.
Whether it’s social media, gaming or marketing, businesses and brands across the board are now turning to HD videos to interact with their consumer base on a whole new level.
It’s proving to be a major way of engaging people and ramping up online brand experiences like nothing else.
A recent Forbes article reported that global consumer internet video traffic will account for 80% of all consumer internet traffic by the end of 2019. That form of revolution is certainly hard to ignore.
We’re here to a look at three key areas where live streaming is already having a huge impact – let’s get to it.
Online casinos
(Image courtesy of Chingster23 via Flickr)
Given the massive levels of appeal and investment that is currently being pumped into the iGaming industry, it’s no surprise to find that online casinos have been among the earliest adopters of live streaming technology.
More and more iGaming operators are now choosing to spend money on developing their own video-driven service, mainly because it offers players a more immersive gaming environment.
A prime example is the range of live dealer games at Magical Vegas, which offer players the chance to enjoy the thrill of the casino floor while playing blackjack and roulette from the comfort of their own sofa.
Social media
(Image courtesy of Shahid Abdullah via Flickr)
In this day and age, there aren’t too many successful businesses that have abstained from investing in their online social media presence.
Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn, these platforms offer a crucial way to connect with customers and advertise products and services.
Live streaming technology has quickly become a choice method of engaging with customers.
Many marketing experts now argue that video content is the most essential form of communication for any company looking to get the absolute maximum return from their social media strategy.
eSports
(Image courtesy of Jakob Wells via Flickr)
Along with iGaming, the eSports market is easily one of the fastest-growing sectors of the entire gaming industry.
Keen gamers from all over the world now have the chance to test their skills against the very best, while also putting themselves in contention for some serious prize money.
One of the primary ways that professional gamers are now able to make their money is through dedicated live streaming platforms such as Twitch.
These networks make it possible for eSports fans to watch their favourite gamers put their skills to the test, whether they’re playing at an international tournament or even from their own bedroom.
Fans are encouraged to donate money to players and channels that they really like watching, which forms a key source of income for gamers.
This simply wouldn’t be possible without live streaming technology; in fact, you’d have to say that it’s the driving force behind much of the growth we’re currently seeing across the internet.
One thing’s for sure: we’re going to see much more of it over the next 12 months!