Throughout recent years the content creating industry has increased exponentially, especially for watching others stream live. This has created a real market for streamers and content creators who live off of revenue generated by streaming or creating videos. As demand for entertainment has increased, streamers are searching for ways to post their content in the most effective ways. The demand is relatively new and only some platforms have advanced enough for users to stream their content
The creators need to generate a profit to sustain a living just like people in every job. They look for three key features in a video platform: users, monetization and communication with viewers. The number of users a website has can impact how many people view their stream. Income is partially determined by how many views a creator gets on their streams or videos. Platforms with few users make it less likely that the creator will get a lot of views.
- Facebook Gaming
Facebook paired with Microsoft to bring over features from mixer into their streaming platform. It works a lot like Twitch and Youtube, with an interface showing popular viewers or videos recommended for the individual viewer. Streamers earn money through donations, subscriptions, or Facebook’s on-platform currency, Facebook Gaming Stars. And just like other platforms, streamers can potentially earn through gaming sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and selling merchandise products.
- Periscope
Periscope is a mobile application that streamers can post their content on. Users can choose whether or not they want their content to be public or only available to certain audiences like their friends and family. Streamers can use their phones or use more complicated recording devices. The camera quality for viewers does not have to be great when viewers are also watching on handheld devices. It was created in 2015 and has been active since then.
- TikTok
TikTok is widely known as a social media app for people of all ages. There is also a feature for live streaming where users can broadcast their content live and use it as a streaming app. This is not where most streamers make most of their money, but it is a great resource for growing their channels on other platforms. They can post clips from their full video or stream and direct the TikTok users to the platform they most often use.
- Twitch
This is one of the streaming platforms that TikTok users are often redirected to. This is one of the largest streaming platforms today and it has over 140 million monthly active users. It is most often used for watching a streamer play games live. Streamers have the ability to leave the stream online after it is recorded, but money is primarily made during streams. Subscribing to creators costs $4.99 a month and users can also donate money to them.
- YouTube
YouTube is the biggest streaming site currently. There are millions of videos posted every year to the site. The reason that it is the most popular streaming site is because streamers feel they are more likely to be discovered on a platform with more users. Subscribing to streamers and video creators is free, but viewers can donate to streamers if they would like. Youtube pays the creator if their video gets enough views, which is another reason so many utilize it.
There are many great streaming platforms today, and it seems like the market is going to continue growing. These streaming platforms are gaining popularity and becoming worth more money. People will see opportunities to make money and create more streaming apps in the future. Streaming is generally new to the world and will only become more popular in the future.
