The worldwide spread of COVID-19 is changing the way people interact, consume entertainment and work across the world. The need to contain the virus by practicing social distancing has resulted in virtual communication, decrease in travel and millions of Americans working from home. Social distancing has also changed the way we experience entertainment, with worldwide cancellations of sporting events, concerts and more, in order to avoid the spread of the disease. However, with more stay-at-home mandates being issued around the world, live video streaming has never been more popular or important than now. The need to communicate, stay informed and be entertained is at an all-time high and live video has the chance to mend this gap.
While many of these changes are temporary, some will have longer-lasting implications. Here’s a look at how this novel coronavirus can change live video streaming forever:
2020 will certainly be a growing opportunity for live video streaming, and latency and scale will be critical. The ability to provide an interactive experience is essential to the long-term success of live video streaming. In fact, creating a passive viewing experience is not enough, especially in the new age of social distancing. The only way for true interactivity is to use live streams with real-time latency so that users can communicate easily and naturally as if they were in the same room.
For example, media has turned to their digital outlets and streaming services during this time in order to keep audiences informed on the pandemic. ABC News decided to produce a regular weekday news show dedicated to its coronavirus coverage. Even though a TV network cannot easily disrupt its regular programming schedule, a live streaming service can.
The COVID-19 crisis has already created a culture and it is apparent that video has replaced social life. As people practice social distancing and self-isolation, live video has become an anxious medium of social life. People are turning to their social media platforms to express opinions, talk about emotions, feel connected and informed. For example, a few individuals, whether they contracted coronavirus or are the caregiver to someone who has, are utilizing live video services on their social media platforms as a way to keep followers and the public updated and informed in real-time, 24/7.
The complete impact coronavirus has on businesses and the economy will become clearer in the future. Right now, it is clear that the demand for interactivity and real-time streaming is at an all-time high. Once people experience true interactivity and real-time streaming, there will be no going back to passive experiences with 30 seconds or more, of latency.
In the midst of all the chaos, this is live video streaming’s moment. The tools are easier to access than ever and the bar for entry is much, much lower. Although it is still a technical pursuit, live video streaming can be a fun (and new!) way to capture some of the chaos of our ever-changing, everyday life and package it accessibly. All you really need to do is try!
