4 Top Live Streaming Video Apps

Online live video streaming isn’t a new phenomenon. Back in 2008, I was using Ustream.tv to broadcast Joel Comm Live. A few people were doing 24-hour lifecasts (such as Justin.tv), and Google Hangouts weren’t too far behind. However, most of these streaming applications required a desktop computer in order to enjoy the full benefits of creating a show. All that has changed in 2015, with a number of new apps that are leading the way into the live video streaming revolution. I’ll just go ahead and say it now… Just as though early to blogging were able to build and grow sizable audiences, those who jump on live video streaming have a similar opportunity to carve out a piece of the pie and be a voice to their market. As a fan of video, and live video in particular, I’ve kept a close eye on the latest developments. As of this writing, here are the top 4 live streaming video apps you need to know about. #1) Meerkat A favorite of mine since I first encountered it just before SXSW 2015, this was the first app that made it truly simple to begin live streaming from anywhere. Connected to Twitter, any of your followers that were on Twitter instantly became followers when they installed Meerkat. That is, until Twitter cut Meerkat off from their social graph. While I can appreciate why Twitter did this, I think it was an unkind move that completely went against the spirit of Twitter’s connected platform. Pffft. Meerkat allows people to comment on your stream. As they do, each comment becomes a tweet. Even without Twitter’s support, Meerkat moves forward with innovation and it continues to maintain a loyal audience. One of my favorite things is that they provide an embed tool that allows you to place your live stream on a web page. If you look in the right column of any of my blog pages, you’ll notice the Meerkat widget. And if I happen to be streaming live while you are on my pages, you’ll hear me talking and likely spot the live stream. Another thing I like is that your streams can be saved to your Meerkat page, where they can be replayed. #2) Periscope Twitter’s answer to Meerkat, Periscope is a pretty cool app that is picking up users at a rapid pace. Easy to instantly begin streaming with a simple tweet, Periscope is like the Wal-mart of live video streaming. While the technology is fairly solid, many find the audience on Periscope to be untargeted. Since people can login and pick any current stream to view, there are many “drive-by” viewers who pop in without having a clue what they are watching. Sometimes these people can be disruptive. The good news is that it is easy to block those people with a simple swipe on the screen. Unlike Meerkat, Periscope replays are available for only 24 hours. #3) LIVE for Facebook Mentions Facebook is not just one app anymore. Messenger, Pages and other apps make up the whole of the mobile experience. One app that is available only to Public Figures is called Mentions. A “public figure” is someone who has a fan page which sports the little blue verified check mark. I’m fortunate to have such a page at facebook.com/joelcommfan. As part of Facebook’s entry into live video streaming, they rolled out their first attempt to those who are able to use the Mentions app. What’s the key benefit of live streaming with this app? The stream automatically shows up on the news feed of some who have liked your page! Just as native Facebook video begins playing as you mouse-over the image, so does the livestream kick in the same way. The app is very basic at this time, but I’ve no doubt Facebook will be updating with new features. Beyond Facebook integration (which is a HUGE plus), two key benefits are that the stream lives on your timeline for replay indefinitely and that comments made in the app appear on the Facebook stream and vice-versa. They also recently announced that LIVE will soon be available for personal profiles with verified status. It’s my take that it won’t be long before the functionality is made available to all profiles. #4) Blab.im The latest entry to the live streaming parade, and perhaps the one I am most excited about, is Blab.im. Unlike the previous apps mentioned, Blab is more like Google Hangouts, where you can host a number of other people to join you on-screen. Like Hangouts, Blab has a chat window and the ability to share to social (via Twitter). Unlike Hangouts, it’s sleeker and more elegant, and far less buggy, even in its early stage. With Blab, you simply start or schedule your session, and away you go. Participants can request a seat, but the moderator must approve who joins via webcam. This makes it a great platform for hosting guests or taking questions from the audience. As with the other streaming tools, people can follow you and be notified when your broadcast is going live. I am testing Blab as a new platform for conducting interviews and am regularly scheduling them on my page at www.blab.im/joelcomm As of this writing, Blab now has an app so you may stream from your desktop or mobile device. Live video streaming is still in the learning-to-walk stage, but it’s my belief that those who jump on board now will have a headstart on the masses who will soon be rushing to leverage this technology. The key, just as with blogging, is to create quality content, connect with your audience, and build a fan base that will come back to see you again and again. Have you tried any of the live streaming videos apps? What are your thoughts on the future of this technology? Please share your thoughts below!