Live streaming is an excellent example of how new technology and innovative ideas can create entire industries out of thin air. Although social media sites like YouTube highlighted the potential of vlogging and streaming nearly 20 years ago, they had nowhere near the mass appeal then that they do today. In a world where podcasters, TikTokers and YouTubers are commanding such a strong presence in pop culture, live streaming runs through the center of this, an endless river of content creation and ideas.
While some tech experts believe that live streaming may have plateaued and might not have much more room to grow, others believe we are on the verge of another leg up for the industry. However, like any business, there needs to be a unique selling point on the horizon that will drive future growth, investment, and innovation – which is where advanced interactivity and 5G technology enter the conversation.
What is advanced interactivity?
Let’s strip this back to the basics – online interactivity can date back to the 1990s and the prevalence of pen pals, or more recently, online chatrooms. Essentially, any platform that breaks down communication barriers and allows users to engage more personably with others online falls under the broad definition of advanced interactivity.
Casino gaming is one example of interactivity that has evolved through time, from online platforms and games with chat rooms to live dealer games where you can converse directly with players and the dealer. This occurs most commonly during roulette or a game of 21.
Advanced interactivity in casino gaming will take the form of VR headsets and other implementations, such as more AI involvement in live in-game chats or dealer activity. As AI can answer long-form, detailed questions and create unique portrait imagery via a simple prompt, this advancement could notably accelerate and transform live streaming.
Some believe that within the next decade, there will be live, in-game dealers entirely powered by AI. They may be able to hold down conversations with punters while dishing out winnings and dealing hands. What an intriguing thought!
Advanced interactivity in live streaming
There are comparisons to be made with the casino gaming industry; some live streamers, such as global rap superstar Drake, even stream their casino exploits. However, the bulk of live streaming involves video gamers. Top earners like Ninja are worth around $20m, earned solely through streaming themselves playing video games.
Advanced interactivity could mean that the future of live streaming and video gaming could encompass both the metaverse and VR. Currently, cost and supply issues are two of the main problems facing VR, but if there’s momentum and a rise in popularity, we expect to see this become a pioneering new angle in video gaming streaming.
Some games are already showing the potential of these programs. Although streaming services are already social and interactive, VR capability, which allows you to stroll around a digital floor with a streamer and other subscribers, is the logical next step for this innovative sector.
How 5G could impact the industry
5G technology will enable streamers to have smoother connectivity, regardless of where their subscribers are based. It will also allow them greater bandwidth to host larger rooms where thousands of people can watch, with no issues, at any given time.
Likewise, streamers will hope these increased, streamlined connections will result in more subscribers enjoying their service. Ultimately, 4G has papered over multiple latency issues that plagued the video gaming industry during the early days of its rise. However, on a global scale, 5G could eliminate any latency problems and create an even more pristine and elite service.
Conclusion
The barriers that prevented much of this technology from surfacing are no longer as problematic as they once were. Internet-based technology companies are spending more time and resources examining the potential of 5G and how advanced interactivity could drive further engagement in the digital media industry.
For those who don’t interact with streaming media, the business is enormous, generating billions of dollars, and it is in the best interests of many big companies to continue innovating, keep the product fresh and stop subscribers from getting bored. Advanced interactivity and 5G will play integral roles in that development.
Live streaming has a healthy future projection, and just like many other industries that rely heavily on social media and mobile devices, all of the contributing factors point toward collective growth. Live streaming is set to employ the advances we have discussed today to drive even more profit in the coming years.