Will gamers be able to stream their gameplay with Meerkat or Periscope in the future?
What is Meerkat or Periscope?
Meerkat and Periscope are apps that allow anyone to livestream video from their mobile devices (mainly iPhone currently.) These apps link directly with twitter and allow users to be notified when someone goes live. You can also communicate in real time as the stream is taking place.
Why?
When Twitter launched, people said “why would anyone care what I had for lunch?”
When Twitch launched, people said” why would anyone want to watch someone else play video games?”
When Instagram launched, people said “why would anyone want to see a picture of my lunch with a hipster filter?”
When Meerkat/Periscope launched people should be saying “why would anyone want to watch me eat my lunch live?”
Now, those first 3 apps are extremely popular with millions of users logging in daily. While many people joke about the content or use of the apps, the truth is that they provide influence, allow access and quickly share information.
Which Is Better, Meerkat or Periscope?
Twitter recently acquired periscope which has many people thinking it has a small advantage. Check out the infographic below via Lewis PR to get some more details on features and specs etc. One small update to the graphic is that Meerkat was first to hit Android just a few days ago, so this is another perk and something that will likely come to Periscope in the future.
Best use of Meerkat or Periscope So Far?
Exclusive access in real time has been the biggest perk or these apps so far. Here are 3 examples of users adding value via live streaming!
1. EA SPORTS Goes Live!
EA SPORTS recently went live on Periscope with Odell Beckham Jr and Patrick Peterson being the subjects in front of the camera. This was one of their first times doing it and it was interesting to see these superstars be in front of the camera. This apparently was linked to their “Madden NFL 16 Cover Vote” which was unannounced at the time. This line of media is just another way to give behind the scenes access as they have already done with Snapchat.
2. ESPN Sportscenter Goes Live With Ro-Flo
@RoFloESPN uses Periscope to take questions from viewers during commercial breaks on Sportscenter! This is another way to get behind the scenes and interact with TV personalities that is even more intimate than twitter. Robert is a very authentic sports personality and this is another way to take it to the next level.
3. Gary Vaynerchuck Goes Live!
The “Ask Gary V Show” is a popular podcast in the business/marketing/social space and Gary is always using the latest apps to generate buzz and be a leader in the space. So far, he has not called for a winner in the race but likes the way it provides behind the scenes access and bonus content for his show.
What Are The Rules?
The Rules of Meerkat
Everything that happens on meerkat happens on Twitter.
Streams will be pushed to followers in real time via push notifications.
Everything is live, no reruns.
Watchers can restream any stream to their followers in real time.
Scheduled streams will be distributed in the community by subscribers.
Your own streams can be kept locally on your phone.
Everyone can watch on the web.
Be kind.
There was a fairly decent stir caused by the use of these apps to livestream the Mayweather Vs Pacquiao for free when many people paid $100 dollar for it on PPV. Copyright issues have already been hotly contested with youtube and twitch and will likely to continue to get more strict over time.
Final Verdict
Should you use Meerkat or Periscope for your streaming?
The answer isn’t about choosing one app over the other. The real key is in building community and growing your twitter so that you have access to share interesting content with people.
You shouldn’t use these apps to stream your gameplay unless you are in a real pinch (at E3 with no equipment) because the quality won’t be great, chat isn’t flawless and the archives vary. Back in 2011, we used our laptop cameras pointed at a TV to stream gameplay because it was the best option. We would often go live with our cell phone cameras on ustream from tournaments or events like E3. We used platforms like twitter, vine and instagram, whatever was going to get the information to our viewers in the quickest and best overall format.
As you continue to grow your audience and interact, don’t forget about these tools as a way to connect with your fans and give them more access. If you are attending a tournament allow them to come along on the ride with you. If you are testing a new game, allow viewers to see it and ask questions (with permission.) Find ways to give exclusive access or content when you are not live on twitch. This will only make your relationships stronger and keep you on your fans minds even when you are not live.
Comment Below:
Have you tried using these apps yet and have you had any success?
