Live entertainment has always had the ability to create a unique bond between creator and consumer. It fosters interaction between the audience and the artist; which cements a sort of parasocial bond that can transcend the art form. But the digital age is one of constant innovation and technological advancement. Even live entertainment has been affected by this new era.
The Changing Landscape of Live Entertainment
The point of live entertainment has always been the face to face interaction between creator and audience. But the internet has even redefined that very basic principle. It is entirely possible today to have the same interaction with a creator you love; even if they are miles apart or performing in a different country.
The era of live streaming is here; and it has left no aspect of entertainment unscathed. Fans of an indie musician can very easily find streaming of their latest concerts. High-rolling gamblers can play live casino games with human dealers in real time without an issue. It is even possible to participate in video game tournaments from the comfort of your own home. The rise of livestreaming entertainment is truly magnificent.
How Streaming is Shaping Entertainment
The effects that streaming has had on entertainment can first and foremost be seen in the online landscape. The new era of entertainment is deeply rooted in online sharing platforms. Websites like YouTube and Tik Tok provide hours of free and engaging content. Younger generations are far more likely to be invested in the lives and experiences of YouTubers than of film or television stars. It may not be true to say that YouTube is making Hollywood irrelevant; but it is certainly a competing market.
When YouTube integrated streaming into its content policy over a decade ago many were unhappy with the change. But the concept of streaming took off; and long-form content quickly became the standard. Competitors noticed the possibility of a bustling streaming platform and launched Twitch as YouTube’s top rival. Twitch and YouTube are the two biggest video sharing platforms today; especially when it comes to live streaming content.
It would be fair to say that a lot of traditional entertainers saw the triumph of live streaming online and decided they wanted a piece of the pie. Comedians and actors have been especially successful in their pursuit of the new style of entertainment. Caleb Hearon’s podcast “So True” is one of the most celebrated comedy shows on YouTube right now. He has featured a slew of guests; from YouTubers to A-list comedians.
Live Entertainment and Sports
The live broadcast of sports tournaments is not new; nor was it established in the internet age. Television channels have been broadcasting sports competitions in real time since the past century. But what livestreaming technology has done is it has made viewing sports in real time a lot simpler. It is no longer necessary to plan your entire day around the live broadcast of your favorite sporting event. You can simply fire up a livestream on your phone and enjoy the club you back try their hardest to secure a title.
Streaming services are available all over the globe. It is true that many of them demand a pay-per-view subscription. But there are plenty of legal ways to circumvent this issue. A popular trend in sports circles is getting together on Discord or similar messenger platforms and doing “watch parties.” The people who’ve gathered collect money to buy a single pay-per-view; and then one of them streams the event to their friends in the server. It is a legal and fun way for friends to bond over their mutual love of sports.
Athletes have also benefited from the surge in streaming entertainment. Like actors and comedians; many athletes have also started their own podcasts. Jason and Travis Kelce have teamed up for a podcast called New Heights; in which they discuss their experiences in the national football league. Another football legend with a successful podcast is Shannon Sharpe. He started Club Shay Shay as a way to discuss his own experiences and shine a light on the experiences of his guests. Many famous names have sat across Sharpe during his hour-long interviews; most notably Kat Williams.
Why Streaming is a Hit Today?
Is it a surprise that streaming is such a hit in an era of social media influencers and growing digital technology? It is easier than ever for the average person to grow their Instagram following and become the next online sensation. It is not surprising to learn that so many people are trying their best to develop a large following and become the next PewDiePie or Mr. Beast. Simplicity can’t be the only reason for the overwhelming success of live entertainment though.
It is true that there are more factors to consider. One is that the genie is out of the bottle. When the customers are presented with a new way of entertainment they are going to latch onto it. The demand for live entertainment is growing among audiences all over the world. But why is live entertainment more sought out then polished and edited material? Studies do suggest that 63% of consumers prefer authenticity over glamor after all.
It likely has a lot to do with the raw and uncut nature of live entertainment. Polished and edited content is great. But live entertainment shows us that the people behind our favorite music or art are people just like us. They might make a mistake during the show. But if they do they can move past said issues and overcome them. Perhaps this realization serves to enhance the bond between creator and consumer which leads to an overwhelmingly positive experience for both.
Ending Thoughts
The entertainment industry is changing now more than ever. New tech is constantly opening up doors for creators who are not afraid to experiment. With the improvements made in virtual reality and artificial intelligence; we are bound to see a wholly new future for most entertainment. But we certainly don’t believe that live performances are going to disappear any time soon.
