20 April, 2016

Live streaming platform ‘YouNow’ reinvents real time interaction between broadcasters and fans

 


Influencers throughout the Middle East show support for the entertainment network which offers a new way to engage with their audience and earn money online.


April 20, UAE: Live streaming platform YouNow has officially launched in the Middle East and is changing the way people interact online. The website and mobile app is the first platform of its kind to enable real time interaction between broadcasters and their fans, while also offering influencers the opportunity for revenue.

With over 100 million user sessions per month and 150,000 hours of live video consumed every day, YouNow is one of the leading live streaming platforms in the world. It is a creative hub which facilitates live content creation from performers, celebrities, social influencers and brands; encouraging personal interaction with fans anywhere in the globe.

‘YouNow is an opportunity for the world to see what the Middle East has to offer. There is so much culture, art and diversity in the region and it will allow individuals to not only display their talents, but connect with fans from all over the world’, explains Arab Markets Manager, Chereen Zaki.

Lebanon’s answer to the Kardashians, the Abdelaziz sisters, have already become significant ambassador of YouNow, using the platform to broadcast topics such as fashion, beauty and fitness. Additionally, keen social networker and Saudi star Abdullah al-Hassan, aka Abodybad, has racked up over 200k fans in just a short amount of time. Moving away from recorded short clips to live broadcasting, Abodybad has gained a legion of followers, keen to interact with him and see what content he will air next.

‘YouNow has completely changed the way I use social media to communicate with my following. It has allowed me to be more creative with my content. But ultimately it has meant that I can connect with more people, build a more solid fan base and take advantage of more offers and deals that come my way’, comments Abodybad.

In addition to one-on-one interaction, YouNow is an advertising-free platform, and instead favours a unique tipping system as a way of revenue and income for its broadcasters. For instance, audiences may decide to tip a musician for his lyrical talents or a beauty vlogger for her make-up tips. Users can also tip in exchange for extra features on the chat room such as highlighted comments or becoming a guest broadcaster.

‘As far as I am aware we are the only social network out there that facilitates consumer-to-consumer payment. This means artists are given a good opportunity to earn a fair wage directly from fans who appreciate their skills. We have had broadcasters give up their everyday jobs to be a full-time YouNower because they are earning enough money to support themselves’, comments Candace Tossas, Head of International Markets.

With over 70% user engagement and 90% mobile engagement, brands such as Coca Cola and Starbucks have also seen the benefit of the live broadcasting platform to target a 13-25 demographic. Meanwhile media companies such as Buzzfeed and MTV are using YouNow to live stream content that is compelling for a connected mobile audience.

To safeguard users, the YouNow site is heavily moderated to ensure no controversial, political or religious broadcasts are hosted. For more information visit www.younow.com
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