Twitter’s Year Old Periscope Hits a New High with Over 200 Million Live Video Broadcasts
Twitter has had much to celebrate recently, with its 10th anniversary marking a decade of transformation in the world of social media. Simultaneously, its live-streaming video app, Periscope, celebrated its first birthday. The introduction of Periscope on Twitter was a strategic move aimed at boosting engagement and expanding Twitter’s capabilities, especially during a time when its user growth had plateaued. The combination of these two platforms has turned out to be a success, drawing millions of users and changing the way live content is consumed.
In this blog, we will dive into how Twitter’s acquisition of Periscope has impacted the platform, the current state of live streaming in social media, and what the future holds for this partnership. Additionally, we’ll explore how marketers and businesses can leverage this powerful tool for engagement and content promotion.
Twitter’s Stagnant Growth and the Rise of Live Streaming
For several years, Twitter struggled with stagnant user growth. Despite being a widely recognized platform, Twitter found it difficult to compete with larger social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, which were consistently attracting new users and dominating the digital space. One of the main challenges for Twitter was keeping users engaged with its 140-character limit (now expanded to 280), which many saw as restrictive in a world moving towards more multimedia content.
Live streaming, on the other hand, was growing rapidly. Platforms like Facebook Live and YouTube Live were increasingly becoming popular, providing users with real-time content and an opportunity to engage directly with creators. It was clear that video content, especially live video, was going to be a major trend in digital communication.
Recognizing the potential of live streaming and the need for innovation to combat its stagnant user base, Twitter made a bold move by acquiring Periscope in January 2015. The deal remained confidential until March of that year, when Twitter officially launched Periscope. Twitter’s hope was that live streaming would help invigorate its platform and attract a new generation of users.
Periscope’s Early Success
The acquisition of Periscope proved to be a smart move for Twitter. Within just five months of its launch, Periscope attracted more than 10 million users. The platform allowed users to broadcast live video from anywhere in the world, and viewers could comment in real-time, creating a new form of interactive engagement. What made Periscope stand out was its simplicity and accessibility, allowing anyone with a smartphone to become a broadcaster.
By early 2016, Twitter integrated Periscope directly into its platform, allowing users to stream live videos without having to leave the Twitter app. This integration made it easier for Twitter users to access live content, boosting Periscope’s popularity even further. Since then, live streaming on Twitter has grown exponentially.
The Integration of Periscope on Twitter
Twitter’s decision to introduce live Periscope videos on its platform was a game-changer. The move came at a time when users were spending more time watching video content across various platforms. By integrating live streaming into its own platform, Twitter was able to attract more engagement and make its timeline more dynamic.
Since its integration, more than 200 million live Periscope broadcasts have been viewed, a testament to the growing interest in live content. This overwhelming audience response surpassed Twitter’s expectations and has played a pivotal role in increasing user engagement. Twitter’s integration with Periscope has given users more reason to stay on the platform, rather than switching to other apps for live streaming.
Periscope’s metrics are equally impressive: as of now, over 110 years’ worth of live streaming videos are being watched daily on iOS and Android devices. This shows the immense appeal of live video content and highlights the success of Twitter’s move to introduce Periscope videos directly to its timeline.
The Appeal of Live Streaming Content
So, why has live streaming become so popular? Live video offers something that pre-recorded content cannot: immediacy and authenticity. In a world where users crave real-time information and connection, live streaming allows creators and brands to engage with their audience in a way that feels personal and unscripted. This kind of interaction builds trust and fosters a sense of community.
Additionally, live streaming is a flexible medium that can be used for a variety of purposes, from live events to Q&A sessions, product launches, and tutorials. The possibilities are endless, making it an attractive option for content creators and marketers alike.
As a result, social media platforms that offer live streaming capabilities, such as Twitter via Periscope, are seeing increased user activity and engagement. The ability to provide real-time content enhances the user experience and encourages users to spend more time on the platform.
Periscope’s Place in the Social Media Ecosystem
As live streaming continues to gain traction, Periscope has established itself as a key player in the social media ecosystem. While other platforms, like Facebook Live and Instagram Live, have grown in popularity, Periscope’s seamless integration with Twitter provides unique advantages. Twitter’s fast-paced, real-time nature aligns perfectly with live streaming, allowing users to broadcast events, news, and personal moments as they happen.
The appeal of Periscope goes beyond individual users. Brands, journalists, influencers, and businesses have all found ways to incorporate live streaming into their social media strategies. For example, brands can use Periscope to offer behind-the-scenes glimpses, host interviews, or showcase live events, while journalists can use it to report breaking news in real-time.
This versatility makes Periscope an attractive tool for both personal and professional use, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
How Businesses Can Leverage Periscope for Marketing
For marketers and businesses, Periscope provides an opportunity to connect with their audience in new and engaging ways. Live streaming is an ideal medium for creating interactive, real-time experiences that can enhance a brand’s visibility and trustworthiness.
Here are some ways businesses can use Periscope for marketing:
Host Live Q&A Sessions: Hosting a live Q&A allows businesses to directly engage with their audience, answering questions and addressing concerns in real-time.
Product Demos and Tutorials: Businesses can use Periscope to demonstrate products or provide tutorials, giving potential customers an in-depth look at how a product works.
Live Event Coverage: If your business is hosting an event, Periscope can be used to broadcast it to a wider audience, allowing people who can’t attend in person to still participate.
Behind-the-Scenes Content: Showing behind-the-scenes content gives viewers a more personal look at your business, helping to humanize the brand and build trust with your audience.
Exclusive Announcements: Offering exclusive content or announcements via live stream can create excitement and drive engagement, as viewers tune in to get information in real-time.
Conclusion: How Agency Platform Can Help You Leverage Twitter and Periscope for Marketing Success
As live streaming continues to grow in popularity, it’s essential for businesses to take advantage of platforms like Twitter and Periscope to reach their target audience. Live content provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with users, build trust, and boost visibility in a crowded digital landscape.
At Agency Platform, we specialize in helping businesses craft effective social media and SEO strategies that incorporate the latest trends in digital marketing. Our SEO reseller programs and white label SEO services are designed to help businesses maximize their online presence and engage with their audience through innovative tools like Periscope.
Whether you’re looking to increase engagement, build brand awareness, or improve your overall digital strategy, Agency Platform has the expertise and resources to help you succeed. Contact us today at sales@agencyplatform.com or call (888) 736-0541 (Toll-Free) to learn how we can help your business thrive in the world of live streaming and digital marketing.
