Stream Wars

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Latest Episodes:

From MyYearbook to MeetMe: Co-founder Catherine Cook Connelly Shares Her Story May 23, 2019

Show notes

Today we get to go back in time and hear all about the origins of MeetMe from the app’s co-founder Catherine Cook Connelly. Catherine founded the company in 2005 while she was still in high school (total #girlboss!) Back then it was a website called My Yearbook and, in this interview, we talk all about the creation of that original platform and how it has transformed into the MeetMe app that you know and love today.

Catherine shares some of the top successes and struggles in those early years of building the platform, and her advice for entrepreneurs. We also talk about the decision to add live streaming to MeetMe, what are some of her favorite live streams to watch, and her own personal experience with live streaming.

Catherine also shares what she feels has been the best part of creating MeetMe and why live streaming has only made that better.

If you want to catch one of Catherine’s streams, find her on MeetMe as CatherineC !

*make sure it’s the account with the official MeetMe tag

21: Behind the Scenes – How We Moderate Live Streaming Content May 10, 2019

Show notes

Today we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing with you how we at The Meet Group handle an extremely important component of any live streaming platform, and that is content moderation.

To learn how content moderation works, I interviewed David Brown, VP of Operations at The Meet Group who explains why we moderate content, how we use AI algorithms to help us moderate millions of minutes of live broadcasts every day, what are some of the suspicious behaviors and red flags we’re looking for, and what happens if we find inappropriate content.

If you’re a streamer on one of our platforms, this conversation is definitely worth listening to, and will help you better understand how our platform works and what we are doing to make it a safe and healthy environment for you to have fun and meet people.

BONUS: Is Live Streaming a Real Job? May 01, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Anthony and I discuss whether or not live streaming can be considered a real job. A couple months back we posted about this topic on social media and we got so much feedback we thought we’d record an episode all about it.

The original idea came from a study that was released in China on January 8th. In the 2018 Live Streaming Profession Report, 73% of the 10,000 people surveyed responded that live streaming is a profession. Nearly 30% of users said that one of their friends or family members is a live streamer. The report also shared demographics, salaries, upsides and downsides of this new career path.

In this episode, Anthony and I break down the findings of the report and compare them with the live streaming industry here in the US and the habits or our broadcasters on The Meet Group platforms.

Thank you to liwavybby, autumnshantel, madisontmt, exotic_kiki, missmuffintv, fetticonfetti, and everyone else who left us comments about this topic on the MeetMe, Tagged, and Skout Instagram accounts!

Key findings we discuss from the report:

Out of the 5,000 broadcasters surveyed, 79% of them were female and 21% male. 68% were 29 years old or younger and out of that, 16% were under the age of 24.
Among full-time streamers the male to female ratio was even more skewed at around 1:5 and 73% of them were 29 years old or younger.
The survey found that 21% of full-time broadcasters and 10% of part-time broadcasters earn over 10,000 RMB ($1,478) per month from streaming (which is more than the average salary in Beijing).
The report also found that even when it comes to live streaming, education level has a dramatic impact on earnings. 37% of streamers with a master’s degree or higher earned over 10,000 RMB per month, while only 27% of streamers with a bachelor’s degree and 16% of streamers with an associate degree were able to reach that earnings threshold.
About one-fifth of full-time hosts stream more than eight hours a day
Because viewership peaks in the evening, livestreamers often work late at night. The survey found that 44% of hosts stream between 7pm and midnight, and as many as 12% of them frequently stream between midnight and 8am.
80% of all streamers surveyed reported that they stream on holidays, and for full-time streamers that percentage is even higher at 94%.
In order to hone their skills and further their careers, many streamers were found to re-invest a large portion of their earnings each month into developing their talents (for example taking singing or dancing classes), upgrading their equipment (microphones, lighting, props), or improving their appearance. 44% of full-time broadcasters spend over 1,000 RMB ($148) per month on self-improvement and a 9% of them spend more than 5,000 RMB ($740) per month.

Check out our blog post to get the full run down of the report.

20: The Challenges for Chinese Live Streaming Apps Expanding Overseas with May Youssef of Uplive Apr 25, 2019

Show notes

Today I speak with May Youssef, who is part of the Public Relations team for Asia Innovations Group, the parent company of the popular live streaming platform Uplive.

According to May, Uplive is the biggest Chinese live streaming platform outside of China and is very popular in the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. We discuss the unique features of Uplive, the challenges they face when expanding into new markets all over the world, and the tactics they use to assimilate the app into local cultures.

There are a growing number of Chinese live streaming platforms attempting to develop outside of Mainland China, and Uplive is certainly one of the forerunners so it was very interesting to hear May’s perspective.

Note: This interview was pre-recorded and at the time of release May has moved on to a new role and is no longer with AIG.

Additional Notes:

What is AIG, the parent company of Uplive
In 2016, Uplive had 100 M users worldwide
Biggest Chinese live streaming company outside of China
Popular in the Middle East, Taiwan, HK, Indonesia, and India
Before they launch in any region, they do in-depth cultural research
Big emphasis on global interaction
Decentralized system, hire foreigners who understand Chinese, Chinese people in the region, customize the app for the region
The platform includes features such as the global village, international PK, and simultaneous translation to encourage users to interact with other users from around the world.
Voice translation and chat translation – viewers can write in their own language and it will be automatically translated into the streamer’s language, also have subtitles for viewers to understand what streamer is saying
Launched in India last year, in less than 7 months became top live streaming app in Google Play in India
Originally focused on high growth, large population regions, now starting to shift focus to Africa, South America, and Europe
Different regions of the world like different content, for example: in India there is a lot of dancing, viewers in the Middle East love talk shows
What is Gifto – taking live streaming virtual gifting model and plugging it in to other platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram
Also working with offline stores so people can use Gifto to pay for things, easy to transfer to other users

Learn More:

Asiainnovations.com

19: Playlist Live Mashup Best Friends Edition w/ Ceanna, Ash, Gabe, and Jakeup Apr 18, 2019

Show notes

Today’s episode is the last in our Playlist Live series and it’s definitely a fun one that really demonstrates the close friendships that can be developed through live streaming.

The first interview features Ceanna and Ash, two streamers who met on MeetMe and after discovering that they lived only 40 minutes apart, started meeting offline. Fast forward to a couple months later and the girls have become best friends who share their passion of streaming. Following that are interviews with Gabe and Jakeup, two streamers who are best friends and roommates in real life.

In my interviews with these four streamers we discuss a variety of topics including whether or not you should have a streamer persona or just be yourself, why you don’t need to be a streamer to be an integral member of the community, why both introverted and extroverted people can make great streamers, and much, much more.

Additional Notes:

Ceanna and Ash

Their friendship is proof that you can truly meet your best friends through the MeetMe app
Playlist was fun because they were able to take online relationships offline
Bond between streamers because this is a passion they all have in common
It’s easy to get along with each other in real life because when you’re a stream it’s hard to put up a façade, who you are in your stream is generally who you are in real life
Don’t have to be a streamer to be part of the community, can be a bouncer or a super fan
One way streamers create a loyal community is by selecting an emoji that their followers can add to their screennames to represent that you’re part of a specific streamer’s community
These days it’s harder to meet people in real life, so meeting people through streaming is a great option
During your stream it’s very important to diffuse negativity quickly
Ash and Ceanna feel honored that people who support them over the internet trust them with their issues and life problems, they love to be there for their audience

Instagram:

@ceanna

@ashlandtwhite

Gabe

Originally started streaming on Live.me, also tried a number of other streaming platforms, but feels that MeetMe has been the longest lasting and most reliable platform to be on
He started live streaming because he felt other types of content were too saturated
What’s great about streaming is you don’t need a talent, just chatting and being yourself is fine too
Consistency is important, doesn’t have to be with same time but just every day
Don’t whine if you’re not getting gifted, be gracious and grateful for what you do get and it will keep coming
He shares his tips for dealing with trolls
Why streaming is good for introverted people à you know people are there for you, you don’t have to try and fit in

Instagram @geebzer

Jakeup

Likes live for the instantaneous interaction
Got tips from Gabe – helps to have tips training and coaching when you’re first starting out
Likes to keep people guessing, he takes what other streamers do and he puts his own crazy twist on it
Unlike some of the other streamers we’ve interviewed, Jakeup shared that when streaming he has an alter ego, in real life he’s quiet and reserved
He suggests streamers have rules and guidelines for their broadcasts, but don’t be rude and impulsive when it comes to kicking people out

Instagram @ohnojakeup

18: Content with a mission & the unreasonable expectations we put on internet celebrities w/Co-Founder of The Queer Network, Justin Gerhard Apr 11, 2019

Show notes

Today’s episode features Justin Gerhard, co-founder of the YouTube channel “The Queer Network” who shares why they created The Queer Network and the goal of the channel.

To date, Justin has mainly focused on creating content for Youtube and Instagram so we discuss why he has yet to try live streaming and why the medium might actually be a good fit for him. We also talk about some of the panels he moderated at Playlist and some of his biggest takeaways.

This interview is part of our series that was recorded at the recent Playlist Live conference. If you’re interested in hearing our other Playlist interviews, definitely go back and check out the past few episodes.

Additional notes:

Justin has his own YouTube channel as well as one that he co-founded called The Queer Network
He explains the premise behind that channel and why they chose the word queer instead of using LGBTQ
He is currently focused on creating content for YouTube and Instagram, so I ask him why he hasn’t tried live streaming and what is holding him back?
He said as a content creator he strives to have separation between online and real life, and has seen other people use streaming like a vlog in the past and that doesn’t interest him
He had never thought of doing a live show before though and that is something that interests him since it would solve the problem he has with news-style videos where the news will be too old by the time the video is out
We discuss how he deals with trolls and the different types of trolls he faces: Religious/moral beliefs vs. giving feedback vs. blatant hate
Growing up in the world of social media, how is the young generation dealing with their internet fame?
The difference between traditional fame and internet celebrities.
They are closer to their fans and people expect more interaction from internet celebrities than from traditional celebrities

Find him on Instagram at: @justingerhard / @thequeernetwork

17: Playlist Live Mashup w/ Top Streamers Donna Diamond and Dylan, and TikTok Star Sebi Apr 04, 2019

Show notes

Today’s episode features 3 content creators, Donna Diamond and Dylan from MeetMe, and Sebi from Tik Tok.

Donna and Dylan share how they first got started with live streaming, how they wound up on MeetMe, their top tips for streaming, and what they have learned from becoming a top streamer. Sebi shares how he grew a following of 1.8 million starting on Musical.ly and now on TikTok, how he feels about the app’s rebranding, and his experiences live streaming on Live.ly and YouNow.

Today’s episode is also part of a series of episodes that were recorded at the recent Playlist Live conference. If you haven’t heard our other playlist interviews, definitely go back and check out episodes 14, 15 and 16.

Additional notes:

Donna Diamond

When she first started streaming her content was mainly pranks
Loves the simplicity of MeetMe, less complicated than Live.me which felt too overwhelming
Suggests other streamers make sure they have a niche, and that they also think of the bigger picture. Don’t just think of yourself only as a live streamer but as a content creator
Build true friendships, don’t make people feel used
Moving forward she wants to help other streamers and coach them

Find her on Instagram @amy.boiss

Dylan

His streams are all about positivity and he strives to create a drama free environment to help people escape their problems
Paid attention to what top badges were doing, put in a lot of hours, then things finally took off
Won the contest to come to playlist and has been blown away by the experience
Has heard of Twitch but likes this format of streaming better
Dylan said he doesn’t really get competitive, just likes having fun, always seeking advice from other top badges, would rather learn from them than compete against them
Streaming can be draining, harder that you think, you want to constantly entertain people, answer comments, be high energy
He has gotten to know so many other streamers through live streaming and now getting to meet them in real life it feels very natural
A lot of people, the way they act during a stream is the way they are in real life, harder to play a role when you’re live streaming because you’re streaming so often and for such long periods of time

Find him on Instagram @dylan.fitness_

Sebi

Originally starting growing a following on Musical.ly which has now become TikTok. He doesn’t like the re-branding but still sticking with it because he has such a large audience there
Currently has 1.8 million followers
Mainly posts workout and comedy videos
Seemingly simple videos actually take a lot of effort and he’ll often shoot them several times before he gets them right
Besides creating content, he has to put in a lot of time responding to comments
He really liked streaming on Live.ly because that was directly connected to his Musical.ly account, but now Livel.ly no longer exists. He has also tried streaming on YouNow but didn’t like it as much.

Find him on TikTok @Sebi

16: Playlist Live Mashup w/ Top Streamers Katy B and THEJAYYSHOW Mar 28, 2019

Show notes

“I never imagined streaming could have such a big impact on my life.”

Today’s episode is also part of a series of episodes that were recorded at the recent Playlist Live conference. If you haven’t heard our other Playlist interviews, definitely go back and check out episodes 14 and 15.

Today’s episode features two top streamers from both the MeetMe and Tagged platforms, Jayy from THEJAYYSHOW and Katy B.

First, I chat with Katy B, an actress and former dancer for the 76ers, who shares how live streaming is the perfect complement to a creative career and how she’s benefitted from it - from improving her improv skills to giving her a chance to practice in front of live audience from the comfort of her home.

We also talk about community building and she shares how she loves thanking her audience by sending them physical gifts, from Christmas present giveaways to mailing over 130 Valentines cards.

I then talk with Jayy, who goes by the screen name THEJAYYSHOW. She shares her story of growing up feeling socially awkward and alone, then one day going on MeetMe to find friends and accidentally hitting the live stream button. Fast forward to today, and she is a full-time live streamer who is very passionate about providing entertainment for her followers. We also discuss common misperceptions that people have about being a live streamer and how she overcame that with her family.

15: Playlist Live Mashup w/ Playlist Host Sean Klitzner & Freestyle Rapper Ellevan Mar 21, 2019

Show notes

Today’s episode is part of a series of episodes that were recorded at the recent Playlist Live conference. If you haven’t heard our first mashup of playlist interviews, definitely go back and check out episode 14 with top streamers Russell vision and Chris.

Today I have on two content creators who shed light on the social media industry as a whole as well as their views on live streaming’s place within the industry.

First I speak with Sean Kiltzner, the host of the Playlist Live conference. We were lucky to get to snag a couple minutes to speak with him during what is obviously very busy weekend for him. I got his perspective on live streaming and why he thinks it’s become so popular. We also talked about how playlist has evolved over the years, and what are some trends he sees moving forward.

Next up I spoke with Ellevan, a music producer and freestyle rapper, who actually performed at the MeetMe pool party that took place during the conference. Ellevan and I spoke a lot about the power of consistency. In 2018 he committed to creating a new freestyle song every single day for a year, which he accomplished, and he shares in our interview how that has affected both his skills, and his social media following. We also discuss his experience with live streaming and how using live streaming to get immediate feedback on his songs has been very useful for him.

Additional Notes:

Sean Klitzner

How did he become the host of Playlist Live
Difference between live streaming and video content creation
People want instantaneous interaction – our society has changed
When live streaming you have to be “on” and entertaining with no breaks, you might have to change and adjust what you’re doing on the fly, similar to what he does on the stage
Streaming takes a lot out of you, can’t just stream for 5-10 minutes, really need to commit to an hour at least
The moment you stop interacting and talking is the moment your show stops
Live streaming and super short videos are the two trends this year, instead of seeing people vlogging at Playlist you see people streaming

Follow him: Youtube.com/sean

Ellevan

Challenged himself to create 365 songs last year; inspired by Gary Vaynerchuk
Instagram – people tend to keep up with you in a passive way, but when you start putting out new content everyday people really start to sit up and notice
The power of consistency – negative people disappear when you’re consistent because you’re really stepping it up, putting in the time and effort
He’s a songwriter and producer for hire, this experience has made him much more efficient
He wants to live stream more because it would be a good platform for freestyling
He doesn’t have time to perform every day, so live streaming allows him to get in front of a live audience from anywhere

Follow him: @ellevanmusic

Hope you enjoy this podcast and keep an eye out for another Playlist Live mashup coming out next week!

14: Playlist Live Mashup w/ Russell Vision & Chris - From Zero Social media experience to Top Streamer status Mar 14, 2019

Show notes

Today’s episode is the first in a series of episodes that were recorded at the recent Playlist Live conference. Playlist Live is a huge gathering of top content creators across a number of platforms and mediums from Youtube, to TikTok, to MeetMe. MeetMe showed up in a big way this year and we had dozens of top streamers converge upon the event.

Taking advantage of so many content creators in one place, we took Stream Wars podcast on the road and recorded a number of mini-interviews with MeetMe streamers as well as creators from other platforms.

This first mashup is with Russell Vision and Chris, both top streamers on MeetMe.

Russ brought everything to the table in this interview, sharing his emotional journey of using live streaming to help with anxiety and depression. What really hit me was when he shared how he never thought he was good enough to become a top streamer, and he shares what happened that changed that mindset. He also shares the emotional story of how he was able to pay for his trip to Playlist and the big takeaways that he got from the conference.

Then I chat with Chris, who told his story of getting into live streaming with no background in social media, never realizing he would be good at it or enjoy it as much as he does. Chris treats his live streams like a talk show, inviting audience members to jump in the guest box (which is like a video screen within a screen) and be interviewed. He shares his tips for having people in the box and emphasizes how important it is for streamers to create their own niche.

Additional notes:

Russell vision

Instagram @russell__vision

Got into streaming because of anxiety and depression
He started streaming but nobody was coming to his streams, so he started to go to other streams and connect with streamers, become part of their communities, and because of that they started to go to his streams.
A top streamer believed in him, he started learning how to be a streamer, and then it just took off. And he appreciates so much that someone believed in him when he didn’t believe in himself.
Biggest takeaway from playlist was the energy other top streamers have, he feels like he needs to be bringing even more to his streams
Likes to play video games and watch funny YouTube videos to pump himself up and get himself in a good mood for his streams
How he got to Playlist Live - his fans pulled together and gave him enough gifts that he could travel to playlist

Chris

Instagram: @chrisc4sper

Chris barely used social media before he got on MeetMe. He feels live streaming is accessible for people even if they’ve never been involved in social media before
How Chris uses the guest box feature
He feels that going in the box is a stepping stone to live streaming
Balancing responding to viewer comments with focusing on the guest in the box, the way he juggles it varies depending on what is going on in the box – heartfelt vs goofing around
Focus your talents on one area and you will grow more quickly
Why it’s essential to network with other people on the app
Be genuinely interested in live streaming and your audience
Uses Instagram to drive people to his streams

Check out their streams on MeetMe and watch out for the next Playlist Live mashup coming out next week!

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