David Farnor | On 31, Dec 2016

Twitter has stepped up its live-streaming game once more with the introduction of live 360-degree videos.

As of this week, you can now stream 360-degree videos live on the social network, allowing users to move their phone and swipe their screen to change their perspective of the footage being broadcast.

The move marks another heavy push from Twitter into the video arena, where it is facing serious competition from Facebook and YouTube. Indeed, Facebook is currently paying media partners to use its Facebook Live platform and build a community of users, while YouTube has just added 4K support to its live videos. And so, while Twitter is shutting down its looping Vine service, it is doubling down on live-streaming, signing deals with the NFL and others for live football matches, the Golden Globe red carpet arrivals and more.

Twitter, which owns Periscope, recently integrated the app’s functionality into its native platform, to encourage more users to try creating their own video streams. Earlier this month, Facebook trialled its first 360-degree Facebook Live broadcast, but Twitter has now beaten it to the punch by officially launching its own feature before the close of 2016.

360 Sunset in Florida. First ever #Periscope360 with @Brandee_Anthony https://t.co/AZWbnnT15S

— Alex Pettitt (@Alexpettitt) December 28, 2016

“With 360 video, you can experience moments with the broadcaster and take a look around — it’s one step closer to actually being there,” says a new blog post on Periscope, which will, naturally, also support the feature through its app. “You’ll be able to join live 360 videos on Periscope and Twitter from some incredible broadcasters — getting front-row access at exclusive events, traveling to places across the globe, and getting up close with well-known personalities.”

Compatible videos will be marked with a “LIVE 360” badge, so that users can easily spot the interactive, immersive posts, with the Golden Globes likely to be one of the first major outings for the technology. While anyone can stream, though, not everyone can broadcast in the new format.

“We’re testing 360 broadcasts with a small group of partners, and will be rolling out this feature more broadly during the coming weeks,” says Twitter. You can apply to join the waitlist here.

 

Golden Globes red carpet to stream live on Twitter

21st December

This year’s Golden Globes red carpet will stream live on Twitter.

The awards will be handed out on 8th January, with Jimmy Fallon hosting the ceremony. While that airs on NBC in the US, though, the two-hour build-up will be available to watch online live on the social media network, after a new deal between the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and Twitter.

Twitter users will be able to watch stars arrive at the Beverly Hilton from 6pm ET, with interviews including questions sourced from Twitter users. Dick Clark Productions, which produces the main awards show, will also produce the pre-show live-stream.

“The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is always searching for innovative ways and original tools to reach our audience wherever it is as Hollywood comes together on one night to celebrate the best in motion pictures and television — and Twitter is the recognized partner to help us expand our audience,” said HFPA president Lorenzo Soria in a statement.

The agreement follows a raft of deals made by Twitter to bolster its live-streaming credentials, including NFL games on Thursday nights. Last week, Twitter also integrated its Periscope live-streaming service into the main Twitter app.

 

You can now broadcast live video using Twitter’s app

15th December 2016

You can now broadcast live video from within Twitter’s mobile app, following an update from the social network.

Live-streaming is the word of the day in the online video arena, with Facebook, YouTube and more all doubling down on the ability of users to share video live with friends and followers. Twitter was one of the first big players, thanks to its Periscope app. Now, though, Twitter is taking Periscope and incorporating it into its main platform.

You can now create and Tweet live video from the Twitter app, with the app’s camera function now powered by Periscope. To go live, just compose a tweet and then click the “Live” button to frame a shot and begin broadcasting.

Once you’re live, anyone on Twitter and Periscope can join your live video and participate in your experience.

We're making it easier for you to share what's happening in your world. Now you can #GoLive on Twitter!https://t.co/frWuHaPTFJ pic.twitter.com/Xpfpk1zWJV

— Twitter (@twitter) December 14, 2016

The update is rolling out to everyone on Twitter for iOS and Android over the coming days.

 

Twitter expands live-streaming with Cheddar

20th September 2016

As Twitter launches its new live-streaming service for NFL games on Thursday nights, the social network is going all-in with another partnership to expand its streaming line-up. That partnership is with Cheddar, a live news and entertainment company, to stream a slate of programs focused on technology, media, and business.

Cheddar will broadcast live, daily, from 9 am to 10:30 am EST, “Opening Bell” markets coverage and again, from 3 pm to 4 pm EST, “Closing Bell” coverage on Twitter.

“Twitter is the fastest way to find out what’s happening in the world, and to engage in the live conversation about it,” says Anthony Noto, Twitter’s chief financial officer. “Partnering with Cheddar will give people on Twitter another way to watch and discuss the day’s top stories as they unfold live all on one platform.”

“Twitter is live,” adds Jon Steinberg, CEO and Founder of Cheddar. “We are thrilled and proud to make it the exclusive free to access platform for our new hour of closing bell coverage. ‘Finance Twitter’ is giant, and we are excited to be its digital-first closing bell network.”

Cheddar Opening Bell is broadcast daily from the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange and is hosted by Jon Steinberg and Kristen Scholer. The show features the breaking news of the day, markets and business coverage, interviews with CEOs and startup founders, and profiles of leading new technology, media and culture ventures.

Twitter will be the exclusive, free platform for Closing Bell. Anchored from the NASDAQ MarketSite and the New York Stock Exchange, Closing Bell is hosted by Kristen Scholer and Krysia Lenzo. Closing Bell will feature CEO interviews, in-depth earnings coverage, and the startup and high tech coverage viewers have come to expect from Cheddar. The show will close the business day with an analysis of the day’s news, as well as breaking stories.

The deal follows a similar agreement for Bloomberg video content, as Twitter turns primarily to sports and business as its target markets.

Read more: Was Twitter’s NFL live-stream a success?
 
 

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