
Source: Pixabay
CAPTION: Streaming has become massive across a range of devices.
Mobile apps come in all kinds of shapes and sizes these days. Just take a swipe through your phone or tablet and you will see software capable of a host of activities, from money management and messaging to shopping and social media. Many forms of gaming are also thriving on smartphone and tablet, including famous video game franchises and online casino experiences. Put simply, apps can do almost anything.
However, while that might be useful to us, it would be understandable if this causes a headache or two for businesses trying to create one. After all, how do you decide on the features to include?
Brands might want to consider what they hope to achieve with the services initially, while they could even take the step of examining what is popular with potential customers and clients at the moment. In terms of the latter, one issue that might become a key part of discussions is online video and live streaming.
Part of life
Streaming has become a core part of life for many in recent years and, in some ways, it is hard to remember a time without it. Before the emergence of broadband and speedy mobile data connections, the idea of watching high-definition video on PCs or other devices might have seemed outlandish. However, as technology has evolved, so have the options for online video.
The figures related to the popularity of online video are simply staggering. According to data compiled by Statista, 228.8 million people in the US watched digital video content in 2018. It is also thought that 62 percent of internet users in the country accessed such content on mobile in the same year. At the start of last year, Variety also reported on streaming-related research from Nielsen. It revealed that streaming video accounted for around a fifth of the total TV viewed in the US in the fourth quarter of 2019. The figure marked a nine percent rise from the first quarter of 2018.
With all of this in mind, it seems understandable that developers might want to consider how they can meet the demand for this form of content in their latest app creations.
Sources of inspiration
But, if they were looking to add online video – and live streaming content in particular – to apps, where could they find inspiration on how to do it? There are of course many services and platforms doing very well at present, while the concept has also become massive in some key areas.
For instance, the aforementioned Nielsen study highlighted how YouTube had a strong share of the streaming market in Q4 2019 and it has become a real powerhouse for video. Content related to a whole host of areas can be found on the service, while it also offers users the chance to watch videos in the 4K format.
Elsewhere, streaming has become a massive part of the video gaming world in recent times, with it being a key way that enthusiasts access information and entertainment on the issue. A recent report released by Juniper Research suggested that the global eSports and games streaming industry would have around 800 million viewers by the end of this year. It added that this figure could reach more than one billion by 2025, while it predicted that YouTube may do battle with Twitch and other platforms as audiences rise.
Crucial to social and casinos

Source: Pixabay
CAPTION: TikTok has been incredibly successful in recent times.
Video has become crucial in social media as well, with platforms like TikTok enjoying massive levels of success. Last April, Sensor Tower’s Store Intelligence estimates suggested that the app had been downloaded more than two billion times across the App Store and Google Play.
Another area where live streaming has had a major impact is in the world of online casinos. The sites have made use of the technology for some time now, primarily through so-called live casino games. For example, 888 casino is an online roulette Canada provider and it offers a range of versions of the game in a live format, including European Roulette, Super Stakes Roulette and Lightning Roulette.
The website explains how such games feature live-streamed visuals and professional dealers who host the action. Multiple camera angles are also used to offer a fresh take on the roulette experience, while games often feature a host of betting options for players to select from.
The future
So, there are clearly plenty of places that app developers can look to for inspiration on how to make use of live streaming and online video. However, as well as considering what has already been done, it may also be worth them thinking about what could come next. It is always fun to speculate about what might happen in the future and there are some emerging trends that developers could keep an eye on.
For example, if they are exploring options around the use of video in retail apps, they may want to look at the live shopping trend. The idea seems to be really gaining momentum at the moment and a good example of it was recently highlighted by a partnership between Cosmopolitan and Klarna. Earlier this month, the pair joined forces to host Hauliday, which included a live streamed shopping element on the ShopShops app. Hosted by Jackie Miranne, the event highlighted a range of products that viewers could buy straight away on their phones.
Other innovations that app developers may want to think about include virtual and augmented reality. The concepts have had a real impact in gaming recently and they have opened the door to more immersive experiences. Both technologies could be used in many areas, but it would be particularly intriguing to see them in the context of live casino games. The titles have a real focus on offering an authentic experience and virtual reality could take that to a whole new level.
Here to stay
Online video technology has really gone up a gear in recent years. The quality of graphics and imagery has reached a new level and the technology has shown its versatility by being used in a range of areas.
With that in mind, it would make sense if app developers wanted to consider how they could use it going forward. Live streaming and online video are clearly here to stay, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve in the years ahead.