YouNow
 YouNow's logo | |
| Web address | YouNow.com |
|---|---|
| Slogan | Keep Calm and Go Live! |
| Commercial? | Yes |
| Type of site | Social video, live broadcasting |
| Registration | Required to broadcast or vote |
| Available language(s) |
Chinese English French German Hebrew Portuguese Russian Spanish Swedish Turkish |
| Created by | Adi Sideman |
| Current status | Active |
YouNow is a video social network begun in 2011 that allows anyone to broadcast live on the Internet and interact immediately and directly with their audience, either by using a webcam and microphone or through the usage of the YouNow iOS app.
Features
Broadcasters who seek a live audience first select an appropriate channel. Examples include Talk, Music, Karaoke, Hip-Hop, or Gaming. In some channels, the broadcaster joins a queue of others waiting for their chance to broadcast; however some channels incorporate a "Live in Queue" feature that allows broadcasters go live straight away, while working to being the "featured broadcaster" in the room.[1] Most channels initially give the broadcaster 1 guaranteed minute to broadcast, but other channels give longer. Viewers may interact with the broadcaster in multiple ways. First, they vote to grant the broadcaster an additional minute of broadcast time. Viewers can vote more than once, but subsequent votes cost additional coins. Viewers can also interact with broadcasters via a chat screen. Broadcasters are encouraged to engage with their audience and respond live.
Public reception and growth
YouNow launched at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference [2] in 2011. In 2013, YouNow was invited to demo its service [3] at Dive Into Media, the conference sponsored by the Wall Street Journal’s AllThingsD technology news site. In addition, YouTube celebrities such as Jack and Finn Harries [4] and Danisnotonfire [5] - each with large followings - have begun broadcasting on YouNow. On March 13, 2013, YouNow acquired [6] live-streaming platform BlogTV
Gamification of broadcasting
YouNow incorporates many features from games. For example, users earn levels and coins by broadcasting, commenting, earning fans, engaging with their social networks such as Twitter and Facebook and from other activities.[7] Coins can be used to send virtual gifts to broadcasters. At higher levels, users gain greater access to some site features, such as rooms that require broadcasters to be above a certain level and the ability to give gifts to broadcasters such as coins and virtual hugs.
Identity and safety
Broadcasting, voting and interacting is limited to people who register via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.[8] This persistent identity, combined with 24/7 site moderation, has prevented the service from falling victim to cyber bullying or pornography scandals.
See also
References
- ↑ "What is "the queue?" Do I have to wait in the queue?". YouNow Support.
- ↑ "Take YouTube, Add The Gong Show, Get YouNow". TechCrunch. 2011-09-12. Retrieved 2013-08-17.
- ↑ "YouNow Gives Stage to Internet’s Wannabe Stars, Leaves Judgment in Your Hands"
- ↑ "Jack and Finn Harries" (YouTube)
- ↑ "Dan is Not on Fire" (YouTube)
- ↑ "Live Social Video Network YouNow Acquires Streaming Service BlogTV"
- ↑ "How do I level up?". YouNow Support. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
- ↑ "Why can I only sign in with Facebook?". YouNow Support.