By: The BitMar Team.
The COVID-19 lockdowns has forced the World to rethink the way in which we interact with one another. This includes the way in which we attend live events—such, as: concerts, festivals, and sports games. As we begin to emerge, post-COVID, many are wondering how the rise of streaming services will impact the future of live events.
Virtual events offer several advantages, over traditional live events. Increased accessibility is one of the most significant benefits. By removing the barriers of time, distance, and physical limitations, virtual events can reach audiences around the World. For example: the virtual edition of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in 2020, reached a global audience of over 3 million people—far-exceeding the attendance of the physical festival, in previous years.
However, there are also several challenges to recreating the experience of a live event online. One of the biggest challenges, is: replicating the energy, and atmosphere, of a live event. The connection – between the performer, and the audience – is a crucial part of the live event experience. Replicating that connection, through a screen, can be difficult. Additionally, technical glitches, and Internet connectivity issues, can disrupt the flow of virtual events; leading to a less-engaging experience, for viewers.
Despite these challenges, the pandemic has forced the live event industry to adapt, and innovate. Many events have embraced the virtual format, experimenting with new ways to engage audiences, and monetize their content. For example: some virtual events have included interactive elements – such, as: Q-and-A sessions, chat rooms, and live polls – to enhance audience engagement.
The rise of streaming services has also opened up new possibilities, for live events. Streaming services have begun producing, and distributing, their live events—such, as: concerts, and comedy shows. This trend is likely to continue, as streaming services compete with traditional broadcasters, for the rights to live events.
However, there are concerns about the impact of streaming services on the live event industry. Some worry that the convenience, and affordability, of virtual events may lead to a decline in attendance at physical events—particularly, for smaller events, and/or niche genres. Additionally, there are concerns about the power dynamics between streaming services, and event organizers. Some people fear that streaming services may dominate the industry, and drive down prices for artists.
Currently, next-generation streaming platforms – like: BitMar – may provide you the most affordable form of on-demand streaming entertainment. BitMar provides all-in-one streaming service, for life, for a one-time payment, of: $99.99 USD. It can connect you to millions of on-demand movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and songs (from many different sources on the Web), on the screens that you already own. In fact, BitMar provides access to more movies, and TV shows, than: Cable, Satellite, Netflix, Disney Plus, Max/HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Peacock, and Hulu – combined – and more songs, than: Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, and Apple Music—combined. You may learn more, at: BitMar.com.