A guide to web 2 tools

Video streaming is different to that of a video sharing website. Video sharing websites allow for people to share pre-recorded and edited video, video streaming is a live video broadcast that does not allow for editing.

Justin.TV

Justin.TV was one of the first prominent websites to highlight the ability of being able to stream live video over the web. JustinTV came to prominence when a number of bloggers started the life-casting phenomenon by broadcasting their lives over the Internet 24/7.

One unique feature of Justin.TV is that it allows for the creation of private rooms that cannot be accessed by other users unless they have been given a password to access the room.

Justin.TV also allows users to add custom headers and wallpapers (backgrounds) to be added to a users channel, allowing users to build a personal brand.
Justin.TV is currently used by a large number of American teens as a way to show off their interests, or as a way to communicate with friends.

People who stream on Justing.TV often stream their day-to-day lives in a form that is somewhat reminisant of life casting.

The demographics of Justin.Tv users can be seen here http://www.quantcast.com/justin.tv#demographics

BlogTV

BlogTV was originally brought to light by a number of bloggers who switched to the service from Justin.TV. Since then it has a large teen user base, as well as a couple of amateur hosted shows.

It is also used by a number of YouTube personalities, who use it as a way of interacting and engaging with their audience.

Blog.TV allows for “co-hosting” which allows for two people in different locations to be in the same video stream.

BlogTV allows for users to customise their channel by adding a custom header and (background) wallpaper, this allows for each channel to be easily identifiable, as well as adding a sense of personal branding.

The demographics of BlogTV users can be found here
http://www.quantcast.com/blogtv.com#demographics

StickAM

StickAM allows for 7 simultaneous broadcasts at the same time, there is one main broadcaster streaming video and the ability for up to 6 other viewers to stream at the same time

The demographics of StickAM users can be seen here http://www.quantcast.com/stickam.com#demographics

UStream

Ustream is another tool that has a professional feel about it. It is used by many influential people who engage with technology, as well as those who run regular, professionally hosted show from studios (rather than from bedrooms)

Many podcasters will stream live while recording their podcasts allowing the viewer to see and have an insight as to what goes in to making a podcast

Most notably Leo Laporte use UStream as a way of broadcasting while creating his weekly podcasts

The demographics of ustream UStreams users can be seen here http://www.quantcast.com/ustream.tv#demographics

Practical Uses of Video Streaming

Creating live broadcast that can be viewed globally was once the domain of television broadcast comapanies, online video streaming makes this a possibility for anyone with a computer and an internet connection.