YouNow
 | |
Type of site | Broadcasting, Podcasting |
|---|---|
| Available in | 15 languages |
| Founder(s) | Adi Sideman |
| CEO | Jon Brodsky |
| URL | www |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | Optional |
| Launched | September 2011 |
YouNow is a broadcasting service where users stream their own live video content or interact with the video streams of other users in real time.[1] The service is available on its website, on Android and iOS apps.
As of August 2015, the service handles 150,000 broadcasts each day.[2]
The majority of the users of YouNow are under 24 years old.[3][needs update] Many users perform music, game, engage with their fans or dance,[4] others talk or make jokes. A tag-based topic system enables viewers to browse content of their choice, while trending streams enable users to locate more popular webcasters.
It competes with apps like TikTok, Twitch and even Instagram Live.
YouNow was founded by Adi Sideman[3] in September 2011,[5] but significantly grew in popularity during 2014 and 2015[6] following significant changes to the service.[4] A round of funding in 2015 raised million from venture capitalists, bringing the total invested to million.[2]
YouNow bought live streaming company BlogTV.com in 2013,[7] with user accounts being merged into YouNow.
MTV partnered with YouNow for the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.[3] The Huffington Post has started streaming a live show on YouNow weekly since August 2015.[8]
The Shorty Awards featured a "YouNower of the Year" category in 2016 and 2017.[9]
America's Got Talent partnered with YouNow to hold auditions for Season 11 with the final auditions on YouNow held live in YouNow HQ on Times Square, on March 1, 2016.
In 2017 YouNow began losing user broadcasters, including many partnered users and their fans, to other social media apps including Live.me and Twitch.
In 2019, in an attempt to bring user broadcasters and fans back, YouNow developed and implemented similar features that Live.me and Twitch already had on their social media platforms. These similar features included high definition resolution broadcasting, the ability to assign chat moderators and the ability to have multiple guest broadcasters (up to 3) at the same time with the broadcaster. Gold bars replaced likes as the in-app currency on the lower priced YouNow gifts at time of this redesign. YouNow has also introduced a new platform rewards system in the form of Props.[10]
On the 11th January 2021, YouNow changed over from the Prop system, introducing Diamonds a new way for users to earn, so not only Partners could earn. Now non-partners can have a taste of what it's like to earn doing something you love. Broadcasters all around the platform now have the ability to cash out Diamonds either to their PayPal or back into Bars which they can in return spend on gifting likes across the site as a whole. [1]
In August 2021, YouNow was bought by Jon Brodsky who has helped YouNow grow as a platform.
Safety features and moderation
In order to improve online safety within the community, YouNow uses a combination of automated systems and manual monitoring. YouNow continuously monitors broadcasts and takes necessary action on any individual who violates the policies laid out in their Community Standards & Site Rules and Terms of Service.
To ensure that every user feels safe on the platform, YouNow offers a variety of safety features, including the ability to block other users, silence users within the chat feature, and flag inappropriate conduct to alert YouNow's 24/7 live moderation team. This team investigates and handles all reports of violating conduct and takes immediate action against users who violate YouNow rules.
To protect the integrity of the community, YouNow can suspend or remove any account at any time for conduct that is determined to be inappropriate or harmful.
YouNow has stricter rules for those under 18 and adults interacting with minors on the platform and proactively reports all incidents related to child victimization to NCMEC.
Mods are available 24/7 in all markets.
Features
Partnership
YouNow has a partner program that allows popular broadcasters to earn money.[6] Virtual goods bought by viewers are used to acclaim videos; the resulting revenue is split between YouNow and the video creator,[4] with about 60% going to the latter.[9]
Partnership is offered to accounts in good standing at YouNow's discretion. As of May 2019, partnership requirements are as follows:
- Partner: 1,500 fans and an average of 15 concurrent viewers[11]
- Subscriptions: Upon becoming Partner on YouNow you will instantly be subscribable, and have access to having 6 customizable stickers. With the option of a further 3 along with line depending on amounts of subscribers. [2]
Broadcasting Features
- OBS: StreamNow If a broadcaster streams using Open Broadcast Software then they also have another way to upgrade there streams bringing it into the 21st Century, so the audience can interact with streams with realtime updates and event triggers.
References
- ^ Tynan, Dan (April 13, 2015). "Meet YouNow, the Live-Casting App that Teens Love and Parents Fear". Yahoo! Tech. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ^ a b "YouNow, A "Live" Social Network, Raises Million in Fresh Funding". TechCrunch. 2015-10-05. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ^ a b c Maya Kosoff (2015-04-29). "Teens are going crazy for YouNow, a livestreaming app with 100 million monthly user sessions". Business Insider. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ^ a b c Peter Kafka (2014-10-29). "YouNow Is the Live Video Amateur Hour That Nearly Died. Now It's Booming. Here's How". recode.net. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ^ Bonnie Cha (2013-02-12). "YouNow Gives Stage to Internet's Wannabe Stars, Leaves Judgment in Your Hands". All Things D. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ^ a b Natalie Jarvey (2015-10-13). "Live-Streaming Startup YouNow Taps Fullscreen Veteran (Exclusive)". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ^ Peter Kafka (2013-03-14). "YouNow, Web Video's Live Amateur Hour, Bulks Up by Buying Blog TV". All Things D. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ^ Mike Shields (2015-08-18). "Huffington Post Teams Up With Live Streaming Service YouNow on Weekly Show". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ^ a b Kerry Flynn (2016-01-19). "Shorty Awards 2016 Nominees Brings Periscope, YouNow Stars Legitimacy In Media Industry". International Business Times. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ^ "Props Rewards". YouNow Support.
- ^ "How do I become a YouNow partner?". YouNow Support.