Social media live streaming (SMLS) in the digital news media

Abstract

Social media live streaming (SMLS) offers the possibility of making and broadcasting live videos in different formats via the social networks, at the same time enabling broadcasters to obtain instant feedback about the number of users connected as well as to receive messages and emoticons from their audiences.

Here, we undertake a thorough review of existing publications and previous initiatives related to SMLS. We illustrate our discussion with a number of different case studies and undertake a specific comparative analysis to explore the way in which Periscope and Facebook Live can exploit SMLS technologies, and to understand their role as leading agents in the innovation of digital journalism.

KEYWORDS: social media live streaming, SMLS, Periscope, Facebook Live, digital news media, news outlets.