New content through mobile broadcasting

One of the new trends appeared about one year ago is mobile online live streaming application. Over a fast internet connection, videos can be broadcasted from a mobile phone (with video capability of course) live to the internet. Users can broadcast to friends, blogs, and social networks as well as then interact with their viewers via mobile application. Flixwagon is the currently the leader, offering live video streaming service not only with a 3G or WiFi enabled phones (e.g. Nokia and Sony Erickson handsets) but also on iPhone. Its main competitor is Qik followed by other players such as Kyte.tv and Bambuser.com.

How do they work? Both Qik and Flixwagon require online registration on websites and afterwards an application can be installed onto the handset, all for free. There are some differences on functionality, for example Qik has the option to repost videos to download back to PC. Qik has another advantage over its competitor because offers the possibility to copy the video not only on to YouTube or Facebook as Flixwagon offers – but also to other sites such as Blogger, Mogulus, Pounce, Mobuzz.tv. Both websites have a video archive where all videos posted are stored. Social features are enhanced by Twitter, Qik and Flixwagon use it to alert friends and them directly to the video. Furthermore, chat rooms from both Qik and Flixwagon are offered to allow viewers to send messages to users’ mobile handsets.

Mobile broadcasting offers interesting business opportunities for traditional media companies and mobile carriers. It allows carriers to create new revenue streams and increase customer loyalty. On the other side, also media companies and TV broadcasters can benefit by receiving high quality live video broadcasting of news or entertainment, from any location around the world.

Since February 2008, Flixwagon has signed a partnership with MTV as content provider and is currently exploring other partnerships with media companies.

Mobile broadcasting market is still young and not too crowded but is growing rapidly. Future potential can be exploited and accelerated further by bandwidth increases and enhanced mobile handsets. Stay tuned.

Isabella