Live streaming platform YouNow has expanded to the Middle East. The website and mobile app enables real time interaction between broadcasters and their fans, while also offering influencers the opportunity for revenue.
“YouNow is an opportunity for the world to see what the Middle East has to offer. There is so much culture, art and diversity in the region and it will allow individuals to not only display their talents, but connect with fans from all over the world,” said Chereen Zaki, Arab Markets Manager at YouNow.
Lebanon’s answer to the Kardashians, the Abdelaziz sisters, have already become ambassador of YouNow, using the platform to broadcast topics such as fashion, beauty and fitness. Additionally, social networker and Saudi star Abdullah al-Hassan, aka Abodybad, has racked up over 200K fans in just a short amount of time. Moving away from recorded short clips to live broadcasting, Abodybad has gained a legion of followers, keen to interact with him and see what content he will air next.
“YouNow has completely changed the way I use social media to communicate with my following. It has allowed me to be more creative with my content. But ultimately it has meant that I can connect with more people, build a more solid fan base and take advantage of more offers and deals that come my way,” commented Mr Abodybad.
In addition to one-on-one interaction, YouNow is an advertising-free platform, favoring a tipping system as a way of revenue and income for its broadcasters. For instance, audiences may decide to tip a musician for his lyrical talents or a beauty vlogger for her make-up tips. Users can also tip in exchange for extra features on the chat room such as highlighted comments or becoming a guest broadcaster.
“As far as I am aware we are the only social network out there that facilitates consumer-to-consumer payment. This means artists are given a good opportunity to earn a fair wage directly from fans who appreciate their skills. We have had broadcasters give up their everyday jobs to be a full-time YouNower because they are earning enough money to support themselves”, said Candace Tossas, Head of International Markets.
YouNow claims to have over 70 percent user engagement and 90 percent mobile engagement with brands such as Coca Cola and Starbucks using the live broadcasting platform to target a 13-25 demographic. Meanwhile media companies such as Buzzfeed and MTV are using YouNow to live stream content that is compelling for a connected mobile audience.
