Over the past few years, livestreaming has had a remarkable rise in popularity, especially within the MENA region, where the time spent on such apps reached over 8.45 billion hours over the past 4 years. This medium has completely revolutionized the way people share their experiences with others, and it continues to gain popularity at an unprecedented rate. From social media platforms like Youtube and Tiktok to specialized apps like Bigo Live, more and more people are discovering the benefits of broadcasting in real-time to create a sense of closeness and originality.
Livestreaming offers numerous benefits beyond just entertainment. It can foster a sense of community among viewers and streamers. Livestreaming platforms have been particularly successful at creating this sense of community, bringing together people from all walks of life and all over the world. In the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, these platforms have revolutionized the gaming experience by providing a dynamic and interactive environment that has gained immense popularity. They have also been instrumental in promoting female gamers, empowering them to showcase their skills, engage with their peers, and carve out a place in the competitive gaming landscape.
By facilitating real-time engagement, livestreaming allows for immediate feedback and interaction between viewers and streamers. Bringing in a celebrity to conduct a livestream can significantly enhance the level of engagement and excitement between fans and the celebrity. This interaction creates an exciting atmosphere that captivates viewers, helping to create a sense of connection and empowerment that is difficult to replicate through other mediums.
Livestreaming can be a powerful tool for good. It has the potential to bring people together for a common cause, whether it’s raising awareness for a particular issue or providing support to those in need. A prime example of this is the story of Karima, a passionate artist with disabled arms, who found a platform on Bigo Live to showcase her art and gain a considerable following. The beauty of livestreaming communities is that individuals can be themselves without fear of judgment, providing a source of comfort to many whose lives have been fraught with hardships.
This is also prevalent during times like Ramadan, when communities come together to celebrate and support one another. One of the key reasons that livestreaming is so effective in this regard is its ability to reach large audiences quickly and easily. With just a few clicks, a livestream can be shared with thousands or even millions of viewers around the world. This makes it an ideal medium for spreading messages of hope, love, and positivity.
By providing a platform for people to share their experiences and their voices with others, livestreaming can help to break down barriers and give voice to those who may otherwise go unheard. Thousands of deaf and hard-of-hearing streamers have also found community online via the Bigo Live livestreaming app, where they can stream solo or join multi-streams. The multi-streams allow for several people to stream at the same time, with sub-groups typically based on location or common interests. As part of its plans, Bigo Live—headquartered in Singapore—will soon offer a feature that allows users to include captions in English, Bangla, Chinese, Arabic, and more. Of course, none of this would be possible without the innovations in technology that have made livestreaming possible.
The power of livestreaming for good is a testament to the human spirit. It shows that, despite our differences and our challenges, we are all connected in some way. It reminds us that we have the power to make a difference in the world, and that sometimes all it takes is a little bit of courage and a willingness to share our experiences with others. As we recently celebrated Ramadan in the Middle East, it’s important to remember the power of community and the importance of coming together for the greater good. Livestreaming is just one tool that can help us do that, but it’s a powerful one nonetheless. By embracing the power of livestreaming, we can create a world that is more connected, more compassionate, and more empowering for everyone.
