Welcome to The Guide to Live Streaming, where hosts Tara and Ben explore the latest insights and trends shaping the world of live content. This week, they’re diving into the evolution of live entertainment and how it’s paving the way for today’s streaming landscape.

In today’s episode, Tara and Ben examine the power of real-time interaction, featuring examples like the reimagined Ringling Brothers Circus and the growing preference for live content. They ask the big question: Are people hardwired for immediate, in-the-moment entertainment? And could live streaming soon become the dominant form of entertainment?

They’ll also share updates on Live Fest, now in full swing, and respond to a listener question from the UK. Join Tara and Ben as they break down what makes live content so engaging and why it just might be the future of entertainment.

• • The balance between advertising and viewer funding is crucial for sustainability.
  • The future of live streaming may lean towards viewer-funded models.
  • The entertainment industry is at a crossroads, with potential for significant change.
  • Live streaming is a unique form of entertainment that allows for individualized content.

In this conversation, Ben and Tara discuss the evolution of podcasting and live streaming, highlighting the transition from live broadcasts to studio recordings. They explore the features of Streamlabs, a cloud-based software for live streaming, and how technology has made streaming more accessible. The discussion also touches on the cultural shift towards live streaming in mainstream media, the confusion surrounding the term 'live' in streaming contexts, and the importance of defining it clearly. They conclude with a light-hearted conversation about Halloween costumes, inviting community engagement.