My first experience with livestreaming was using Periscope in its earlier days to watch what Brendon Urie from Panic! At The Disco was up to on his side of the world.
Fans from all over the world would rain praises on him through the comments section as he serenaded us during his stream.
Soon other social media platforms started introducing this interactive feature, and people got really creative, like this Singaporean trio who hold ‘live’ auctions selling electronic products on Facebook.
A video of a lady, affectionately known as ‘S-Hook Zeh Zeh’, has recently gone viral for the way she sold a t-shirt.
Now she’s even landed a two-year contract with local celebrity Mark Lee’s entertainment company.
Livestreaming went from being just another social media feature to becoming, for some people, a way to monetise their skills or talents.
As I’m not an avid viewer of livestreams, I was curious about why people watch them, so I asked my colleagues what makes livestreaming fun for them.
Farhanah, 21
1. Have you ever watched a livestream of an event, a game, or a mukbang?
My guilty pleasure is watching mukbang on YouTube at 1am in the morning. There’s something so satisfying about watching people eat Ssamyang noodles, I don’t even know why.
2. Why do you watch livestreams and on what platforms do you watch them?
I mostly watch livestreams on YouTube! It’s the easiest because I can just use the YouTube app on my phone to catch concerts (and mukbang) wherever I go.
3. What makes livestreaming fun for you?
The fact that I don’t have to spend money to fly out to a certain country just to catch my favourite singer/band perform ‘live’! It’s not as satisfying as watching it in real life but it works for me.
Marie, 24
1. Have you ever watched a livestream of an event, a game, or a mukbang?
Yes, I have!
Q2. Why do you watch livestreams and on what platforms do you watch them?
I started watching livestreams because I was curious.
One day, I heard my colleagues discussing a game show called, Master Brain on BeLive, and they mentioned that it’s possible to win.
So I started watching and eventually participated in it. In Masterbrain, you have a chance to win money and the cash prize can be a big sum!
Q3. What makes livestreaming fun for you?
What makes it fun for me is the thrill of knowing you have a chance to win and also I usually participate Master Brain with my sister. We had so much fun playing it!
Raymond, 21
1. Have you ever watched a livestream of an event, a game, or a mukbang?
Yes! I watch livestreams of my favourite celebrities or idols do Q&As, sing, and talk about their lives.
I used to watch livestreams on Twitter called, Twitcam, to watch Niall Horan ’cause I was a big #Directioner HAHAHA. Now I watch livestreams through Instagram.
Q2. Why do you watch livestreams and on what platforms do you watch them?
I think because we get to see more of the celebrity’s real self. Most of the time, we see them on TV or video interviews and they’re most likely edited or scripted.
But on livestreams, we can see more of their raw reactions or comments. In this way, we get to see more of the person’s real personality!
Q3. What makes livestreaming fun for you?
The interaction between the person livestreaming makes it fun for me.
You know how fans want to talk to their idols but we can’t because they’re too far? At least on livestreams, we get to send messages to them and it increases the chances of them responding to our messages. Haha!
Also, if they promote products and give us a discount is like a win-win situation to me.
Jacky, 30
1. Have you ever watched a livestream of an event, a game, or a mukbang?
I watch livestream gaming events at least once or twice a month.
Q2. Why do you watch livestreams and on what platforms do you watch them?
Livestreams are the best way to be part of an event when I can’t physically be there for the event. For gaming, it’s mostly on Twitch but I’ve watched them on Facebook Live too.
Q3. What makes livestreaming fun for you?
The commentators! They add life to the whole event for the digital audience. Behind every good livestream there is a solid or many solid commentators – otherwise, it wouldn’t be as engaging as it should be.
Janielson, 26
1. Have you ever watched a livestream of an event, a game, or a mukbang?
Yes, I usually watch international powerlifting competitions, Strongmen competitions, weightlifting competitions, and sometimes UFC events.
Watched mukbang once for a few seconds but realised I wasn’t interested in it.
Q2. Why do you watch livestreams and on what platforms do you watch them?
I watch them on YouTube. Watching a livestream is like watching it ‘live’ like I’m there at the event.
Q3. What makes livestreaming fun for you?
There’s that suspense where I don’t know what’s going to happen next, so the anticipation makes it thrilling for me. Whereas watching a replay makes it less exciting when I know the results already.
Daniel, 26
1. Have you ever watched a livestream of an event, a game, or a mukbang?
Yes, mostly of games I enjoy, like PUBG or Dota 2.
Q2. Why do you watch livestreams and on what platforms do you watch them?
To pick up certain play styles or tips. Twitch or YouTube Gaming.
Q3. What makes livestreaming fun for you?
Watching professionals excel in games that I enjoy playing myself is entertaining. Their reactions and commentary are also fun to listen to.
Priscilla, 20
1. Have you ever watched a livestream of an event, a game, or a mukbang?
Yessss. I watch For people or things that I’m interested in, like my favourite YouTubers, musicians, friends, or concerts,
Q2. Why do you watch livestreams and on what platforms do you watch them?
To kill time or as entertainment. Instagram, Bigo, YouTube.
Q3. What makes livestreaming fun for you?
Back in poly, I had long breaks in between classes, so watching livestreams is a great way to pass time. And my classmates and I also livestream ourselves for fun, just talking and eating, and interacting with random people.
A Chance For You To Experience The Thrill Yourself
Livestreaming is like a little portal to the entire world.
Even though you can’t actually be at the place, you get to experience anything from a funny moment to an epic one through an app in the comfort of your own home.
But now, there’s one way you can actually be a part of a livestream, at a ‘live’ event!
Sounds confusing?
On 26 and 27 October, and 2 and 3 November, BeLive’s livestream game show, Master Brain will be happening IRL at the upcoming Singapore River Festival 2018 (SRF)!
Master Brain will happen at 7pm and 9pm during those days, and participants just need to answer all 10 questions correctly to split the cash prize pool of the day.
The first 7 shows will have a prize pool of $500 and $1,000 respectively on each time slot.
But on the last day of the event, 3 November, there will be a prize pool of $500 at 7pm, and a grand prize pool of $10,000 at 9pm.
Here’s how you can stand a better chance to win these prizes.
Head down early to the Singapore River Festival 2018 as one out of 10 questions will be revealed prior to the show so participants have ample time to get the answer.
Hint cards will also be given to tenants at Robertson Walk, where the SRF is held at, so be sure to hunt them down! Hint cards will be given upon flashing your BeLive app, so make sure to follow Master Brain account on BeLive too.
Invite your friends to participate in Master Brain and earn Revives which you can use to continue playing if you answer incorrectly.
If you can’t get enough of the thrill of being a contestant on a virtual game show, you can also take part in a Family Feud-style ‘live’ game show on the SRF stage where you can win hotel staycations, F&B vouchers, and more.
For more information, visit the Singapore River Festival 2018 website here. Download the BeLive app for iOS here and Android here to get in on the fun.
This article was written in collaboration with BeLive.
