This is the third in a series of blogs in which a few members of our team combine their social media experience and expertise to assess the latest and best in the social app world. This week, we’re tuning in to live-streaming apps Periscope and Meerkat.
Everyone’s buzzing about the latest in live-streaming — and it’s no surprise why. Live-streaming apps have made it possible for users to temporarily transport themselves to anywhere. As Periscope explains, “A picture may be worth a thousand words, but live video can take you someplace and show you around.”
Periscope and Meerkat are both live-streaming apps that allow users to watch and broadcast live video. The apps are similar in many ways — most ways, even — but their subtle differences set them apart just enough to potentially give one app a slight edge over the other.
Here are a few conclusions we came to during our trial of the two:
Both apps are babies
Both apps have arrived on the social scene just this year. Meerkat debuted and exploded at SXSW this past February. Shortly after, Twitter acquired year-old rival app Periscope for almost $100 million and released the app under its name in March.
Both apps are Twitter-dependent
Periscope may be the one owned by Twitter, but it’s Meerkat that requires a Twitter handle to sign up and publishes all activity to your Twitter account. Periscope recently provided its users with the option to sign up with a phone number instead of a handle, and all activity only takes place within the app unless users opt to share. Meerkat warns users in the introductory tour to “Remember that anything that happens on Meerkat, also happens on Twitter.” It’s true — likes show up in your Twitter favorites and links to viewed broadcasts are automatically tweeted, though you can choose turn off the “tweet this comment” feature.
Periscope is prettier
Periscope may have launched later, but spent about a year in development beforehand, which may explain its more sophisticated feel. Periscope is clean and easy to navigate — whereas the yellow and black look of Meerkat sort of gives the illusion of watching from inside a beehive. Meerkat’s layout isn’t necessarily confusing, but it is a bit messier. There’s a lot going on at the top of the screen — and sometimes it’s even a little visually obstructing to the video being watched.
Videos do not last forever
These streams are “live” after all. Meerkat streams are gone when they are over, and Periscope videos stick around for 24 hours unless you choose to delete them sooner.
Ugh, the notifications
If you’re not a fan of push notifications, you likely won’t be a fan of either app. Both send push notifications every time someone you’re following begins a broadcast, along with a number of other updates. This does prevent users from missing out on events, but anyone following a lot of active users should prepare for frequent phone explosions. Why not shut them off? You can’t. Notification settings can only be customized in Periscope (and hardly).
Live commenting on live-streaming
Both apps offer options for commenting on what’s happening as it does. This feature is nice in both, as it provides the potential for broadcasters to interact with users, as well as some additional entertainment value.
We heart the floating hearts
These adorably animated hearts float up from the corner of the screen to indicate stream likes on Periscope. Meerkat’s likes are a meer heart-button click, which is functional enough, but Periscope’s mini Valentine bubbles are a unique touch.
What’s the score?
Meerkat takes a page out of Snapchat’s book and associates a score with your username. How those points are tallied up exactly is a little unclear, but what is clear is that they denote engagement. More engagement could earn you a spot on Meerkat’s Leaderboard, which is a list of the top 100 active streamers.
Only one is available on Android
And it’s Meerkat. Periscope seems to have the edge over Meerkat in almost every aspect but this one, and this is a big deal. If it is able to release its app on Android soon, it could potentially dominate the live-streaming market — and fast.
We’ve gotten in the live-streaming game by joining Periscope, and you can join us for a live-stream in our office soon. Stay tuned in for details!
***
Hurrdat is a Lincoln, Neb. digital marketing agency specializing in social media and content marketing. The company was founded in 2010 and merged with B² Interactive of Omaha, Neb. in 2014 bringing even more digital marketing specialties to both firms’ clients. Together they provide a full range of social media, SEO, and website development services to both national brands and local clients. The companies employ more than 75 people in Nebraska and have won multiple awards for their business efforts, company culture, and clients’ campaigns.
The post App-e-Testers: Live From Periscope and Meerkat appeared first on Hurrdat.
