Malcolm Owen
Netflix's next move could be into streaming live programming, a feature that Apple TV+ has offered its users for just over a month.
As the behemoth of streaming, Netflix is on the lookout for the next potential hit feature to encourage higher subscriptions. After years of shaking up the broadcast industry with on-demand streams, it seems that the streamer may actually go down the live content route.
According to Deadline, Netflix is looking into whether to offer live streaming to its users. Netflix has previously confirmed it was in the early stages of creating a live streaming solution, but had yet to announce a formal introduction of live content.
It is proposed that the live capability could be used in competition series like the upcoming dance contest "Dance 100," or potentially as part of a revival of the Netflix Is A Joke festival with live sets. Live reunion shows for reality TV has also been proposed.
The live streaming wouldn't strictly be one-way, as it is thought that live voting could be included in the feature. For competition shows, the home audience could potentially vote on a winner, or to vote to eliminate contestants, all live.
If Netflix goes ahead with live show streams, it would bring Netflix in line with more traditional broadcasters with time-based schedules. It will also be more aligned with other streaming services that already provide live streams of broadcast networks, such as YouTube TV and Hulu.
Unusually, Apple has already beaten Netflix into the live streaming space. With the start of MLB "Friday Night Baseball" in April, Apple TV+ has provided regular live-streamed content to its users around the world.
So far, it seems that Netflix may not use such a feature for sports broadcasting at this time.
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Apple TV has been a disappointment as far as innovation goes. I thought it would be crazy innovative. I thought Apple would somehow connect the service with iPhone/iPad/Apple TV/Watch/Mac. Instead we get something similar to Netflix where you just press play. Something that any service could do from YouTube to iTunes movies.
When they first announced The Morning Show I thought it was an actual live show with news and interviews like Good Morning America, which I think would have caught way more attention. Now throw in user interaction. How about local whether with user photos and videos selected? How about a fitness segment where users can participate in to track their progress against other users across the world?
I think live content is the next “thing”. Not sports but raw uncut, unfiltered niche shows. You guys should check out Fresh & Fit on YouTube. It’s one of the fastest growing “Podcasts” ever and the highest grossing almost every month through user donations. It’s also an absolute riot to watch live with crazy guests and unfiltered content. Had this show been an Apple TV exclusive, it would have broke records for Apple. Unfortunately it is the polar opposite to “politically correct” which I know is on the way out and will stunt Apple TV+. Growth.
Apple has it all in the palm of their hands but they’re innovating super slowly.
I watched a minute of Fresh & Fit, the video that they chose to showcase the channel on their profile. Absolutely hideous. A horrible man saying horrible things while women stare at him in horror. And less than a million views. Apple has no need of low volume trash TV.