Just like all of you, I was sad when I came to know that Periscope is shutting down. Similar to how Facebook live streaming works, this app enables users to easily go online and showcase a live event, a launch, or simply connect with their fans. The reasons are pretty much standard as most tech companies would state.
Periscope livestreaming service is indeed shutting down. Twitter has made it official and going live on periscope will soon become a thing of the past.
However, we will have some alternative services that you could look into if you have been using Periscope’s live features for a long time.
What is Periscope and How it Helped Live Streaming?
Periscope became super popular when Twitter acquired it for approximately $86 million. At the same time, five years ago, we also had Meerkat and Houseparty as viable alternatives. A lot of these services couldn’t go beyond the damage caused by the pandemic but some did make their way to the mainstream market.
In the past, it was considered to be a huge boon for live streaming as Twitch was primarily used by gamers. People had the option to go live, have a huge stream of viewers and talk on any topic that suits their audiences’ taste.
A fun fact for users who are really addicted to live streaming is that Twitter no longer needs a standalone app. The technology is already implemented within their app and the website. It enables you as a user to easily use the Twitter Live feature.
Just tap the in-app camera icon and you can go live with the help of Media Studio, a feature found inside Twitter.
How to Go Live on Periscope?
While I can immediately redirect you to the official Twitter frequently asked questions page, it may not be easy to understand for newcomers. Instead, I will provide a step by step quick overview of how to use the service to live stream content.
By doing so, you can reach a broader range of audiences on multiple platforms including iOS and Android. However, when the service is no longer available, you can shift your fanbase to a different website or app that offers a similar service.
iOS Users
- Create a periscope account
- Login to the app
- Find the broadcast icon found in the bottom center of the screen
- Choose the list of people who will be able to view the live content
- Pick an appropriate title that will enable them to understand what the content is all about
- You can also do a voice-only live event on your iOS app but make sure your Wi-Fi connectivity is strong
Android Users
- An active Periscope user credential is mandatory for the app to work on your Android phone
- The camera icon found on the bottom of the screen will enable you to go live
- Make sure to have an attractive title so that your audience will be inclined to watch it all the way
- Near the Go Live option, you can also find options to turn on location and have a limited chat group
- Click on stop broadcast once the show is over
Is Periscope Shutting Down?
I’m just as disheartened as you are by this news and there is no other way to say it!
Yes, Periscope will be shut down by Twitter, the parent company. They originally purchased the app in 2015 but it didn’t last even five years before this tough decision has been made. According to Twitter, they really couldn’t operate the services because of the high costs of operation and users are no longer using it as much as Twitter wanted them to.
The final date for the app to be discounted both on iOS and Android platforms is 31st, March 2021.
The team also confirmed that if you haven’t already created an ID, you may not be able to do so because it will be shut down even earlier. Potentially, it means that not many users could go on board at this point in time.
Periscope is not the only app that has met this fate because earlier in 2017, Vine, a similar app that resembled Tik Tok, was removed from the portfolio. The problem according to Twitter and many other technology firms is that they couldn’t find a viable business model to support users.
With tons of data being uploaded on a daily basis, it costs a lot to maintain the servers and continue offering the service.
What are some of the Alternatives to Periscope?
I have already downloaded the videos I had saved on Periscope and if you have a huge collection, make sure to download all your data before March 2021 when the deadline ends.
Finding a viable alternative for Periscope shouldn’t be a huge task at this point in time. I have been regularly using some of these services and these alternatives would come in handy after Periscope is fully shut down in 2021.
Here is the list of alternatives for Periscope:
- Twitch
- Twitter Live
- Facebook Live
- Meerkat
- Youtube Live
Twitch
This is an obvious choice for live streamers even though it is predominantly used by game streamers across the globe. The service is owned by Amazon and is one of the most reliable of them all. Powered by gaming enthusiasts and sponsors, it is bound to be available for years to come.
Twitter Live
A major share of Periscope’s streaming solutions is already integrated into Twitter live streaming. With the majority of the audience already using their website and app, it wasn’t difficult for the company to convince and get them all on board so that they could shut down the app they purchased.
Facebook Live
This alternative needs no introduction but it should be added to this list. Just pull your smartphone out, open the Facebook app and you can start streaming live videos directly. Be it an event, birthday party or a massive public gathering, everything goes live on FB and gains the necessary momentum quickly.
Meerkat
In the year 2020, Meerkat became exceptionally popular because people started working from home out of the blue and the live streaming app gained traction like no other. It is simple, easy to use and works on multiple platforms including iOS, Android thus making it a favorite among its user community.
YouTube Live
This is another popular alternative to Periscope because it allows people to effortlessly stream live video to millions of people. If you want to upload a video on YouTube, then doing it via YouTube Live would make it easier. The user interface is very easy to use and one can send live video alerts to subscribers to alert them of the new content. Can be used on mobile phones as well as webcams on desktop.
Bidding Farewell to Periscope Live Streaming
I am among hundreds of others who would want Periscope to stay but as with all technological innovations, some of the services get shut down sooner than later. Google has been doing it for years now and it is no wonder Twitter may do it once now. I wouldn’t claim that I have been using this live streaming service because Twitter and Facebook offer better alternatives.
Besides, without a massive user base to stream your content to, it doesn’t make sense for any content creator to stay onboard. They would wish to make revenue through periscope live streaming which can be done only when there are enough users to stream live content to.
Conclusion
As a service, Periscope was one of the many pioneers started way back in the past when the internet was slow and bandwidth was far more constrained. However, we could enjoy 4K streaming and game streaming seamlessly today. The app definitely deserves its recognition for bringing about a change to the live streaming features we enjoy on Twitter today.