After Google’s successful trials, streaming live cricket matches and special events such as Arcade Fire live at Madison Square Garden, Google is now looking to expand its live coverage of sports events on YouTube and is currently in talks with the NBA and NHL to stream games live.
Throughout its live streaming trials, Google data showed that during the Indian Premier League live cricket coverage, users spent on average around 40 minutes watching each game. This is a significant increase compared to the average of 15 minutes per user viewing videos on YouTube at other times. This data highlights the potential for live sports streaming to engage viewers for longer periods, making it an attractive proposition for advertisers.
Expanding Live Sports Coverage
Google is now looking to take advantage of this increased viewing to boost its ad revenue. Google’s director of content partnerships for Asia, Gautam Anand, explained that YouTube’s contract with the Indian Premier League also gave Google a portion of ad revenue from the TV broadcasts and from the Premier League’s official website. This multi-platform revenue-sharing model has proven to be lucrative and could be replicated with other sports leagues.
Explaining:
“It’s fair to say that there will be a lot more appealing sports content you’ll see on YouTube,” … “We have ongoing conversations with pretty much everyone.”
The potential partnerships with the NBA and NHL could mark a significant expansion in YouTube’s live sports offerings. These leagues have massive followings, and live streaming their games could attract millions of viewers globally. This move could also position YouTube as a major player in the sports broadcasting industry, competing with traditional TV networks and other streaming services.
Benefits for Viewers and Advertisers
For viewers, the ability to watch live sports on YouTube offers greater convenience and accessibility. Fans can watch games on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, without needing a cable subscription. This flexibility is particularly appealing to younger audiences who prefer streaming services over traditional TV.
For advertisers, live sports streaming on YouTube presents a unique opportunity to reach a highly engaged audience. The extended viewing times during live sports events mean that ads are more likely to be seen and remembered. Additionally, YouTube’s advanced targeting capabilities allow advertisers to reach specific demographics, enhancing the effectiveness of their campaigns.
Moreover, the interactive features of YouTube, such as live chat and real-time polls, can enhance viewer engagement and provide valuable feedback for advertisers. These features create a more immersive viewing experience, encouraging viewers to stay tuned for longer periods.
Via Electronista
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