Live streaming usage among content creators is growing at a rapid rate. Video live streams are currently the third most popular form of video content across the internet. Even podcasts, traditionally an audio-only field, are seeing a 39% increase in average daily video streams — a trend led by Gen Z consumers.
Creators are looking for ways to genuinely connect with their audiences while creating cost-efficient content, and live streaming is emerging as an incredibly useful tool.
In this edition of The AV Take, we speak with Peyton Thomas, KAIROS product manager at Panasonic Connect, about how creators are integrating live streaming into their content and the tools Panasonic Connect provides to help make streaming live content easier and more accessible.
Thomas: Creators are leveraging switching platforms like the AV-HSW10, equipped with a built-in USB-C port for direct streaming to their preferred platforms, or the KAIROS live production platform, an all-in-one solution for producing high-quality live streams and events.
As social platforms increasingly prioritize video over still images, live content is becoming more essential. Incorporating live elements throughout videos helps creators engage their audiences more effectively.
Thomas: Live streaming is a powerful way to keep audiences engaged. It allows creators to provide visual learning opportunities and fosters real-time interaction between the creator and viewers.
Thomas: Live streaming is especially beneficial for new creators, as it helps build a sense of community. When creators develop interactive and engaging content around their live streams, they encourage long-term audience loyalty. Additionally, with YouTube being the second most-used search engine, live streaming on the platform significantly increases the chances of content discovery and engagement compared to audio-only podcasts.
Thomas: Getting started with live streaming or video production can be challenging due to the overwhelming number of products and opinions on what to buy. Panasonic Connect simplifies this process by offering end-to-end solutions that streamline setup and production.
Thomas: With user-friendly products like the UE-30 PTZ camera, creators can access affordable, high-quality visuals.
For those new to production, Panasonic’s intuitive software, such as the Media Production Suite, bridges the gap by handling complex tasks like camera framing and focusing, making production more accessible. Panasonic Connect’s KAIROS ecosystem seamlessly integrates with its hardware, allowing users to create an entire production from one system.
Thomas: KAIROS is a comprehensive system designed to simplify live production. It seamlessly mixes signals from various sources, including RTMP, SRT, NDI, SDI, and ST2110, as well as audio and graphics, video playback, and streaming directly out of the box.
Integrating Panasonic PTZ cameras is effortless — KAIROS automatically discovers them, allowing full control through the KAIROS Creator software or panel with the push of a button.
The native ST 2110 system supports transitions to live IP workflows and can eliminate dedicated hardware constraints. By leveraging IP networking, KAIROS helps eliminate the constraints imposed by dedicated hardware, allowing for more scalable and efficient production environments. The ST 2110 support ensures that as the demands of live production evolve, the system remains adaptable, accommodating the latest advances in technology while optimizing performance and reliability.
Thomas: The KAIROS interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it feel familiar to other software solutions for first-time users.
At the same time, seasoned professionals will appreciate its robust capabilities and flexibility. From users accustomed to non-linear editing (NLE) software to high-profile sports teams with technical directors experienced in traditional switchers, KAIROS delivers a powerful yet approachable solution for any production need.
Creators continue innovating across the video and podcasting space. Increasingly, they are using live streaming to engage their audiences in real time. Technology like the KAIROS solution and Panasonic Connect’s expanded ST-2110 workflow lineup makes it easy for both new and experienced creators to integrate live content streaming into their production suite.
High-quality, low-cost content maximizes return on investment. Panasonic Connect provides creators with the tools they need to make it possible.