Just a few years ago, no one could have predicted that live streaming would become the next big thing. For years, high-quality edited videos following a script dominated online entertainment. But recently, simply sitting in front of a camera and letting everything unfold in real-time has taken over. Just a few years ago, prominent streaming names such as Kai Cenat, Fanum, and xqc were unheard of. Now, they are staples in the streaming world. 

Streaming is on the rise, and Arcadia High School (AHS) students are all here for it.

First off, streaming is incredibly convenient, offering instant access to on-demand content. In a world driven by instant gratification, it caters perfectly to the desire for immediate entertainment. Instead of waiting days, weeks, or even months for new YouTube uploads or TV episodes, users can open streaming platforms, such as Twitch, Kick or a plethora of others, and start watching exciting content with just a few clicks.

“I think the main reason for success in streaming is that you don’t have to wait,” said sophomore Reid Sibley. “Anytime you load it [a streaming website] up, you can probably find someone streaming, and you can get instant access to content.” 

Another big reason for the rise in streaming’s popularity is the shift in content style. Rather than a planned-out script with a clear plot, streaming’s high-energy content is packed with fresh and unpredictable moments. For example, when’s the last time you saw someone riding a horse in their bedroom or hiring a mariachi band to follow them around? If you’ve seen streamer Kai Cenat’s recent antics, you’ve witnessed it first hand.

“It’s definitely a switch-up from the norm, and I think that’s what people like the most,” freshman Taike Jiang said. “A lot of the stuff I’m seeing hasn’t really been done before, and that’s why I think so many people are tuning into streams. It’s a new and fun idea, and it seems like it’s only going to get better from here.”

“I think so many people watch because what’s going on is so crazy,” junior Matthew Lin said. “It’s like when you’re watching, you’re thinking about what he could possibly do next, and because it’s all happening live, it’s all unfiltered content. You can’t dictate what is going to happen next, and I think that helps keep viewers on edge.”

Furthermore, another reason as to why streaming is so popular is because it’s unfiltered. While yes, it is possible that some streams may be staged, so many live factors affect the recording that you can’t control everything. Even despite this, the content feels more “real” than a scripted video, which resonates with viewers on a much larger scale.

Finally, and likely the biggest reason why streaming is so massive, is that there is a personal connection with the fans. You’ve likely heard the term “chat” tossed around during light-hearted conversations, and probably wondered where it stemmed from. The term “chat” comes from streamers, where they interact with fans through a chatting system set up, and often refer to their viewers as simply “chat”. By providing a direct form of communication to fans, those watching the stream not only foster a better relationship with the content creator, but it also allows them to contribute to the stream. For example, “troll donations” are where a viewer donates money to the streamer, and they are allowed to leave a short message to the streamer that gets read out, often to the dismay of the streamer. These subtle interactions lead to better bonds and clips that the streamer can then further push to expand their channel.

“I feel like it’s the little things that really matter during streaming,” said sophomore Lucas Yang. “The streamer has to do a lot of the work, but obviously when those small fan interactions happen, it can really add to the stream, and it makes the environment so much more fun.”

Whether you prefer long-form videos, or classic TV shows, there’s no denying that streaming is on the rise, and it shows no sign of slowing down. As the landscape for streamers is rapidly expanding, more and more names are leaving their mark and being a brand new beacon of light for the entertainment industry.