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The power of the cloud has emerged as a transformative force in various industries, and live video production (in and out of sport) is no exception.

The capability to process, store, and distribute vast amounts of data remotely has not only streamlined workflows but has also paved the way for truly dispersed teams in live video production, fostering sustainability by reducing the on-site footprint.

A centralized production team can work on productions back-to-back, should they choose to. No longer will traveling be a barrier to the team, with certain exceptions for technical crew and camera operators who need to be on-site. Even so, this reduction in travel will have environmental benefits.

Moreover, the cloud democratises access to live video production tools, enabling smaller teams and independent creators to leverage powerful infrastructure without substantial upfront investments.

Anyone can create live video without compromising on quality.

This accessibility empowers grassroots movements, community organisations, and content creators with limited resources to actively engage in live video production, amplifying their voices and perspectives to new audiences. Monetisation opportunities are an added benefit for these creators.

A burgeoning domain is high-quality live vertical video production tailored for social channels such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. New generations of fans are digital natives. Estimates of hours spent on phones are between 5 and 6 hours per day for Generation Z and Alpha. Let’s also not forget the more mature fans – they are increasingly savvy in their use of technology and social media.

Equally, with an estimated 60% of global video views originating from mobile devices as of 2023, the case for increased 9×16 live output – on top of the traditional 16×9 output – becomes compelling, if not a necessity.

Cloud-based solutions enhance resource utilisation efficiency. This means that logically the same platform can simultaneously output live to a traditional workflow – let’s say as an SRT to a decoder in an MCR for distribution on linear TV – while contributing to a new output tailored for social media, whether in 16×9 or 9×16.

Vertical video output, of course, requires specific upstream considerations – especially from crews and camera operators who need to be aware of framing in shots. It’s noteworthy that advances in AI will enable smart software to eventually crop a 16×9 shot to a meaningful 9×16 in real-time.

So, what does this all mean for 2024? In short: the cloud’s impact on live video production extends beyond efficiency gains to address broader issues of sustainability while enabling content creators to reach (and monetise) audiences in a vertical format with ease.

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, staying ahead of the curve is not just a choice – it’s a necessity. In this blog, we explore the convergence of two powerful trends: the dominance of vertical video in social media and the transformative potential of multicamera live feeds in enabling further engagement.

The Vertical Revolution

Social media platforms are witnessing a revolution, and it’s happening vertically. The rise of vertical video has fundamentally altered the way we consume and share content. Once considered an unconventional format, vertical video has become the preferred choice, particularly among younger demographics. The shift is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a response to the way we hold our smartphones.

Engaging with the youth demographic requires adapting to their preferred content consumption habits. Vertical video not only fits seamlessly into the portrait orientation of mobile devices but also provides a more immersive and personalized viewing experience. The youth audience craves authenticity and immediacy, and vertical video caters to these desires by offering a more intimate, smartphone-friendly interaction.

Equally, social media platform over index visibility for vertical video because of their engagements. According to Yans Media, 90% of twitter videos views are from mobiles in vertical format, while vertical videos have 13.8x more visibility on Facebook thus driving a higher engagement rate. They also estimate that less than 30% of users will turn their smartphones to watch a video.

Multicamera Magic

While vertical video captures attention, the next frontier lies in enhancing the viewer experience. Enter multicamera live feeds – the potential game-changer in live video production. The traditional single-camera setup has its merits, but to truly captivate audiences, especially in an era dominated by visually sophisticated content, a multicamera approach is indispensable.

1. Immersive Experiences:

Multicamera live feeds transport viewers from passive spectators to active participants. By seamlessly switching between various angles, perspectives, and focal points, the audience is no longer confined to a single viewpoint. This level of immersion transforms the viewing experience into a dynamic and engaging journey, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.

2. Dynamic Storytelling

Live video is a powerful storytelling medium, and multicamera setups elevate this power exponentially. Whether it’s a live event, webinar, or product launch, the ability to switch between cameras adds a layer of dynamism to the narrative. It’s not just about what’s being shown; it’s about how it’s being shown.

3. Audience Interaction

Multicamera setups allow for real-time audience interaction. From Q&A sessions to live polls, the ability to respond to viewer feedback in the moment fosters a sense of community and connectivity. This engagement is crucial in an era where audience participation is not just desired but expected.

Bridging the Gap: Vertical Video Meets Multicamera Magic

The synergy between vertical video and multicamera live feeds is a potent combination for SaaS companies offering live video production platforms. The marriage of these trends not only aligns with the preferences of the youth demographic but also ensures that the content is delivered in the most captivating and immersive way possible.