Periscope is a live streaming app that was developed by Kayvon Beykpour and Joe Bernstein and later acquired by Twitter. Since its launch in 2015, Periscope has been a leading platform for broadcasting and watching live videos, with a wide range of use-cases, including news reporting, social interaction, educational content, and much more.
Key Features of Periscope
Periscope’s main functionality is to allow users to live-stream videos from their devices to audiences worldwide. Viewers can interact with the broadcasters by sending comments or "hearts" to express their appreciation. Furthermore, Periscope videos can be saved and replayed for up to 24 hours after the broadcast, giving users who missed the live broadcast an opportunity to catch up.
User Experience on Periscope
Creating an account on Periscope is straightforward. Users can either sign in using their Twitter account or create a new account using their phone number. Once logged in, users can start broadcasting by simply pressing the "Go Live" button. During a live video, broadcasters can see and interact with comments from viewers in real-time.
Safety and Moderation on Periscope
To maintain a safe and respectful environment, Periscope has community guidelines that users must adhere to. Abusive behavior, spam, graphic content, or any other harmful conduct are strictly prohibited. Periscope provides tools for reporting and blocking offensive users, and repeat offenders can face permanent bans.
Periscope and the Evolution of Live Streaming
Periscope's launch marked a significant milestone in the evolution of live streaming. It brought the idea of live broadcasting to mainstream users, allowing anyone with a smartphone to broadcast their world in real-time. The application's success inspired other major platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, to integrate similar live-streaming features.
The Future of Periscope
As of March 2021, Twitter announced that Periscope would be discontinued due to declining usage and high maintenance costs. However, Twitter has integrated live streaming directly into its main app with "Twitter Live" ensuring that the spirit of Periscope lives on.
While Periscope as a standalone app has come to an end, it left an enduring legacy in the world of social media. It popularized the concept of live video streaming, transforming the way people share and consume content online. Today, the live streaming features that are now commonplace across social platforms can be attributed in part to the trail blazed by Periscope.
