As we near the year’s midpoint, video streaming industry trends indicate an ongoing development and realignment of priorities from some of the sector’s most prominent players in response to evolving viewer and creator demand, with a pronounced emphasis on quality and engagement. Building on these trends, the sports streaming sector continues to enhance the live viewing experience and prioritize faster and higher-quality content delivery. Sports broadcasters are focusing more on providing real-time, ultra-low latency content by implementing AI-powered solutions such as multi-CDN delivery models. As can only be expected, the application of AI continues to extend throughout the industry and impact how millions of viewers with diverse needs consume, resulting in increased accessibility and enhanced engagement. 

In this article, we take a closer look at how shifting audience preferences and industry innovations are set to raise the standards expected from streaming providers in 2024, and the way audiences engage with content.

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Developments in sports streaming

As we move through 2024, the sports streaming industry continues to prioritize developments in format and quality, building upon recent momentum and a surge in popularity of live streaming platforms. As viewers continue to migrate from traditional cable and broadcast services to streaming platforms, content providers place increasing focus on enhancing the live sports streaming experience. One approach is the implementation of multi-CDN strategies and switching technologies offered by solutions such as System73’s Edge Delivery, ensuring optimal performance and reducing latency.

Edge Delivery, our innovative, multi-CDN content delivery solution, is designed to enhance quality of experience (QoE) by predicting congestion in the content delivery network and automatically switching routes to maintain a seamless viewing experience. As part of this automated switching strategy, Edge Delivery selects the lowest cost CDN(s) that meets the broadcasters QoE objectives while decreasing operational costs by 50%. This solution can be harnessed for both VoD and live content, making it particularly valuable for sports events where delays and buffering events can significantly impact viewer satisfaction and potentially result in churn. Visit system73.com/edge-delivery for more information.

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Lights, camera, quality

In the second half of 2024, the streaming industry is expected to shift its priorities towards valuing quality over quantity with regards to content production. Following a realization that sustainable growth depends on fostering deeper connections with audiences, rather than churning out lack-luster content, the streaming space is beginning to reevaluate their business objectives. This recognition, coupled with the recent pushback and strikes demonstrated by Writers Guild of America (WGA) members, including many Hollywood scriptwriters, has created a ripple effect resulting in an industry move towards higher quality for long-term audience retention. So, what might we expect to watch as 2024 progresses? Producers are likely to create fewer but more refined productions aimed at delivering high-quality content that resonates with viewers on a deeper level, favoring a more balanced and strategic approach that prioritizes user satisfaction and engagement..

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Enhancing language accessibility

Language accessibility for live streaming events will also experience a significant jump in quality thanks to AI-powered translation, captioning and dubbing in real time. Advanced algorithms are now able to rapidly process multiple languages and dialects in a matter of mili-second, allowing streaming platforms to offer instantaneous, accurate subtitles and dubbed audio. This means viewers worldwide can enjoy content in their preferred language without delays or inconsistencies, breaking down language barriers and broadening the reach of live streamed content.

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AI-driven closed captioning and sign language interpretation are also set to become standard features of live content, ensuring it is accessible to all audiences, including those with hearing impairments. By democratizing content, AI will soon allow streaming services to reach much greater and more diverse audiences, foster more inclusive standards for live broadcasts, and enrich the viewing experience for all viewers.

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For more information on video streaming trends, Edge delivery, or to book a call with our sales team, visit system73.com.

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