Is social media viewing putting pressure on our broadcasters?
It is no secret that the popularity of online video content is putting pressure on traditional broadcasters, as more people switch to on-demand content and streaming services. Alongside the widespread consumption of online video content, media recipients are also becoming active content creators on social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
This consumption of fast-paced and interactive online content is proving to be very popular with the Irish youth, who are keen to follow the latest trends of their favourite influencers. In this article we take a closer look at the impact social media viewing is having on Irish broadcasters such as RTE, Virgin Media and TG4.
What will the future hold for Irish broadcasters?
Despite the change in viewing patterns for Irish TV channels, online video platforms can be used as an excellent tool for many traditional broadcasters, especially when it comes to news and sporting events. It is not just the younger generation which are searching for online videos, and as more people across the country gain access to the internet it is expected that a growing number of TV viewers will begin to stream and download video content.
In fact, online streaming sites have their own competitors, with social media becoming a substitute for TV time. According to the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings, the company is always competing with linear TV, social media websites and any form of online content in the fight for viewers time. It is clear that if Irish broadcasters want to stay ahead, they will need to adapt to new ways of sharing video content, especially if they are looking to appeal to avid fans of sites such as TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
The advice to broadcasters is to diversify away from traditional advertising and invest in premium video productions and online streaming initiatives. Instead of viewing social media and video sharing platforms as direct enemies, broadcasters need to learn how to use these platforms to share content in a form which their viewers crave.
What effects will social media videos have on our youth compared to traditionally broadcast content?
From a young age the youth of Ireland are exposed to social media sites and online streaming services, so there will naturally be an impact on how they search for and share videos compared to traditionally broadcast content. In fact, creating video content is no longer a task left to video producers and national broadcasters, as we see a growing number of young people naturally developing exceptional skills as photographers, video editors and even drone pilots.
Today, we have access to a perpetual stream of information about everything from worldwide news to fashion, gossip, and celebrities, and we can access this content from anywhere with an internet connection. This has created a demand for quick and instant content, with a growing number of people looking to create this content themselves.
In comparison to older generations which grew up watching traditional broadcastings, the younger generation are not passive media recipients. They are active content creators, who are looking to share their own content, share the content of those around them and partake in direct conversations with those they follow.
Leaning Tree Media – Video production training courses
If you would like to learn more about how you can create content for your own social media platform or streaming service, the team at Leaning Tree Media are here to help budding videographers. We understand the intricacies of video production, and we offer training courses which will help your social media content go viral! To find out more about our digital media courses, please contact our team today and you will soon be creating your own video.
