What is streaming? It’s the continuous video transmission from a server to an end user who watches for enjoyment or edification. This video feed is not downloaded but viewed online through a service and can be movies, tv shows, videos and live-streamed content.
While you may immediately think of Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV+ or Amazon Prime Video, some platforms allow viewing from creators, providing compelling content that attracts a wide audience. These include Google, Facebook and Twitch.
Are you looking to make a living in the streaming space? There are lots of ways to pursue this as a part-time or full-time job. Here are the best career opportunities in streaming:
Career Opportunity #1: Streaming Engineer
The global movement to streaming means you need content creators to fill the need, but more importantly, you need the tech people to build the infrastructure and operate the platforms. Becoming a streaming engineer will open up a lucrative career because communication and networking software must be developed and scaled up as platforms and users grow.
You need people that can do advanced video coding and understand live streaming protocols like WebRTC, HLS and RTMP with a strong understanding of C/C++.
Career Opportunity #2: Live Shopping
You may not have heard of live shopping, but it is the next wave of streaming that combines live feeds with online retail consumption.
Live shopping connects people who come to your site to shop. While all the usual capabilities on a regular site are present, like products, information and checkout, you can connect live with your staff member as they take you through the site and help you make your purchase.
This real-time interaction helps convert sales because consumers can get a live interaction by:
- Answering questions
- Providing assistance
- Giving recommendations
- Building customer confidence
This platform replicates the in-store experience, but it’s virtual and one-on-one. Platforms like this integrate seamlessly with your existing systems and e-commerce tools so you can get up and running immediately. This is how you get into the lucrative streaming game for a business owner with a retail website.
Career Opportunity #3: Live Streamers
Live-streaming individuals are taking over the internet because of their real-time capabilities, producing high-paying careers for many influencers. This is the next step in brand building, and followers jump across platforms to ones you can make money on.
These entrepreneurs broadcast live videos in their niche, and it is wide open to:
- Live chat
- Gaming
- Painting
- Cooking
- Makeup
And so much more. This is another lucrative revenue stream if you have built a following on TikTok or Instagram and are looking to monetize that success.
Followers want to connect and interact with you, and streaming allows that with platforms like Facebook, Google and, Twitch. This is done in real-time, so it is unfiltered and dynamic.
Understand that building a loyal fan base takes time, and competition exists. But there is also tremendous opportunity. It’s important to see what is trending and popular with live streaming and see if you can fit into that niche with your spin. You are building a brand and want to be known for your style, flair and amazing content.
Career Opportunity #4: Social Media Influencers
Live streamers can start with zero following, but it may be easier to start on other social media platforms and build a following. The best platforms to pump content in are:
TikTok
While this is a fairly new platform, it is one of the most popular. You can easily post short videos and go live as you build followers. Becoming an influencer is hard, but you are looking to build a fan base.
Instagram is another popular site for influencers and is great for pictures, memes, videos and other visual content.
Facebook got into social media early and built a huge network you can take advantage of. And once you do, you can use their streaming capabilities to build your brand.
YouTube
Here is where you can make real money as you gain followers and become an influencer. It’s a way to get your feet wet and dive into the deep end with consistent video posting and entertainment.
Career Opportunity #5: Front End & Back End Engineer
These positions are in high demand among streaming companies, and they build out the friendly user interfaces and broadcast and video rendering requirements of a streaming business.
- Front End Engineers make the navigation experience of the platforms easier to increase engagement.
- Back End Engineers deal with large traffic products and keep all the services running smoothly through “chaos engineering.”
These tech jobs are becoming more in demand and scale rapidly with the industry’s growth.
Streaming is a new frontier; you must get in while it is fresh. Like blogging and podcasting, streaming is the new way to build a brand and a career. Whether you work behind the scenes, take advantage of the tech to make your online shop live, or market yourself in real-time, This is what is hot right now.
Get out there and take a long ride on the streaming train!
