The Twitter-fueled Live Video Race

Gary Vaynerchuk, a prominent figure in the tech world, offers his insights on the ongoing battle between Meerkat and Periscope, two live streaming apps vying for dominance in the social media landscape. The article, titled “Meerkat vs. Periscope: It’s Too Early to Call,” delves into the dynamics of this competitive landscape, highlighting the role of Twitter in shaping the race.

• Vaynerchuk, whose fund VaynerRSE invested in Meerkat, acknowledges his bias towards the app but insists on providing an objective perspective.
• He expresses his fascination with the plethora of articles declaring one app a winner over the other, emphasizing the early stage of this competition.
• He cautions against premature declarations of victory, drawing parallels with past tech battles where early predictions proved inaccurate.

The Twitter Factor

Twitter's acquisition of Periscope brings a significant advantage to the table. With its massive user base, Twitter provides Periscope with immediate access to a vast audience and integration into its existing social network. However, Vaynerchuk reminds us that Twitter's acquisition of Jaiku, another social media platform, did not result in Twitter's demise. The acquisition actually led to Jaiku's decline.

• This historical anecdote highlights the unpredictable nature of the tech world and serves as a reminder that early wins are not necessarily guaranteed.
• The impact of Twitter's acquisition of Periscope remains to be seen, and the future of the live video space is uncertain.

A Look Beyond Twitter

While Twitter's presence casts a large shadow, Vaynerchuk emphasizes the need to look beyond the immediate players. He points to Snapchat as a potential contender, suggesting that its entry into the live video space could shake up the competition.

• Snapchat's user base and focus on mobile communication make it a potential disruptor in the live video market.
• The article explores the possibility of Snapchat's integration of live video features, which could significantly alter the existing dynamics.

The Unforeseen Challenges

The article explores the challenges of sustaining live video production, hinting at the potential for the entire market to face difficulties. Vaynerchuk raises the question of whether the technical and logistical hurdles associated with live video might hinder its widespread adoption.

• He challenges the assumption that one app will emerge as the undisputed champion, suggesting that the entire live video landscape might face unforeseen obstacles.
• This perspective acknowledges the potential for a different outcome, one where the early hype surrounding live video may not translate into long-term success.

The Unfolding Story

In conclusion, Vaynerchuk's article urges caution and encourages a longer-term perspective on the Meerkat vs. Periscope rivalry. He believes it's too early to call a winner and advises against jumping to conclusions. The article highlights the unpredictable nature of the tech world and emphasizes the importance of remaining open to unexpected developments.

• The article reinforces the idea that the future of live video is far from settled, leaving room for new entrants and unexpected shifts in the market.
• It suggests that the live video space is still evolving, with the potential for further innovation and surprises in the years to come.