Live broadcasting on the Internet celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, while television broadcasting celebrates a century. The Internet has already surpassed television in the number of viewers. We spend our free time watching Netflix series, YouTube blogs and Instagram live videos. Video conferencing tools like Zoom have revolutionized doing business and communicating with friends and colleagues.

More than 60,000 attendees of the 100th NAB Show (National Association of Broadcasters) conference held in Las Vegas on April 15-19 gathered on the topic of Internet broadcasting.

Based on the results of this show, we present the seven hottest streaming video trends of 2023.

1. Artificial intelligence (AI)

AI has made significant contributions to improving content recommendations for viewing. AI-based recommendation engines analyze and personalize viewing based on users’ browsing history and preferences, thereby increasing audience engagement.

AI can also be used to create and distribute content. For example, some linear broadcast companies like Defiance Media already create AI-generated news content, while DeepBrain AI Studios and D-ID’s Speaking Portrait do it for training videos, personalized customer messages, marketing materials, etc. using it to automate creation.

AI can also come in handy for video translation and dubbing. An example of this is the Ukrainian service Vidby, which provides instant translation of videos into 75 languages.

2. Cloud technology Cloud technology

By leveraging the power of the cloud, publishers can gain many benefits – lower costs, greater flexibility, and improved scalability.

One of the main benefits of cloud technology is that it provides on-demand access to computing resources, allowing publishers to quickly and easily scale up or down as needed. This makes it possible to manage spikes in demand, such as during live events, without investing in expensive equipment and infrastructure.

3. Meta Universe

Metaverse or Metaverse is a virtual space with digital worlds where users can move and communicate regardless of physical distances. It is already being used in broadcasting to create new forms of storytelling, audience engagement and advertising opportunities. Publishers benefit from the integration of Metauniverse technologies for virtual events and conferences accessible to users from all over the world.

This virtual world will revolutionize the way content is consumed and interacted with. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see new forms of its use in broadcasting.

4. Next Generation TV

NextGen TV, also known as ATSC 3.0, is the latest generation of digital television broadcast technology designed to improve its quality, interactivity and versatility.

Compared to previous broadcast standards, NextGen TV supports 4K Ultra HD resolution, high dynamic range (HDR) and immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos.

Using this technology, broadcasters can deliver interactive, personalized content to customers, including targeted advertisements, program-related information, and real-time emergency alerts.

NextGen TV also offers improved reception and coverage, helping to expand the audience.

5. Free Ad Supported TV (FAST)

This year we also see a return to the FAST ad-supported free TV model. This combination of streaming and linear broadcasting provides viewers with free content, while broadcasters can monetize their programs through advertising.

With the current number of platforms competing for our attention (and wallet), viewers in developed countries are no longer willing to pay for a dozen different services.

6. 5G on the air

5G is poised to revolutionize Internet communications by offering faster and more reliable connections. The technological standard of the fifth generation promises higher upload and download speeds, so it becomes possible to transmit high-quality video content without buffering and interruptions.

With 5G, you can connect more devices to the network at the same time without degrading the connection quality. This means more users can access the same content at the same time without lag or video lag.

7. Green production practices

Of course, protecting the environment doesn’t immediately come to mind when talking about internet broadcasting, but the latest technologies help reduce harmful emissions.

Currently, publishers all over the world are applying ecological production methods. Using energy-efficient equipment in the manufacturing process is all about minimizing waste and reducing carbon emissions. For example, there are studios that use LED lighting, which is more energy efficient than conventional lighting, to reduce the impact on the environment.

Publishers are also investing in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power generation to support their operations. Many use energy-efficient building design and environmental technologies – energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

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Some of these trends may yet seem very detached from the current reality and far from their widespread application. However, it is clear that an understanding of technological trends will be very necessary in the near future and its application will become essential for success in Internet broadcasting.

Denis Krasnikov