How do GenZ follow their favourite sports team?

Sport achievements can connect people from every generation. Youngsters and sport veterans cheer, get overwhelmed with joy or get disappointed for their favourite sports team together. Even if the experienced feelings are similar, the way they follow sport events is not: GenZ prefers much more to participate via livestreams and online events than going to the actual site. What are the numbers and what can livestream providers and organizers do with it?

GenZ FOLLOWS sports news online

The easiest way to access information is by taking out our phone from our pocket – we all know this. And GenZ uses this to the maximum extent possible. Why wouldn’t they when almost all the information they need can be immediately in their hands? Naturally, following sports news also happens online for them. From the latest sport reports to the current mood of their favourite players via their social media accounts, all of it is easily accessible. Just take a look at the most famous sport players’ Instagram accounts: Cristiano Ronaldo having 622 million followers and Leonel Messi having 499 million followers tells you enough.

GenZ WATCHES sports events online

In a recent poll of Talker, they published that 80% of fans between the ages of 18 and 26 watch sport from their mobile. 74% also get most of their sports content from social media, the highest from the viewed generations. 

The article also states that 43% of GenZ prefers to watch sport events from home and their preferred sports are basketball, athletics and football. For almost 80% of them, the importance of captivating content using augmented reality graphics, virtual studios, data, and sports analysis tools and more is essential.

This gives the livestream providers and sports events organizers the opportunity to engage with GenZ real-time during these sport events. For them, a well-organized sport live event is also a platform where they can have special offers, coupon codes, limited merchandise items shown to this group. 

Increasing revenue during a sport event livestream is possible with Bannerse. This cutting-edge sports ad format allows the livestream to turn into an interactive video player where the viewers not just watch but click and purchase. 

Book a demo now and monetize your sports content! 

Journey of a sports fan – from casual viewer to dedicated customer

One does not have to be a professional player in order to enjoy sports – engaging in fan activities can be just as cathartic. But how does a casual viewer become a passionate supporter? 

1. Finding the sport that speaks to them

The journey begins with finding the sport that they enjoy. This can be one that they themselves played or did when they were youngsters and they already have good memories and an emotional connection to it. Or it can be something that they take on on the road when they are grown-ups. It can be introduced to them by others who are may already be fans, or of course they can come across it by total accident - for example stopping by a livestream of a sport event.

2. Finding the team they can cheer for

The next step is the team. Either we talk local or international level, sticking to a group hey want to call the winning team is where becoming a fan starts. And it’s not just the players that make up this group, it’s the other fans too. By cheering on a team together, they have a collective experience that makes them either very happy or sometimes very sad. But what matters is that they can feel and express these emotions together. 

In order to be accepted by the fan group, they need to show that they support this particular team. The most obvious sign is a visual one: wearing the colors of the team. A jersey or a scarf is the strongest indicator that one belongs to a sports fan club.

3. Participating in sports events

The easiest way to connect to their team and to other fans is by participating in sports events. This can mean going to the actual site, the arena or stadium, or maybe meeting up with other fans before or after a game, or if physical presence is not possible, watching a livestream of the sport event their team is involved in.

This way, a casual viewer gets a more and more dedicated member of the fan club, engaging in more and more activities related to the team, and also owning more and more that expresses their commitment to the sport and the team. This can mean the jersey of their favourite player, a scarf with their favourite team, and everyday items that are merchandise products from the team: mugs, pens, booklets, hoodies, posters and so much more.

As they spend more and more time as a fan, the choice becomes self-evident: if they have to choose between a product with or without their team’s label on it, they prefer the latter one.

When do sports fans make a purchase?

Purchasing a merchandise items happens most often during a sports event – both in a venue and in a livestream. The online event organizers and livestream providers have the opportunity to offer the products to the fans with Bannerse. This AI-powered interactive video ad format allows viewers to go to the webshop and buy products real-time during an event. 

If you want to know all the possibilities of Bannerse, contact us!

Why do fans buy merchandise in a sport event livestream?

We all know one of the biggest strength of sport: it can bring people together from all around the world, facing one goal together – to help their team with their support. Engaging in fan activities creates a strong bond between these people and this environment encourages them to participate in events and actions that help them showing their connection to the team, the sport, the community.

How can sports event organizers use the fan activity?

Needless to say, it is important for the sports event livestream organizers to make the best of the attention fans give to the streaming platform during these sports events. This can mean multiple things:

These real-time sports fan engagement can bring revenue to the organizers and other potential buyers too.

Why do sports fans like watching livestreams?

In the 21. century, nothing is more important than getting information as soon as possible. This stands during the time we work and also while we are relaxing. We start the day by opening our phones and reading the news, during the day we see every email and message popping up on the screen – so we can answer them immediately, and in the evening we sometimes find it impossible to stop scrolling and fall asleep. The point is, we want to know everything right away. FOMO, the fear of missing out is very hard to resist. 

For a sports fan, watching a sports livestream is about all of the above and so much more. Besides wanting to know every detail that is happening during the event, the feeling of community, cheering together brings a rush of joy. And if possible, sports fans want to increase this feeling with signs that show they belong to this community. This includes chanting, singing, wearing the team’s colors and showing up either offline or online.

Why do sports fans like buying merchandise?

This way, owning merchandise is the strongest visual sign of belonging to a fan group. And the more, the better: a shirt, a scarf, a hat, facepaint in the exact shade of the team… The possibilities are almost endless. 

Just like the opportunities for sports event organizers to offer their products for them.

During a livestream, organizers can direct the viewers to their webshop by pop-ups showing the products with links to their website. An extra feature can be a promotion code, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a special item by tiping in the code shown on the screen. 

How can they add this to the livestream? Our answer is Bannerse: an AI-based interactive video ad format that empowers advertisers to monetize consumer engagement through real-time interactivity, introducing a cutting-edge ad format tailored to enhance the overall consumer journey.

If you would like to know more, don’t hesitate to book a demo!

The Growth of Sports Streaming by the Numbers

The sports streaming landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, offering fans unprecedented access to a diverse array of sports content across various platforms and services. From the thrill of national competitions to the fervor of college sports, streaming services have broadened the horizons for sports enthusiasts, enabling them to enjoy high-resolution broadcasts on multiple devices. This evolution in sports consumption signifies a fundamental shift in how we spectate and engage with sports, heralding a new era of digital fandom.

As the sports streaming industry continues to expand, it's reshaping the dynamics between fans, sports, and the media. With each passing day, the industry notches up in prominence, bringing into focus the intricacies and nuances of digital sports viewership. In this article, we delve into the latest sports streaming statistics, uncovering how this digital revolution has altered the game for fans and the industry alike. Join us as we explore the numbers and trends that are defining the future of sports streaming, highlighting the pivotal role it plays in the modern sports landscape.

Industry Valuation and Projections

The global online live video sports streaming market, valued at $18.11 billion in 2020, is on an explosive trajectory, expected to soar to $87.33 billion by 2028. This growth, marked by a CAGR of 21.5%, reflects a robust demand for digital sports content.

Sports: The Pillar of Traditional TV

Sports programming has become the linchpin for linear TV, contributing to a 22% surge in viewership. Remarkably, 43% of cable subscribers cite sports as the primary reason for retaining their cable subscriptions, underscoring the indispensable role of sports in traditional broadcasting.

Viewing Habits and Demographic Insights

Global Viewership Trends

In China, 54% of the population watches sports live online, showcasing the country's leading role in digital sports consumption. Meanwhile, Peru stands out with 83% viewership on live TV, highlighting regional preferences in sports viewing.

Youth vs. Older Generations

The disparity in streaming platform subscriptions is evident across age groups, with 30% of 18 to 34-year-olds subscribing to multiple services, compared to just 14% of those over 35. This gap illustrates the generational shift towards digital platforms.

Key Highlights in Sports Streaming

NFL's Dominance

The NFL's appeal is unmatched, with Sunday Night Football and Thursday Night Football attracting 18.14 million and 15.14 million viewers, respectively. These figures not only underscore the NFL's popularity but also its significant contribution to TV ratings.

The Rise of College and Women's Sports

College sports, including women's basketball, are experiencing a surge in viewership, with women’s college basketball tournaments seeing an 11% increase. This trend indicates a broadening interest in diverse sports content.

The Impact of eSports

eSports viewership reached 532.2 million in 2022, with projections suggesting an increase to 640.8 million by 2025. This burgeoning sector is redefining sports consumption, particularly among younger audiences.

The Influence of Streaming Services and Emerging Challenges

Streaming Services Outperforming Expectations

Amazon Prime Video's coverage of Thursday Night Football exceeded viewership promises, attracting 15.3 million viewers, highlighting the potential of streaming platforms to draw large audiences.

The Persistence of Illegal Streaming

Despite the availability of legal streaming options, 40% of sports fans still resort to illegal websites for content, pointing to ongoing challenges in accessibility and pricing.

The Role of Twitch in eSports

Twitch, a leading platform for eSports streaming, generated $2.8 billion in revenue in 2022, emphasizing the significant economic impact of digital sports content.

Conclusion: The Evolving Sports Streaming Ecosystem

The detailed numbers and facts of 2024 reflect a sports streaming ecosystem that is not only growing in size but also evolving in complexity. The blend of traditional and digital consumption patterns, coupled with the diversification of content and platforms, points to a future where accessibility, engagement, and choice are paramount for fans. As the industry navigates challenges like illegal streaming and seeks to capitalize on opportunities like eSports, the trajectory of sports streaming is poised for further innovation and expansion. This dynamic landscape promises to redefine how sports are consumed, with every statistic marking a step towards a more connected and digital-first sporting world.

Highlights of Sports Streaming Statistics

Exploring the Digital Horizon: Key Trends Transforming the 2024 Landscape

As we navigate through the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the IMG Digital Trends 2024 report unveils transformative shifts that are reshaping industries and consumer experiences. This year, we delve into seven pivotal trends, each heralding significant implications for technology, sports, and media sectors.

Web3 and Machine Learning Redefine Engagement: The emergence of Web3 technologies, underpinned by blockchain, alongside the proliferation of machine learning applications, is setting the stage for a new era of internet experiences. These technologies are not only revolutionizing the way we interact with digital content but also offering unprecedented opportunities for personalized and immersive experiences.

AI's Creative and Analytical Leap: Artificial intelligence is taking center stage, transforming content creation, customer service, and predictive analytics. AI's ability to generate original content and provide insights is unlocking efficiencies and creating new pathways for engagement and monetization.

The Evolution of Digital Platforms: The notion of "social media" is undergoing a transformation. As platforms evolve, the focus shifts towards creating more nuanced and targeted content distribution channels, moving beyond traditional social media paradigms to cater to diverse audience needs and interests.

Monetization of Women's Sports through Digital: Highlighting a significant shift, women's sports are witnessing a surge in digital monetization, driven by deep fan engagement and increased visibility. This trend underscores the growing recognition of women's sports as a valuable entity within the digital and broadcasting ecosystem.

Smart Stadiums Enhance Fan Experiences: The concept of smart stadiums is coming to fruition, leveraging technology to enhance the fan experience, optimize operations, and open new revenue streams. From seamless connectivity to advanced engagement platforms, stadiums are becoming more than just venues for sporting events.

Personalization Becomes Imperative: In a world inundated with choices, personalization is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Tailored experiences that resonate with individual preferences and behaviors are becoming critical for retaining attention and fostering loyalty.

The Rise of Mega Influencers: The impact of mega influencers on sports leagues and brands is undeniable. Figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Taylor Swift exemplify how individual influence can transcend traditional marketing, creating waves of engagement and bringing new audiences to sports and entertainment.

As we look towards 2024, these trends offer a glimpse into the future, where digital innovation continues to break new ground, reshaping how we interact, engage, and experience the world around us.

Navigating the Future: The Evolution of Sports Technology in 2024

The year 2024 marks a pivotal era in the sports industry, underscored by rapid technological advancements and an ever-increasing demand for innovation. The symbiosis of sports and technology is reshaping the landscape, offering new opportunities for engagement, performance enhancement, and business growth. This blog post delves into the core trends, investment insights, and the transformative role of AI in sports technology, drawing from the expertise of industry leaders.

Globalization and Digital Platforms:

The drive towards globalization is significantly influencing sports entities as they seek to capture and engage a global fan base. The limitations of live event attendance have accelerated the need for digital platforms that provide accessible and engaging content to international audiences. Innovations in language and translation technologies, alongside sophisticated ad delivery systems, are breaking down barriers, making sports more inclusive and accessible worldwide.

The Power of Fan Data:

Data is the new gold in the sports industry. The focus on fan data is revolutionizing how sports organizations approach marketing, sponsorship, and engagement. Detailed analytics offer a deep dive into fan preferences, enabling personalized experiences and robust loyalty programs. This shift towards a data-driven model is not just enhancing fan engagement but is also offering measurable returns on investments for brands and sponsors.

Tech Integration for Tangible Outcomes:

The spotlight is on technologies that deliver real, tangible benefits. The fusion of data and video analysis, augmented by wearable tech, is providing unprecedented insights into athlete performance. Meanwhile, AR and VR technologies are pushing the boundaries of fan engagement, creating immersive experiences that bring the game closer to the audience. The industry's focus is on innovations that not only captivate but also offer substantial value to all stakeholders.

Wearable Technology and Performance Enhancement:

The advancement of AI algorithms and wearable technology is setting a new standard in athlete performance and training. These tools are enabling a more nuanced analysis of performance data, leading to optimized training methods, enhanced performance, and reduced injury risks. This area is poised for significant growth, driven by a deeper understanding of its potential to transform sports science.

Redefining the Game Day Experience:

Sports venues are undergoing a transformation, much like airports have redefined travel experiences. The enhancement of the game day experience aims to attract fans early and retain them post-event, offering more than just the game. This evolution is driven by the integration of cutting-edge technology and culinary trends, creating an environment where fans are eager to participate in the entire event ecosystem.

Spotlight on Women’s and Youth Sports:

Women’s and youth sports are emerging as fertile grounds for technological innovation and growth. There is a growing recognition of the need for targeted solutions that cater to these segments, with a potential for substantial impact. The industry is gearing up for a surge in tech-driven advancements, aiming to foster growth and provide enriched experiences for these vital audiences.

The AI Revolution in Sports Technology:

AI, and specifically generative AI, is set to have a profound impact on the sports industry. From personalizing fan experiences to creating realistic simulations and automating content distribution, AI’s applications are vast and varied. The technology is not just enhancing existing processes but is also paving the way for new possibilities in athlete coaching, performance analysis, and injury prevention.

Investment Landscape and Future Outlook:

Despite past challenges, the investment climate in sports technology is showing signs of improvement, with a renewed excitement for innovative solutions. Strategic investments from within the industry, including teams and athletes, are expected to play a pivotal role in supporting startups. The focus is on technologies that address genuine market needs, with a clear path to delivering substantial outcomes.

Conclusion:

The intersection of sports and technology in 2024 heralds a new era of innovation and growth. As the industry continues to evolve, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and data-driven strategies will be key to unlocking new opportunities. For organizations willing to embrace this tech-driven future, the potential is limitless. The future of sports technology is not just about enhancing the game but redefining the entire sports experience for athletes, fans, and stakeholders alike.

Shoppable video vs livestream video: how to tell them apart?

In recent years, live sales have taken conventional e-commerce by the collars and turned it into an interactive online shopping experience. This method is way more credible, trustworthy, exciting and loaded with possibilities.

Both tools have proved to be game changers in building connection with consumers in a virtual environment that used to be unpersonal and stimuli-free. Actually, according to a recent research conducted by BDMI, 78% of brands use live sales primarily to establish deeper connection with their audience. 

Due to being quite newfangled terms, shoppable video vs livestream video have been incorrectly used interchangeably and sparked some uncertainty among marketers. Below we demystify both expressions and tell you about their different and similar characteristics.

What is a shoppable video?

The essence of shoppable video lies in its clickable, transparent and direct setup that makes interaction easy with customers. It allows for instant shopping, as videos can be endowed with a product feed, and various tags ranging from images, text bits or URLs. After the necessary elements have been added, the respective brand has nothing else to do but to share the content on its webstore and social media outlets.

What is a livestream shopping video?

Livestream videos are real time events that feature a host who starts and ends the session. This person might be an employee of the given company, an invited guest, an influencer or media personality. They are tasked with entertaining, educating and promoting at the same time. Furthermore, while they popularize a certain brand’s products, they communicate with viewers via speech or live chat. This approach helps to build trust in prospects.

Brands make up their minds about what goods they wish to promote during the streams before it starts, then the host has the possibility to edit the embedded product feed based on live feedback. The carousel of items integrated in the video allows for direct purchase, significantly shortening the customer journey. Naturally, livestream shopping also allows for multi-platform sharing that advances awareness and profit maximization.

As you can see, a shoppable video vs livestream video is used for the same purpose but have their own approach with consumers. Now let’s delve into what their differences and similarities are.

Shoppable video vs livestream video: vital differences and common features

Key differences

Most important common traits

Which method is better for my business?

Naturally, it’s totally up to you to decide which option suits your brand and meet your expectations best. As for us, livestream shopping gives a much richer experience to both the host of the session and their viewers.

For instance, the option for immediate communication is one of the heaviest factors that outweigh the capacities of a shoppable video. It’s also a noteworthy point that a livestream video might be repurposed as a shoppable one after the real-time event is over.

While the choice is in your hands, we have only one thing left to say: you can’t go wrong with giving Bannerse a go, especially since we offer a selection of beneficial packages to choose from! Don’t worry, we will help you with every step. Book a demo!

Case study: retailers and livestream shopping make a powerful duo

We’ve already brought multiple occasions to your attention in which live sales proved to be a sweeping success. Influencer collabs, charity events and filling online ad spaces with meaningful content are just the tip of the iceberg. In the below sections we introduce you to a specific sphere, where the utilization of this e-commerce technique brings fruitful results.

Let’s dive into the mutually beneficial relation between livestream shopping and retailers from the perspective of a specific example.

Livestream shopping meets a global food retail chain: Bannerse x SPAR

The innovative livestream sales paired up with retailers bring about huge benefits in several industries, including boosted exposure and increased revenues. Bannerse has managed to grab and exploit the opportunity of teaming up with one of the largest food retail chains in Europe – SPAR. The industry-leading giant has over 13.500 stores in more than 48 countries across four continents. Additionally, it provides almost 15 million consumers with quality grocery products.

Potential advantages and opportunities of the collaboration of livestream shopping and a global retailer 

We bet you can imagine the potential advantages and endless opportunities that could emerge from the collaboration of livestream shopping and retailers such as SPAR.

First of all, both sides can undoubtedly reap the benefits of gaining more recognition from people. What’s the result? A smart live video featuring the retailer’s items in a transparent product feed allowing for direct purchasing increases viewers and may turn prospects into buyers. Secondly, the retailer has the freedom to start a live stream event not only on its official website but also on social media – completely simultaneously.

Moreover, the respective brand can invite influencers and popular media characters to participate in or host the whole livestream session. This alone generates a great deal more viewers, which is another advantage of livestream shopping and retailers. SPAR went through exactly these steps when using our video shopping tool, and we’ll fill you in on the details.

This is what streaming live looks like with a global retailer

Apart from being a prominent supplier of grocery products, SPAR happens to be a supporter of Street Kitchen, Hungary’s most popular gastronomy publisher, frequented by passionate foodies who challenge themselves to make unique and reimagined dishes. Chef Zé Fördős, creator and central figure of the company has held a number of live cooking events with his acknowledged colleagues using our software.

Usually, Street Kitchen achieves a considerable number of viewers on its own. However, with Bannerse its numbers have skyrocketed, allowing multiple times more users to access and watch Zé cook live via the official website and across social outlets.

The chefs made a shoutout to SPAR for providing them with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Also, Street Kitchen took the chance to promote its books, magazines and webshop during the streams.

The forceful alliance that livestream shopping and retailers forge in order to attract prospects, generate buyers. It’s also a magnificent opportunity to gain recognition and build revenue. This duo is definitely something we’re about to see more and more often across diverse industries. After all, video shopping really IS the future of e-commerce!

Do you feel like getting to know Bannerse better? Here’s the easiest way: book a demo!