If there’s one thing true in life, it’s that we love being entertained. Whether it’s Netflix at the click of a button, on-demand sport, or endless playlists of our favorite genres, we’re hooked.
So, once we all went online, the world of entertainment inevitably exploded. Yet, besides the obvious skyrocket of movie streaming services and music platforms, new avenues have consistently emerged year after year. Here are three of the most prominent entertainment sectors on the rise today.
#1 – Podcasts
Everybody listens to podcasts and even if you don’t, you know at least a handful of people who do. If you’re a fan of something, we’ll guarantee there’s a podcast for it. From true crime and comedy, right through to astrophysics and the retelling of historic battles, you’ll find somebody making a show all about your subject.
In fact, podcasting is so popular, the industry as a whole is predicted to generate more than $1 billion in revenue by 2021. Popular hosts are extremely well paid due to their advertising sponsors, and many podcasters make a living from their online content. Some even surpass their Internet shadows and become fully-fledged celebrities.
But, why are podcasts so successful? Many people say they fill a hole left behind by radio shows, while also providing more depth than TV shows. Plus, because of the affordability of recording equipment and data, almost anybody can do it. As we said earlier, if you’re obsessed with something, chances are there’s a podcast waiting for you.
#2 – Online Casino
Unlike podcasts, casinos have been popular entertainment for well over a century. However, the technological boom of the noughties brought with it online casinos, which ultimately made playing more accessible. North America is said to remain the fastest-growing region, while markets are swiftly emerging in India, Europe, and Canada.
Today, there are hundreds if not thousands of online casinos to choose from. Competition is fierce, and providers are under constant pressure to offer the best bonuses and offers, while improving user experience. Naturally, this is good news for players, and certain websites actively review casinos too. Casino Market, for example, organizes and ranks casinos based on factors like payment methods, user experience, and location.
#3 – Live Event Streaming
With massive improvements in streaming quality and falling data prices, it was only a matter of time until the online live events sector skyrocketed. Today it’s just as common to tune in and watch your favorite DJ play a set via YouTube live, instead of flying to the other side of the world and queuing for hours to get inside the same club. Berlin’s United We Stream, for example, collaborates with 40 clubs in the city to live stream music events every single evening.
But, it’s not just DJs at the forefront of live event streaming. Musical creatives of all kinds are getting involved too. Rock superstars The Killers have previously conducted their own Q&A along with a performance via Instagram Live, while heavy metal standouts Code Orange recently hosted a guitar clinic event via the band’s Twitch channel. Live streaming is offering something new traditional television and radio couldn’t. We can now find niche artists to listen to, interact with them in real-time, and experience exclusive performances at a massively reduced cost. All from the comfort of our own home, might we add.
The online entertainment sector is one of most innovative, fun, and fast-moving markets out there. Fortunately for the content creators, we fans are more than happy to keep soaking it all up.