24 March 2020
Lights, camera, action! Video chat, video sharing and livestreaming

Does your child TikTok more than your clock? Have they got an itch for Twitch? Do they Snap, Gram and Dub? Here's what you need to know about video chat, video sharing and livestreaming.
What’s the difference between video chat, video sharing and livestreaming?
Video chat
Video chats are live face-to-face conversations that happen through a mobile camera or webcam, either with one person or a group, using apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Messenger and Houseparty.
Video sharing
Video sharing is when users create and upload short videos to an app or site for other people to watch (and often share). You might have heard about young people doing this on apps like TikTok and Instagram.
Livestreaming
Livestreaming is when users film and broadcast videos in real time. It’s popular among gamers on platforms like Mixer and Twitch but you can also livestream on loads of other websites, like Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter.
Why do kids use video and livestreaming apps and websites?
Livestreams of people showing other people how to do things are really popular.
A lot of young people visit sites like Twitch and Mixer to learn more about games. They might also use platforms like YouTube, TikTok or Instagram to learn about (or show other people how to do) loads of things, from make-up tutorials to making slime.
It can be fun to create videos, whether solo or with friends. Apps like Smule let you record and upload your own karaoke versions of songs – and even sometimes sing with real celebrities! Other apps, like Dubsmash, let you create videos that are dubbed over with funny or trending audio. Some video chat apps also let you play games while you chat, like Houseparty.
A lot of video sharing apps have ‘satisfying content’ which is relaxing to watch. This is different for different kids, but a lot of young people like videos of food being prepared or sensory clips (like ASMR). They might even use these apps for well-being, like mindfulness and meditation.