Meerkat And The Race To Show Users Live Streaming Social Media

I saw a new app featured in the App Store this morning and I rolled my eyes, thinking to myself, “Does the internet really need another social media platform?” And the answer is yes.

Meerkat–and its hot on the heels competitor Periscope, bought in January by Twitter–allows users to live stream video. What could possibly go wrong? Other than people live streaming blockbuster films, sporting events, high-dollar concerts, or just random people in public bathrooms?

Meerkat already has a number of celebrity supporters and I have to admit, it’s fun to use. But this brand-new platform still hasn’t ironed out all the kinks. Here’s why.

Daily Life vs Privacy

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I'll admit, when I saw this screen grab of a Meerkat stream of a traffic stop, I began to wonder about the possibilities. The guy who filmed Eric Garner's death won an award for amateur photojournalism, but that footage was just proof that something horrible happened. A live stream? Could something be done DURING the event? It's hard to envision how that would work considering the viewers are scattered across the Twitterverse. There's potential, though!