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.

Save For Later

Image 8 of 9

One feature Meerkat lacks--and that will probably be coming along now that competitor Periscope has this function--is the ability to save a stream and watch it later. This feature on the screen above is only for the person who actually filmed the stream, and it lets him or her schedule the stream to appear later. Otherwise, it's kind of like Snapchat in that once it turns off, it's gone. (In theory)