Live streaming social networking service Stickam gave away the keys to the castle this past Monday by releasing a Live API that allows users to integrate all of Stickam's live streaming services into their blogs, websites or applications. For now beta testers can take advantage of this free service for a limited time and without worrying about bandwidth costs, server and network infrastructure and Flash development since that's all covered by Stickam. The free service will eventually move to a "pay-as-you-go pricing model” which Stickam says could be less than $100/month.Here's how the StickamAPI can benefit your site:
- Allow members of your social network to interact face to face
- Add community chat rooms to your blog or forum
- Add live video to your OpenSocial or Facebook applications
- Add live interactive interviews to your job site
- Add a live classroom to your e-learning site
You'll need to be a Stickam member to apply for an API key. See the video below for more information.
Chris Albrecht of NewTeevee points out that, "Stickam’s live-streaming APIs are already being used by MTV, Logo and VH-1 for the I’m on MTV and MTV’s Soundtrack." He also added that, "despite the economic downturn, the company is in a good position and hasn’t laid anyone off (it’s actually hiring). It claims to have 3 million registered users, 3 million streams served per day, with the average session time for people watching video clocking in at 70 minutes. Because the site is monitored 24 hours a day, Stickam says it’s created a more advertising-friendly environment, allowing shows to get more sponsorships."- from Stickam Looks to Cash in on Its APIs « NewTeeVee
Since this is the first streaming service to release an API this should help Stickam differeniate itself from the competition and prompt others to follow suit.
Here's the full press release from the Stickam blog:
Stickam.com Introduces First Live Streaming API
Allows Anyone to Add Real-Time Video Technology to a Web Site Without Expensive Development and Infrastructure Costs
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire - December 15, 2008) - Stickam.com, the first and largest Web site dedicated to live interactive video streaming, today made an application programming interface (API) available to the general public, bringing the power of live video to anyone that wants to incorporate it into their Web site or Web application.
By using the StickamAPI, Web site developers can quickly and easily integrate live video streaming capabilities, including TV-style broadcasts as well as group and one-on-one chat rooms, onto their online destinations. Through its use, Web sites can take advantage of the benefits of live video streaming, such as longer visits, enhanced user interaction and, in turn, increased revenues. The StickamAPI alleviates time and money constraints associated with the requirements of live streaming, such as bandwidth, server infrastructure and Flash development, which currently serve as significant roadblocks for companies that do not have the available resources or knowledge to incorporate live streaming onto their site.
Stickam envisions Web site developers primarily adding live streaming to their sites for marketing purposes, online schooling / e-learning, social network enhancement and customer support purposes. Celebrities and entertainment sites can also use the StickamAPI to better interact and connect with their fan base.
“The value that live video adds to a Web site is immeasurable, and as the first company to bring this technology to the masses through Stickam.com, we wanted to further its use and adoption,” said Steven Fruchter, CEO of Stickam.com. “We’re pleased to offer an API for anyone to use and take advantage of, and know many organizations will benefit greatly from the use of live video on their sites.”
The StickamAPI is available immediately as a public beta to the first 100 registered developers at no cost. After the beta period, the StickamAPI will be available through a pay-as-you-go pricing model. To learn more, please visit http://developer.stickam.com.
