Showroom (streaming service)
 | |
Type of site | Live streaming |
|---|---|
| Owner | SHOWROOM Co., Ltd.[1] |
| Created by | Yuji Maeda[2] |
| Parent | |
| URL | Official website  |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | Optional |
| Launched | November 25, 2013 |
| Current status | Online |
Showroom, stylized as SHOWROOM, is a Japanese live streaming service used primarily for Japanese idols and voice actors. A development of DeNA, it has been integrated into the audition process for idol groups such as 22/7,[3] Nogizaka46,[4] and Keyakizaka46.[5]
App analytics company App Annie announced on September 13, 2017, that for the first half of 2017, in terms of revenue, SHOWROOM is Japan's top-ranked video distribution application.[6]
Events
The service is used for daily live-streams which may be viewed for free. As of March 2018, there are no paid or subscription-based memberships. Revenue is generated from paid virtual gift items given to the performer by registered members during live-streams. Earnings are shared with the performers based upon the number of points they accumulate based on audience size, the number of comments, and other factors,[7] and production companies may offer licensing deals or other music offers.[8][9]
Initially, it only allowed streaming by the DeNA headquarters studio and by officially-recognized entertainers. After September 13, 2014, any registered member could live-stream.[10] English language support was also added.[7]
History
- November 25, 2013 - Browser-based service initiated by DeNA Corporation
- December 20, 2013 - Android app launched
- January 14, 2014 - iOS app launched
- June 10, 2014 - Added the free gift system given as a bonus for watching streams
- September 13, 2014 - All registered members are allowed to live-stream,[10] English support added.[7]
- October 1, 2014 - 10-minute additional usage limit for amateur dedicated gift items and paid gifts raised to 10000 gold
- January 9, 2015 - Free release of official dedicated streaming software "SHOWROOM Producer"
- February 9, 2015 - Added a 25-character maximum chyron function displayed at the top of the video
- April 1, 2015 - Released an iOS-version of "SHOWROOM Producer"
- May 18, 2015 - Limit raised for maximum amount of free gift items
- May 2015 - Viewing fees charged for some official content (Yokohama DeNA BayStars game live-stream, etc.)
- August 3, 2015 - DeNA Corporation spins off SHOWROOM Co., Ltd. to operate the service.[1]
- October 22, 2020 - Launched the smash. video streaming app.[11]