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YouNow
YouNow
from Wikipedia

YouNow is an American[1] live streaming broadcasting service where users stream their own live video content or interact with the video streams of other users in real time.[2] The service is available on its website and on Android and iOS apps.

Key Information

As of 2015, the majority of the users of YouNow are under 24 years old.[3][needs update] Many users perform music, game, engage with their fans, or dance.[4] Others talk or make jokes. A tag-based topic system enables viewers to browse content of their choice, while trending streams enable users to locate more popular webcasters.

As of August 2015, the service handled 150,000 broadcasts each day.[1] It competes with apps like TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram Live.

History

[edit]

YouNow was founded by Adi Sideman[3] on September 12, 2011[5][6] but significantly grew in popularity during 2014 and 2015[7] following significant changes to the service.[4] A round of funding in 2015 raised $15 million from venture capitalists.[1]

YouNow bought live streaming company BlogTV.com in 2013,[8] with user accounts being merged into YouNow.

MTV partnered with YouNow for the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.[3] The Huffington Post has started streaming a live show on YouNow weekly since August 2015.[9]

The Shorty Awards featured a "YouNower of the Year" category in 2016 and 2017.[10]

America's Got Talent partnered with YouNow to hold auditions for Season 11 with the final auditions on YouNow held live in YouNow HQ on Times Square, on March 1, 2016.

In 2017, YouNow began losing user broadcasters, including many partnered users and their fans, to other social media apps including Live.me and Twitch. Many of the young social media influencers that made the app popular, began leaving and YouNow's audience began shrinking and trending much older.

In 2019, in an attempt to bring user broadcasters and fans back, YouNow developed and implemented similar features that Live.me and Twitch already had on their social media platforms. These similar features included high definition resolution broadcasting, the ability to assign chat moderators and the ability to have multiple guest broadcasters (up to 3) at the same time with the broadcaster. Gold bars replaced likes as the in-app currency on the lower priced YouNow gifts at time of this redesign. YouNow also introduced a new platform rewards system in the form of Props.[11]

On the 11th January 2021, YouNow changed over from the Prop system, introducing Diamonds, a new way for non-partner users to earn.

Safety features and moderation

[edit]

In order to improve online safety within the community, YouNow uses a combination of automated systems and manual monitoring. YouNow continuously monitors broadcasts for violations to the community standards and site rules or the terms of service.

YouNow offers a variety of safety features, including the ability to block other users, silence users within the chat feature, and flag inappropriate conduct to alert YouNow's moderation team. YouNow can suspend or remove an account for conduct that is determined to be inappropriate or harmful.

YouNow has stricter rules for those under 18 and adults interacting with minors on the platform and reports all incidents related to child victimization to the NCMEC.

Features

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Partnership

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YouNow has a partner program that allows popular broadcasters to earn money.[7] Virtual goods bought by viewers are used to acclaim videos; the resulting revenue is split between YouNow and the video creator,[4] with about 60% going to the latter.[10]

Partnership is offered to accounts in good standing at YouNow's discretion.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
YouNow is an American live streaming platform founded in April 2011 by Adi as a real-time that enables users to broadcast video content from mobile devices or desktops while interacting with s through live chat and community features. The service, initially launched under the name Bnow, Inc., rebranded to YouNow in November 2012 and has since grown into a community-focused application emphasizing creative expression, , and collaborative streaming. Key features of YouNow include real-time video broadcasting accessible via web browsers or mobile apps, where users can stream solo or invite up to three guests for collaborative sessions, fostering interactions like chatting, gifting virtual items for monetization, and joining themed communities. The platform enforces a minimum age of 13 for users and employs human moderators to maintain a safe environment, with tools for reporting inappropriate content and promoting positive engagement. Monetization options allow creators to earn through fan gifts, sponsorships, and premium features, supporting a diverse range of content from music performances to casual conversations. Since its inception at in September 2011, YouNow has raised over $38 million in funding across multiple rounds as of 2025, including a notable $15 million investment in 2015 led by and Oren Zeev, with participation from Comcast Ventures. The platform debuted with a focus on participatory media, drawing from Sideman's prior experience in digital entertainment companies like Oddcast and , and quickly gained traction among younger demographics for its accessible, interactive format. Over the years, it has partnered with major media outlets such as and The Huffington Post for live event coverage, highlighting its role in blending social networking with broadcasting. By 2025, YouNow continues to operate as a vibrant for creators and viewers, prioritizing real-time connectivity and content moderation amid evolving digital safety standards.

History

Founding and Early Development

YouNow was founded by Adi Sideman in in April 2011 as Bnow, Inc., and publicly launched on September 12, 2011, at Disrupt SF as a social broadcasting service. The company rebranded from Bnow, Inc. to YouNow, Inc. on November 19, 2012. The initial concept centered on empowering users, particularly those under 24 years old, to broadcast live video content and engage with audiences in real time, blending elements of social networking, performance, and . Early platform mechanics supported basic from webcams on desktops or mobile devices, paired with integrated chat features that allowed viewers to interact directly during streams, fostering a participatory environment for creators. Available initially in English, the service launched in beta mode in 2011, transitioning to full public availability shortly thereafter to build a foundational user community. Adoption remained modest during 2012 and 2013, with a small but dedicated user base driving limited engagement; monthly visits stayed below 5 million for these years, reflecting steady but not explosive early growth. By mid-2013, the platform saw growing daily broadcasts, supported by its focus on young demographics and real-time features, though significant expansion occurred later. As an early expansion step, YouNow acquired the service .com in 2013, merging user accounts to bolster its infrastructure.

Growth and Milestones (2014–2016)

Following the acquisition of in March 2013, YouNow integrated the platform's established user base and live chat technology, which bolstered its real-time interaction features and set the stage for accelerated growth in subsequent years. In early 2014, YouNow faced near-collapse due to stagnant growth and low user engagement. A pivotal redesign emphasizing mobile broadcasting and enhanced interactivity reversed this, leading to the surge in popularity later that year. The platform experienced a significant surge in popularity between 2014 and 2015, driven by its appeal to younger audiences, with approximately 70% of users under the age of 24 by mid-2015. This demographic focus contributed to 100 million monthly user sessions, reflecting robust engagement among teens and young adults who used the service for music performances, gaming, fan interactions, and dancing. By July 2015, more than 75% of users were aged 13 to 24, with a near-even split of about 55% and 45% , underscoring YouNow's role as a vibrant space for youth-oriented . A key financial milestone came in October 2015, when YouNow raised $15 million in Series C funding, co-led by existing investors and Oren Zeev, with participation from Comcast Ventures. This capital infusion supported platform scaling and the introduction of paid subscription features for broadcasters, enabling top creators to earn over $1 million collectively by that point. High-profile partnerships further validated YouNow's rising prominence. In August 2015, the platform launched a weekly live show titled "HuffPost Now" in collaboration with , airing Wednesdays at 6 p.m. ET and hosted by Huffington Post personalities to engage audiences on news and entertainment topics. The following year, in March 2016, YouNow partnered with NBC's to host virtual auditions, allowing over 14,000 contestants to stream performances live and attracting millions of viewer engagements during the nine-week period. YouNow's cultural impact was recognized through the introduction of the "YouNower of the Year" category at the 8th Annual in 2016, honoring top broadcasters on the platform; the won for their engaging twin duo streams. This accolade highlighted the platform's growing influence in innovation. To accommodate its expanding global user base, YouNow enhanced its mobile accessibility with dedicated and Android apps, which saw iterative updates during 2014–2016 to improve streaming quality, chat functionality, and cross-device compatibility. These developments, combined with support for multiple languages, facilitated broader international adoption by the end of 2016.

Challenges and Recent Updates (2017–2025)

In the late 2010s, YouNow faced intensifying competition from established live streaming platforms such as Twitch and emerging rivals like Live.me, which drew away broadcasters and viewers seeking specialized gaming or mobile-focused experiences. This competitive landscape contributed to challenges in maintaining user engagement and growth, particularly among younger demographics who migrated to alternatives offering more tailored features or larger communities. To address these pressures, YouNow introduced the Props rewards system in 2019, an SEC-approved token-based initiative designed to incentivize creators and viewers through blockchain-enabled grants and bonuses, aiming to foster loyalty and cross-app portability. Building on these efforts, the platform rolled out enhancements to core capabilities, including high-definition streaming support to improve video quality and attract quality-conscious users. Additional features, such as the ability to assign chat moderators for better and invite up to three guest streamers for collaborative broadcasts, were integrated to enhance user retention and session lengths. These updates, implemented around , helped stabilize engagement by enabling more dynamic and moderated live sessions. By January 11, 2021, YouNow transitioned from the Props system to , a new that allows non-partner broadcasters to earn rewards from gifts received during streams, simplifying monetization for a broader user base while maintaining emphasis on creator incentives. Recovery initiatives continued into the 2020s with targeted app optimizations, such as the January 2025 update introducing full-screen portrait mode for mobile broadcasts on both and Android devices, which improved accessibility and immersion for streaming—a format popular among mobile-first audiences. In early 2025, YouNow launched the Ambassador Program to empower dedicated community members, recognizing top streamers as ambassadors who contribute to platform growth through feedback, promotion, and event participation, thereby strengthening grassroots engagement. As of 2025, YouNow maintains a robust presence with over 355,000 reviews on , reflecting sustained user interaction despite market challenges, and continues to prioritize human moderation to ensure safe environments. The platform remains accessible to users aged 13 and older, aligning with its community guidelines that prohibit younger participants to protect minors.

Platform Features

Core Broadcasting and Interaction Tools

YouNow enables users to broadcast live video content directly through its mobile applications or web interface, utilizing a device's camera such as a or to stream in real time to a global audience. These broadcasts support real-time chat functionality, allowing viewers to engage synchronously, with popular streams capable of attracting hundreds to thousands of concurrent participants. Core interaction tools include viewer likes, visualized as rising bars that update in real time to gauge , alongside comment threads in the chat for direct communication. Broadcasters can invite up to three guests to join their stream collaboratively by approving requests signaled through a "raise hand" feature, or use hangout mode—introduced in early 2025—to allow instant joining without approval, fostering dynamic co-hosting. Users discover streams via an explore function and search capabilities, organized by categories such as performances or Q&A sessions, enabling targeted navigation to relevant content. Community-oriented tools emphasize seamless participation, with viewers able to join broadcasts instantly for real-time interaction and broadcasters benefiting from discovery feeds that highlight new and featured content based on user preferences or . The platform offers multilingual support in languages including English, , Turkish, Spanish, and German, with options for worldwide content display to accommodate diverse users. On mobile devices, the and Android apps provide optimized viewing in full-screen portrait mode—updated in early 2025 for enhanced engagement—and an HD quality streaming option for higher-resolution broadcasts. Access to YouNow requires users to be at least 13 years old, with dedicated parental guides outlining safety measures and content restrictions for younger teens.

Monetization and Rewards System

YouNow's monetization system revolves around virtual currencies and structured programs that enable broadcasters to earn from viewer interactions during live streams. The platform's primary virtual currency is Bars, which viewers purchase with real money and use to send premium gifts to broadcasters, representing direct financial support. These gifts generate revenue for creators through a share of the Bar value, with earnings varying by broadcaster status and gift type. Additionally, Gold Bars serve as a reward mechanism, previously earned via daily logins but now largely replaced by the Pearls system, where users accumulate free Pearls for activities like watching streams to convert into likes or gifts. In 2021, YouNow introduced as a dedicated for broadcasters, earned directly from viewer gifts and redeemable for Bars or cash payouts after a seven-day pending period. Diamonds incentivize gifting by allowing creators to track and convert earnings more transparently, with the value received scaling based on the gift's Bar cost and the broadcaster's tier—non-partners start at a base rate, while higher levels receive up to 30% more Diamonds per gift. This system replaced earlier cash earnings displays for partners, emphasizing long-term accumulation and exchange options to support ongoing content creation. The Partner Program provides a formalized path for qualified broadcasters to access enhanced monetization, beginning with qualification through the Partnership Sprint—a competitive event where eligible users, determined by consistent streaming and audience engagement, vie for spots based on performance metrics. Successful participants earn a Partner badge and must then collect six achievement badges through sustained activity to fully activate status. Perks include cash earnings from gifts, invitations to exclusive events, and dedicated support from a personal manager, fostering professional growth. Partner levels, known as , unlock progressively via monthly like thresholds, granting additional benefits like higher yields and priority features. Rewards mechanisms further boost engagement and earnings. The Props system, launched in 2019 following SEC approval of its Ethereum-based , distributed up to 133 million Props as incentives for user and creator activities, such as validating content or participating in live sessions, to enhance platform retention and cross-app portability. These rewarded engagement by offering premium access and exportable value, marking an early integration of into economics; however, distribution of new Props Tokens has since stopped, with Props Points replaced by Experience Points. More recently, the Ambassador Program, initiated in 2025, recognizes community leaders among streamers for their role in fostering growth and positivity, providing tools for content promotion, exclusive recognition, and direct feedback channels to influence platform development. Broadcasters primarily earn through viewer gifts sent in real-time during streams, where each premium gift translates to Diamonds based on its Bar value, encouraging interactive performances to maximize support. Top performers advance to subscription eligibility at Broadcaster Level 3 or Partner status, unlocking monthly subscriber perks that yield up to 26,000 Diamonds per new or renewed subscription, with partners receiving up to 100% revenue share on these tiers for sustained income. This tiered structure ensures that high-engagement creators benefit from escalating shares, promoting a merit-based economy tied to audience loyalty.

Safety and Moderation

Content Policies and User Protections

YouNow maintains strict content policies to foster a safe environment for live broadcasting and interaction, prohibiting a range of harmful behaviors to protect users from exposure to inappropriate material. Core prohibitions include , sexually explicit content such as suggestive dancing or display of sex toys, violent behavior or gore, promotion or depiction of , , , targeting protected characteristics like race or gender, and illegal activities like onscreen or alcohol use by minors. These rules extend to comments and interactions, banning spam, , , and any encouragement of violations, ensuring broadcasts remain free from abusive or exploitative elements. Age-specific rules impose additional safeguards for younger users, with the platform requiring all accounts to be held by individuals at least 13 years old, for users aged 13-17, and automatically terminating those under this age. For users under 18, stricter guidelines mandate full clothing during broadcasts—no shirtless appearances, underwear, or revealing attire—with violations potentially leading to suspension or bans. The platform addresses child exploitation by mandating reports of suspected cases, including inappropriate content involving minors, to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) via their CyberTipline, in compliance with legal obligations to protect vulnerable youth. User controls empower individuals to manage their experience, including options to block specific users to prevent them from interacting in broadcasts or profiles, and a flagging system to report inappropriate streams, comments, or behaviors for review. These tools allow quick silencing of disruptive participants and help maintain personal boundaries during live sessions. Community standards emphasize positive and creative content, such as music performances, dancing, or Q&A sessions, while a team of human moderators operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to oversee broadcasts and enforce guidelines proactively (as of policies last updated in 2021). The platform provides general guidance for parents on , including recommendations to monitor usage for children under 13 using youth software and to discuss online , as underage participation is prohibited. Parents are encouraged to promote flagging of risky content, reinforcing responsible use in line with community standards.

Enforcement Mechanisms and Reporting

YouNow employs a combination of automated systems and manual monitoring to maintain platform integrity, with human moderators operating 24/7 to review flagged content and interactions (as of policies last updated in 2021). The moderation team processes reports involving millions of users, ensuring proactive oversight of live streams and chats to address violations promptly. Users can report potential violations through in-app tools by selecting a username, tapping the menu, and choosing "Report," where they specify the reason and provide details; these flags are routed directly to live moderators for immediate investigation. Upon review, moderators apply graduated penalties, including temporary silences, suspensions ranging from 15 minutes to two weeks, or permanent bans that restrict all platform access, such as broadcasting, chatting, and gifting. For escalated issues like or threats, users submit detailed reports to the Trust and Safety team via the Help Desk at younow.com/support, including timestamps, descriptions, and evidence like screenshots. Banned or suspended users can appeal decisions by submitting a dispute ticket through the support portal at support.younow.com/hc/en-us/requests/new, with responses typically provided within 72 hours; alternatively, feedback on moderation actions can be sent to [email protected] to contribute to policy refinements. This process includes a feedback loop where user input helps improve enforcement practices, though repetitive false reports may result in user penalties. Enforcement is particularly stringent for content involving minors, with dedicated protections such as age verification and rapid intervention to prevent exploitation; all suspected cases of child exploitation are reported to the National Center for Missing & Children (NCMEC) as required by law. Moderators receive ongoing training to handle real-time issues effectively, minimizing disruptions to ongoing streams while upholding community standards.

Business Aspects

Funding and Financial Model

YouNow was founded in 2011 and secured its initial funding through a of $950,000 in January 2012, led by investors including RRE Ventures. Subsequent early-stage rounds included a $4.13 million Series A1 in September 2012, with total funding reaching approximately $7.1 million by the end of 2012 through . The company's growth accelerated with a of $7 million in August 2014 led by , followed by a significant of $15 million in October 2015 from backers such as , Ventures, and Betaworks, bringing the cumulative funding to around $30 million at that point. Overall, YouNow has raised $38.4 million across seven rounds from 12 institutional investors, with no major equity raises announced after a $1.88 million option/warrant round in April 2020. The platform's revenue model centers on virtual goods sales, where users purchase currencies like Bars and to send gifts (such as hearts or applause) to broadcasters during live streams, with serving as an earned virtual reward convertible to cash for eligible partners. After app store fees from and (typically 30%), YouNow retains approximately 40% of the remaining revenue from these transactions, distributing up to 60% to content creators as earnings. Supplementary income derives from , though the company eliminated traditional ad placements on its core platform by 2019 to prioritize , and from premium features including subscriptions ($4.99 monthly or equivalent in ) that unlock exclusive content and badges, as well as occasional promotions tied to its Props cryptocurrency token approved by the SEC in 2019. Financial milestones post-founding reflect a shift toward via user rather than heavy reliance on new . Early rounds supported product development and user acquisition following the 2011 launch, while the Series C enabled international expansion and feature enhancements like improved mobile . Absent major since 2020, YouNow has maintained operations through its , without indications of distress. PitchBook profiles confirm YouNow's ongoing status as a , with no public valuation disclosed but an emphasis on the for long-term profitability through scalable gifting and subscription models. As of 2025, the financial structure remains stable, app updates, community promotions, and explorations in integrations like Props, which have contributed to revenue growth of over 30% in prior years following regulatory approvals.

Partnerships and Collaborations

In , YouNow acquired , a veteran live-streaming platform founded in , to integrate its established user base and technology into its own ecosystem, thereby expanding its community of broadcasters and viewers. This move allowed YouNow to merge BlogTV's social streaming capabilities with its real-time broadcasting features, enhancing user engagement through imported audiences and shared infrastructure. YouNow formed a media collaboration with The Huffington Post in August 2015, launching the weekly live show "HuffPost Now," which featured interactive segments hosted by editors and allowed real-time viewer comments and questions. This partnership targeted younger audiences by combining 's editorial content with YouNow's mobile-first streaming, airing episodes that covered topics like entertainment and advice for the LGBTQ community. In March 2016, YouNow partnered with NBC's "" for Season 11 auditions, streaming open calls over nine weeks that generated over 1.3 million views and enabled prospective contestants to perform live for producers. The collaboration, which included appearances by producer Adam Davis, facilitated direct interaction between aspiring talents and the show's team, averaging 100,000 views per stream and boosting YouNow's visibility in talent discovery. YouNow's business ties include investor partnerships such as the 2015 funding round led by Ventures, which provided $15 million to support platform growth and features like paid subscriptions. This alliance extended beyond capital, aligning YouNow with media infrastructure expertise to enhance reliability. In early 2025, YouNow launched its Ambassador Program, collaborating with select top streamers to organize community events and provide feedback on platform development, aiming to foster growth through creator-led initiatives. Initial ambassadors, including creators like Ryan, WittyWizard, and RoxxieToxxic, participated in exclusive activities to promote positive engagement and shape future features. YouNow has cultivated an external partner ecosystem focused on brands in music and fashion, enabling co-streams that integrate sponsored content with live broadcasts to reach niche audiences. These collaborations leverage YouNow's real-time interaction tools for promotional events, such as artist-fan sessions and style showcases, without delving into internal details.

References

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