Live streaming site YouNow has officially launched in the Middle East, offering up users a platform in which they can broadcast themselves live to fans, who can engage in real time interaction with the streamers.

Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, performer, musician or celebrity, YouNow’s platform offers up a way of getting your voice heard and making money – with YouNow also offering their top influencers the opportunity to earn revenue.

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With regards to how streamers earn money, the site features a tipping system where viewers can tip the broadcaster both for their services as well as enhanced features in the chat room such as highlighted comments or the ability to become a guest broadcaster.

The Kardashian-esque Abdelaziz sisters from Lebanon are taking full advantage of the streaming services, pulling in regular large crowds to their broadcasts.

Video: Instagram/@aliceabdelaziz

One of the top influencers in the region, Saudi social networker and star Abdullah al-Hassan, aka Abodybad has accumulated over 200k fans on YouNow, having moved away from recorded video clips to live streaming.

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Speaking about YouNow, Abodybad said: “YouNow has completely changed the way I use social media to communicate with my following. It has allowed me to be more creative with my content. But ultimately it has meant that I can connect with more people, build a more solid fan base and take advantage of more offers and deals that come my way.”

The site has over 100 million user sessions per month, with 150,000 hours of live video being consumed each day.

“As far as I am aware we are the only social network out there that facilitates consumer-to-consumer payment. This means artists are given a good opportunity to earn a fair wage directly from fans who appreciate their skills. We have had broadcasters give up their everyday jobs to be a full-time YouNower because they are earning enough money to support themselves,” said Candace Tossas, Head of International Markets, of the advertising-free platform.

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YouNow’s Arab Markets Manager, Chereen Zaki said, “YouNow is an opportunity for the world to see what the Middle East has to offer. There is so much culture, art and diversity in the region and it will allow individuals to not only display their talents, but connect with fans from all over the world.”

 

Main image: instagram.com/aliceabdelaziz