Twitter Debuts Producer API To Drive Live Video

Twitter has officially launched Producer API, a new tool for live video that will allow larger media publishers and broadcasters to connect their equipment to Twitter in order to stream live video directly to its network.

According to TechCrunch, last fall the social media site launched Periscope Producer, which allows creators to livestream video content using professional equipment, such as cameras, satellite trucks, VR headsets and more. Since then, Twitter’s total number of producer broadcasts has nearly doubled quarter over quarter.

API will make the Producer service easier to use, allowing third-party applications to authenticate Periscope accounts, configure streams, start and stop broadcasts and publish live video to Twitter.

Twitter also announced a variety of beta API partners, including Telestream (Wirecast software), Livestream (Mevo camera), Switchboard Cloud (web platform) and Teradek (video encoders and software applications). Each can help broadcasters use the new technology in different ways: Wirecast’s software allows broadcasters to go live from live camera feeds, phones, computer desktops or web services and then add features such as live switching and animated titles. The Mevo camera can send live video to Twitter and Periscope through Wi-Fi or an LTE signal, while Switchboard’s Cloud lets users publish to various social networks.

Other partners include Brandlive, Grabyo, LiveU Solo, Giroptic iO 360, Make.tv, NewTek, Inc., Telescope and Vidpresso.