Ustream Launches Self-Service, Live Pay-Per-View Broadcasting

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ustream, the pioneer in live social video streaming, today officially launched Open Pay-per-view (Open PPV), marking the first product in the industry that empowers broadcasters of any size to easily sell tickets to live video events with no upfront fees, to the largest global community of viewers. Open PPV requires no pre-screening of events and with just a few simple steps, broadcasters can schedule a pay-per-view event, set the price, and begin promotions through social media. Whether it's a high-end, multi-camera HD production, or a last minute mobile broadcast, the Open PPV platform makes it easier than ever for Ustream's 12 million broadcasters to expand their audience and monetize content.

"Until now, the multi-billion dollar pay-per-view industry has been a big-boys-only game. Ustream's Open PPV service blows open the pay-per-view market for broadcasters of any size and skill set to become the next Oscar De La Hoya, who's generated hundreds of millions of dollars in pay-per-view tickets," said Ustream CEO Brad Hunstable. "The monetization possibilities are limitless, as Ustreamers can now transform their live social video streams -- from large-scale concerts to global sporting events, industry conferences or educational seminars -- into profitable events."

More than 4,500 pay-per-view events have been streamed live via Ustream during the course of the beta rollout, including: the Bridge School Benefit Concert; King of the Dot presents Blackout 3; Six Nations Rugby individual games; UFC's Silva vs. Sonnen II; Insane Clown Posse's Psychopathic Live; and the USA vs. Guatemala World Cup qualifier. Broadcasters utilizing Ustream's Open PPV can do so with no upfront fees and ticket sales are deposited directly into their PayPal accounts. Some of the most successful pay-per-view events on Ustream have generated upwards of $70,000 for a single event and $300,000 for a season-long series of events.

"Our goals were to find a partner who could provide a stable and secure platform to not only stream our event but also provide secure mechanisms to collect payments," said William Mitchell, video producer for the Bridge School Benefit Concert. "Setting up and implementing was easy and seamless; Ustream provided rock solid support during our benefit concert which is an 8-hour plus continuous broadcast."

"Ustream has helped broaden King of the Dot's audience, and we've been successful utilizing the social media push that Ustream's platform offers," said Avi Rex, CEO of King of the Dot, Inc; North America's premier hip-hop battle league. "King of the Dot has seen some great numbers from Ustream and we are very proud of what we have achieved thus far, as our goals were far exceeded."

Open PPV events on Ustream can be purchased with all major credit cards and watched from around the world on Ustream.tv. Broadcasters can begin streaming their first pay-per-view event and selling tickets in a few easy and risk-free steps. For more information about Open PPV, visit: http://www.ustream.tv/ppv. To learn more about broadcasting on Ustream, visit: http://www.ustream.tv/howto.

"Since we launched pay-per-view in beta, we've also seen an increasing number of small, independent broadcasters who are finding success, proving that viewers are willing to pay for quality, niche content," said Ustream's Director of Product Marketing, Jordan Meyer. "Pay-per-view is a great addition to any real-world event -- if you're going to charge people entry into a concert or seminar, why not set up a camera and monetize the fans that can't make it in person?"

Ustream's Open PPV will be showcased on the main stage of the SF Music Tech Summit in San Francisco on February 19, 2013 by Ustream's SVP of Marketing, David Thompson. 

About Ustream
Ustream is the pioneer in live social video streaming, boasting the largest global community with more than 60 million viewers and broadcasters. The company's innovative cloud technology enables anyone -- from entertainers to consumers, to companies to non-profit organizations -- to easily connect and broadcast in real-time. Founded in 2007, Ustream is a San Francisco-based company that has grown to more than 160 employees within their San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Budapest offices. Company partners include Panasonic, Samsung, Logitech, CBS News, PBS NewsHour, Viacom, and IMG Media.

Ustream is a privately-owned company. For more information on Ustream, visit ustream.tv, twitter.com/ustream, or facebook.com/ustream.

SOURCE Ustream