Twitter has announced Periscope Producer back in 2016. It allows broadcasters to connect external devices such as cameras and software to Periscope.
On March 21st, 2017, Twitter announces Periscope Producer API. What this means is that Twitter is making Periscope Producer more accessible by others.
Available in private beta, the tool enables developers and broadcasters to stream live video straight from their computer, camera, Xbox, virtual reality headset, or any non-phone device without having to connect directly through the Periscope app.
Essentially, the API allows users to broadcast directly from these devices, bypassing the app itself, using third-party software.
Using the API, third-party apps can authenticate Periscope accounts, configure streams, start and end broadcasts, as well as share live video straight to Twitter. The API also supports seamless authentication between software and Twitter's video platform.
Twitter has worked with a number of early partners. Those that have signed up to use Periscope Producer API include: Telestream, Livestream, Switchboard Cloud, and Teradek.
Periscope Produces was initially aimed at celebrities and influencers who want to put out professionally produced and high-quality live video instead of streaming directly from their mobile devices. But the trouble was broadcasters still need to manually configure their devices with the app.
This is where the API comes in handy. Users using Producer API, their specific software can have the service already integrated. What this means, users don't need to go through configuration or fuss with all the setup.
Twitter also incorporated Producer into Wirecast software. This enables livestreams to be transmitted to various of devices, including live camera feeds, iOS cameras and computer desktops or web feeds.
Twitter in introducing Periscope Producer API is indeed a welcome move. This highlights the company's strategy that is serious about livestreaming. However, Twitter comes a bit late.
Or too late for that matter.
Other companies, like Facebook, has doubled down on videos for nearly a year. The social network giant has allowed developers to use its API to tap into the technology with their hardware and software. Twitter's Periscope Producer API provides similar functionality, but users still need to go through the app in order to get analytics or data.