YouTube has been livestreaming from Coachella since 2011, but for the 2024 event (April 12-14 and 19-21), the platform’s content options promise fans unable to attend in person a flexible stage-hopping advantage over real-life attendees. The split-screen multiview feature will allow viewers to select up to four stages to stream simultaneously (out of seven main stages at the event) while tuning in to the audio feed of their choice, meaning they can catch any favoured performers playing the same time slots. Although multiview isn’t supported on mobile, those watching Coachella via YouTube on their phones will be able to toggle between streams of six different stages.
The multiview feature originally debuted in September 2023 in YouTube’s partnership with the US National Football League (exclusively for YouTube TV subscribers with an add-on NFL ticket totalling $87.25 a month), which enabled NFL fans to stream several games on one screen during multiple-game days. YouTube’s upcoming Coachella coverage – across both weekends of the festival – extends the perks of multiview to music fans without the need to subscribe to YouTube TV and at no extra cost.
With data indicating that global Gen Zers are abandoning traditional TV in favour of entertainment content – including livestreaming – on social platforms (Deloitte, 2023), YouTube’s enhanced livestream indicates a route to energising at-home viewing for tent-pole events. As outlined in The Next Act for Streaming Entertainment, audiences are seeking viewing options that guarantee direct access to live entertainment coverage that they can easily tailor to their interests.
For more, see Coachella 2024: Best Brand Activations, publishing April 26.
