Live broadcasting service UStream has just rolled out a number of new upgrades and shared their latest usage statistics.
The most notable new feature, which we first reported last month, is the introduction of overlays to everyone, so broadcasters can add visual information to their shows – much in the way television shows put guest names and throw graphics up on the screen. Additionally, UStream has added more statistics, so broadcasters can keep track of how their shows are performing.
Meanwhile, UStream has announced that they reached more than 10 million unique viewers in June, with the average video view length totaling 30 minutes. Do the math and you quickly realize that you are looking at a fairly huge amount of advertising inventory for UStream to start selling in the near future. With the introduction of overlays, that may soon be a reality, though advertiser demand for the truly unpredictable world of live produced Internet video remains to be seen.
UStream obviously believes in the potential - earlier this year they reportedly turned down an acquisition offer from Microsoft and instead raised $11 million in venture capital to go it alone.