JP2024050660A - System, method, and program for distributing live video - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a system, method, and program for promoting viewing of live videos. [Solution] A video distribution server 10 that provides a user via a user terminal 30 with a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos associates tags entered by a user viewing a live video with the live video, and presents information about the live video being distributed based on the associated tags. This allows the user to know the current content (topic) of the live video being distributed based on information based on tags entered by actual viewers. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for distributing live video.

Conventionally, various services have been provided for distributing live videos (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Typically, such services allow users, including ordinary people, to distribute live videos as distributors, and provide viewers with live videos on various topics.

JP 2019-022219 A

However, with conventional live video distribution services, the current content (topic) cannot be known until viewing the live video. While this is not a big problem for regular viewers, it can make it difficult for new users to start casually viewing live videos. Furthermore, if it is difficult to acquire new viewers, motivation for distributing live videos decreases, and the vitality of the service is hindered.

One of the objects of the embodiments of the present invention is to promote the viewing of live video. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the entire specification.

A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for streaming live videos, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors executing, in response to execution of readable instructions, a process of presenting information about the live video being streamed to a user and a process of managing association of tags with the live video, the process of managing association including associating a first tag input by a first user watching a first live video with the first live video, and the process of presenting including presenting information about the live video being streamed based at least on the associated tag.

A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a method for streaming live videos, comprising the steps of: presenting information about the live video being streamed to a user; and managing association of tags with the live video, wherein the step of managing association includes associating a first tag entered by a first user watching a first live video with the first live video, and the step of presenting includes presenting information about the live video being streamed based at least on the associated tag.

A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for streaming live videos, which, when executed on one or more computers, causes the one or more computers to execute a process of presenting information about the live video being streamed to a user and a process of managing association of tags with the live video, the process of managing the association including associating a first tag input by a first user watching a first live video with the first live video, and the process of presenting including presenting information about the live video being streamed based at least on the associated tag.

Various embodiments of the present invention facilitate the viewing of live video.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a user information table 411. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining ranks. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distribution management table 412. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a tag management table 413. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 70. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a viewing screen 80. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item selection screen 200. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to a tag input. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display content of an individual display area 641. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60 when "Topic" is selected in a selection area 62. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display content of an individual display area 642; 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to a user starting to watch a live video (entering the broadcast). FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating a rank. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an update rule for a rank meter value. 11 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between update contents of rank and required rank meter value. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60A in another example. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a tag-specific video list screen 90. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of content that is automatically posted to an external SNS.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the video distribution server 10 is communicatively connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is shown in FIG. 1, the server 10 is communicatively connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The video distribution server 10 provides a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos to a user via the user terminal 30. In this embodiment, a user who operates the user terminal 30 can distribute live videos as a distributor, and can also view live videos provided by other users as a viewer. The video distribution server 10 is an example of a device that implements a part or all of the system of the present invention.

The video distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input/output I/F 13, a communication I/F 14, and a storage (memory device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU or GPU, etc., and loads various programs stored in the storage 15, etc., into the main memory 12 and executes various instructions contained in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured, for example, from a DRAM, etc.

The input/output I/F 13 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with a user, etc. The input/output I/F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input/output I/F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20, etc.

Storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. Storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, etc.

In this embodiment, the video distribution server 10 may be configured using multiple computers, each of which has the hardware configuration described above. For example, the video distribution server 10 may be configured by one or multiple server devices.

The video distribution server 10 configured in this manner can be configured to have the functions of a web server and an application server, in which case it executes various processes in response to requests from a web browser and other applications (e.g., applications for live video distribution services) installed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data, etc., according to the results of the processes, to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can display a web page or other screen based on the received data.

The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input/output I/F 33, a communication I/F 34, and a storage (memory device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU or GPU, and loads various programs stored in the storage 35, etc., into the main memory 32 and executes various commands contained in the programs. The main memory 32 is configured, for example, from a DRAM, etc.

The input/output I/F 33 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with a user, etc. The input/output I/F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input/output I/F 33 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20, etc.

Storage 35 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk or a flash memory. Storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The programs stored in storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market, etc., and installed.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a wearable device, etc.

A user who operates the user terminal 30 configured in this manner can use the live video distribution service provided by the video distribution server 10 by communicating with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in the storage 35, etc.

Next, the functions of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. As shown in the figure, the server 10 has an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the live video distribution service, and a video distribution control unit 45 that controls the distribution of live videos. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and the main memory 12, as well as various programs and data stored in the storage 15, etc., and are realized, for example, by the computer processor 11 executing instructions included in a program loaded into the main memory 12. In addition, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or by the user terminal 30.

The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 etc. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the information storage management unit 41 is configured to have a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the live video distribution service, a distribution management table 412 that manages information about distribution of individual live videos, and a tag management table 413 that manages information about tags associated with the live videos.

The basic function control unit 43 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of the basic functions of the live video distribution service. For example, the basic function control unit 43 transmits screen data or control data of various screens related to the basic functions to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the user via the screen displayed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data or control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The basic functions controlled by the basic function control unit 43 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and user management (for example, updating the user information table 411, etc.).

The video distribution control unit 45 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of the distribution of live videos. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to distribute live videos provided by a distributor to multiple viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to receive live videos transmitted from the user terminal 30 of the distributor (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "distributor terminal 30") and transmit the live videos to the user terminals 30 of the multiple viewers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "viewer terminals 30"). The live videos are composed of, for example, images input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone. The distribution of such live videos can be performed, for example, by a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

In this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to present information about the live video being distributed to the user. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to transmit screen data or control data of a screen including information about the live video being distributed to the user terminal 30. Information about the live video being distributed is obtained, for example, by referring to the distribution management table 412, etc.

The video distribution control unit 45 is also configured to execute various processes related to managing the association of tags with live videos. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to associate tags entered by a user (viewer) watching a live video with the live video. In this embodiment, the tag is typically configured as information including a character string, and is useful for classifying the live videos. The correspondence between the live video and the tags associated with the live video is managed, for example, in the tag management table 413.

In addition, in this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to present information about the live video being distributed based at least on the associated tag. For example, the information about the live video being distributed can be configured to include information about the tag associated with the live video, or information that has been processed based on the tag. Also, for example, the information about the live video being distributed can be extracted based on the associated tag, or configured as a list of live videos sorted based on the tag.

In this way, the video distribution server 10 in this embodiment associates tags entered by users watching a live video with the live video, and presents information about the live video being distributed based on the associated tags, so that users can learn the current content (topic) of the live video being distributed based on information based on tags entered by actual viewers. As a result, for example, it becomes easier for new users to start watching live videos, and viewing of live videos is promoted.

In this embodiment, the state of the tag associated with the live video may be managed. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to manage tags that have been associated with the live video for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) or less as tags in a predetermined state, and present information about the live video being distributed based at least on the tags in the predetermined state (e.g., excluding tags that have been associated with the live video for more than a predetermined time). A tag in a predetermined state may be referred to as a currently valid (valid at that time) tag that has been input for a relatively short time, and the predetermined time may be referred to as the validity time of the tag. With this configuration, when presenting information about the live video being distributed, tags that have been input for a long time are excluded, so that, for example, the presentation of information based on a tag that is no longer suitable for the current content of the live video is suppressed.

The video distribution control unit 45 may also be configured to limit the number of tags in the above-mentioned predetermined state associated with one live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to make it impossible (reject) to associate a new tag while the number of tags in the predetermined state associated with a particular live video is at the upper limit. This configuration may prevent the number of tags from becoming excessively large, thereby preventing the loss of the function of tags as a classification for live videos.

The video distribution control unit 45 may also be configured to limit the number of tags that can be associated with one live video within a specified time period. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to make it impossible (reject) to associate a new tag while the number of tags associated with a specific live video from now until a specified time ago is at the upper limit. This configuration may prevent the number of tags from becoming excessively large, thereby preventing the loss of the function of tags as a classification for live videos.

The video distribution control unit 45 may also be configured to limit the number of tags that can be associated with one live video by one user within a specified time period. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to make it impossible (reject) to associate a new tag while the number of tags associated with a specific live video by a specific user from now until a specified time ago is at the upper limit. For example, if the number of tags that can be associated within a specified time period is limited to "1", it can also be said that continuous input of tags by one user is limited (a specified time interval is required). Such a configuration prevents tags associated with live videos from being biased toward tags entered by a specific user.

In addition, in this embodiment, the users who can input tags may be restricted. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to restrict the users who can input tags based at least on a predetermined attribute possessed by the user. For example, the users who can input tags may be restricted to users whose level is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Also, for example, the users who can input tags may be restricted to users who have a predetermined relationship with the user who distributes the live video (broadcaster) (for example, members of a group that supports the broadcaster). The predetermined attribute is managed, for example, in the user information table 411. Such a configuration suppresses deterioration of the quality of tags by restricting the users who can input tags.

The video distribution control unit 45 may also be configured to accept comments input via a viewing screen for viewing the live video, and to accept tags input via the viewing screen. The input comments are typically displayed on the viewing screen of each viewer. In this case, the viewing screen may be configured to have a predetermined area into which a character string can be input, where a character string input in the first state is recognized as a comment, while a character string input in the second state is recognized as a tag. Switching between the first and second states may be performed in response to an operational input by the user, or may be performed without an operational input by the user. This configuration makes it possible to input tags with an operation similar to that for inputting a comment, thereby achieving good operability for inputting tags.

In this embodiment, the information about the live videos being distributed that is presented to the user includes information in various formats. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 can be configured to present a list of tags associated with each of the multiple live videos being distributed. In this case, the tag list can be configured so that tags associated with a larger number of live videos are prioritized (e.g., placed at the top of the list). This configuration makes it possible to easily inform the user of the content (topics) of the live videos across the entire live video distribution service.

In addition, the information related to the live videos being streamed that is presented to the user includes a list of the live videos. For example, the video streaming control unit 45 can be configured to present a list of the live videos being streamed that is based at least on tags associated with each of the multiple live videos being streamed. For example, the list can be configured as a list in which tags associated with each of the multiple live videos being streamed are arranged in chronological order together with the corresponding live videos (associated live videos). The list can also be called a timeline of tags, and for example, each time a new tag is associated with any of the live videos, the new tag is added to the list together with the corresponding live video. Such a configuration makes it possible to inform the user of the tags and the corresponding live videos in chronological order.

Furthermore, for example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to present a list of live videos consisting of multiple live videos associated with a specific tag (e.g., a tag specified by a user or a tag automatically identified, etc.). Such a configuration improves, for example, the searchability of live videos associated with a specific tag (e.g., a tag in which a user is interested, etc.).

The video distribution control unit 45 may also be configured to provide a predetermined notification regarding the tag corresponding to a specific live video in the list of live videos on the viewing screen for viewing the specific live video in response to a user starting to view the specific live video via the list of live videos based on the above-mentioned tag. For example, the predetermined notification includes a notification regarding the user starting to view the specific live video via the corresponding tag. Also, for example, the predetermined notification includes a notification regarding the user who associated the corresponding tag with the specific live video. Such a configuration enables a notification in response to the start of viewing the live video via the tag, which may encourage viewers to input tags.

The video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to increase the value of a predetermined parameter of a user who has associated a tag corresponding to a specific live video in the list of live videos with the specific live video in response to the start of viewing by any user of the specific live video via the list of live videos based on the above-mentioned tag. The predetermined parameter may be configured, for example, as the number of other users who have started viewing the live video via the tag associated by the user. For example, the basic function control unit 43 may be configured to set a ranking based on the value of such a predetermined parameter. Such a configuration may improve the game-like nature of tag association, and as a result, may encourage viewers to input tags.

The video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to automatically post content for posting that introduces the live video to a specified SNS in association with the tag (e.g., before/after the association). The content for posting includes the tag associated with the live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to automatically post content for posting that includes the tag as a hashtag and has a link to the live video to be introduced to an SNS such as Twitter (registered trademark) or Instagram (registered trademark). The automatic posting is performed via a confirmation operation by the user or without the confirmation operation. Such a configuration supports the spread of the live video via SNS.

The video distribution control unit 45 can also be configured to associate tags entered by a user watching a live video with the live video, as well as with the user (distributor) who distributes the live video. The tags associated with the distributor can be managed, for example, in the user information table 411 and displayed on a specific screen (for example, a screen that displays the distributor's profile). This configuration makes it possible to utilize the tags entered by the viewer as part of the distributor's attributes (profile).

Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. Figure 3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, manages information such as "basic information" including account name, age, gender, etc., "distribution history information" that is information about the distribution history of live videos, "viewing history information" that is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users, "following user information" that is information about other users followed by this user, "follower information" that is information about other users (followers) following this user, "family information" that is information about families to which this user belongs as a family member, a "rank" that indicates the rank of the user as a distributor, a "rank meter value" that is a parameter value for determining whether the rank has been increased or decreased, a "coin holding number" that indicates the number of virtual coins held in the live video distribution service, a "diamond holding number" that indicates the number of virtual diamonds held, "tag point information" that is information about tag points (predetermined parameters) that increase in response to tag input as a viewer, "tag information" that is information about tags input by viewers while distributing live videos as a distributor, and "classification text" that is a classification as a distributor set by the user himself.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" of the distributor in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E", and each of the five rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D", is made up of three ranks (for example, "S+", "S", and "S-", which are ranks with a "+" added to the alphabet indicating the rank band, ranks with only the alphabet, and ranks with a "-" added to the alphabet). In addition, the "E" rank band is made up of a single rank, "E". In other words, in this example, there are 16 ranks (3 x 5 + 1 = 16).

The "S" side of the rank band is the highest and the "E" side is the lowest. Within the same rank band, the "+" side is the highest and the "-" side is the lowest. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D-" as the initial value.

Figure 5 illustrates information managed in the distribution management table 412 in this example. The distribution management table 412 manages information related to distribution of individual live videos, and as shown, manages information such as a "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor of this distribution, "distribution date and time", "distribution duration" that indicates the duration of the distribution, "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", "number of comments" that is the number of comments entered by viewers, "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" entered by viewers, "item points" that increase according to the input of items by viewers, and "distribution points" that are points granted for this distribution, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution (live video).

Figure 6 illustrates information managed in tag management table 413 in this example. Tag management table 413 manages information related to tags associated with live videos, and as shown, manages information such as the "tag inputter user account" which is the user account of the viewer who input the tag (tag inputter), the "tag content" which is the content (character string) of the tag, and the "tag assignment date and time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second)" which is the date and time when the tag was assigned, in association with a combination of a "broadcast ID" which identifies an individual broadcast and a "tag ID" which identifies an individual tag in that broadcast (live video).

Figure 7 shows an example of a top screen 60 of a live video streaming service displayed on a user terminal 30. The screen 60 is the starting point for users who use the live video streaming service, and as shown in the figure, has a selection area 62 displaying "Follow," "Popular," "Trending," and "All," a list display area 64 located below the area 62, and a circular streaming start button 66 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

The selection area 62 is an area for selecting the display contents in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Follow" is selected in the selection area 62, live videos being distributed by other users who the user is following are displayed in a list in the list display area 64. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the selection area 62, live videos (e.g., live videos with a viewer count (current value) equal to or greater than a threshold) extracted according to a predetermined extraction condition for extracting popular videos are displayed in a list in the list display area 64. Furthermore, when "Trending" is selected in the selection area 62, tags assigned (associated) to the live videos are displayed in a chronological order in the list display area 64 together with the corresponding live videos, as will be described in detail later. Furthermore, when "All" is selected in the selection area 62, all live videos being distributed are displayed in a list in the list display area 64.

The top screen 60 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the case where "Popular" is selected in the selection area 62. In this case, as shown in the figure, the list display area 64 has two rows of multiple individual display areas 641, each of which displays information about an individual live video. The individual display areas 641 are configured so that viewing of the corresponding live video can be started in response to a user selection. The list display area 64 is configured so that the individual display areas 641 displayed can be switched by a flick operation/slide operation in an up or down direction, etc. The configuration of the list display area 64 when "Follow" and "All" are selected in the selection area 62 is the same as the above-mentioned configuration when "Popular" is selected. The configuration of the list display area 64 when "Trending" is selected in the selection area 62 will be described later.

The start streaming button 66 is an object that allows the user to start streaming a live video as a streamer. When the start streaming button 66 is selected by the user, streaming of the live video starts, and more specifically, transmission of a video composed of an image input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 starts. In addition, in response to the start of streaming of the live video, a new record is created in the streaming management table 412.

Figure 8 illustrates an example of a distribution screen 70 that is displayed on the distributor terminal 30 in response to selection of the distribution start button 66 (i.e., the start of distribution of a live video). As shown in the figure, the screen 70 has a video display area 71 that corresponds to the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a comment display area 73 located in the lower left corner of the screen, a tag display area 74 located above the area 73, and a circular distribution stop button 76 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

The video display area 71 displays the live video being distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30. The distributor usually shoots himself/herself via the internal camera of the distributor terminal 30, so the live video being distributed includes the distributor himself/herself.

The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this broadcast, specifically broadcaster information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers of this broadcast (current value), and the number of "likes" entered by viewers in response to this broadcast.

The comment display area 73 displays user comments input by the viewer or system comments automatically input by the server 10, and specifically, in this area 73, a plurality of comment objects 731, each of which corresponds to an individual comment, are arranged vertically. The comment display area 73 is configured so that when a new comment is input, the corresponding comment object 731 is added to the bottom, and the existing comment objects 731 move in order upward. The comment display area 73 is configured so that the comment objects 731 displayed can be switched by a flick operation/slide operation in the vertical direction, etc.

The tag display area 74 displays information about tags that have been added to this broadcast (live video), and more specifically, this area 74 is configured so that multiple tag objects 741, each of which corresponds to an individual tag, are arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction. Details of the tag display area 74 will be described later.

The broadcast stop button 76 is an object that allows the broadcaster to stop broadcasting the live video. When the broadcaster selects the broadcast stop button 76, the broadcasting of the live video (the transmission of the live video from the broadcaster terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

Figure 9 illustrates an example of a viewing screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects any live video via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewing screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80 has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, a comment display area 83, and a tag display area 84, similar to the distribution screen 70 described above. In addition, the viewing screen 80 has, at the bottom of the screen, an input mode switching button 85, a comment input area 86, a "Like" button 87 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 88 with a gift design displayed.

The comment input area 86 is an area for viewers to input comments. A transmission object 861 is located at the right end of the area 86. When the object 861 is selected, the character string entered in the comment input area 86 is sent as a user comment, and comment objects 731, 831 corresponding to the comment are added to the comment display areas 73, 83 of the distribution screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewing screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30. The comment objects 731, 831 corresponding to the user comment display the comment itself (character string) together with the account name of the viewer who entered the comment. In addition, when a comment is entered, the number of comments in the distribution management table 412 is updated (increased by 1).

The like button 87 is an object that allows a viewer to input a "like" to a distributor. When the button 87 is selected by a viewer, a "like" is input and a system comment regarding the "like" is input, and the corresponding comment object 731, 831 is added to the comment display area 73, 83. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment regarding the "like" displays text indicating that the "like" was made along with the account name of the viewer who input the "like". In addition, when a "like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the video display area 71, 81. In addition, when a "like" is input, the "number of likes" in the distribution management table 412 is updated (1 is added).

The item input button 88 is an object that allows the viewer to input an item. When the button 88 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 200, as shown in FIG. 10, is displayed superimposed on the viewing screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 200 displays a list of multiple individual display areas 202, each of which displays information about an item. The individual display areas 202 display an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input the item.

In this example, multiple items that can be input by the viewer are determined in advance, and the number of coins is set in advance as the price (value) of each item. The item selection screen 200 displays a list of the multiple items that can be input. When the viewer selects one of the items via the item selection screen 200, the selected item is input.

When an item is input, a system comment regarding the item input is input, and a corresponding comment object 731, 831 is added to the comment display area 73, 83. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment regarding the item input displays the name of the input item together with the account name of the viewer who input the item. Also, when an item is input, a visual effect corresponding to the input item is added to the video display area 71, 81. Also, when an item is input, item points according to the number of coins of the input item (for example, the more coins, the more points) are granted to this broadcast, and are added to the item points of the corresponding broadcast in the broadcast management table 412. Also, when an item is input, the number of coins of the input item is subtracted from the number of coins owned by the corresponding user (the viewer who input the item) in the user information table 411.

Here, the operation of adding tags to live videos in this example will be described. The input mode switching button 85 on the viewing screen 80 is an object for inputting tags via the comment input area 86. While the input mode switching button 85 is in a non-selected state, the comment input area 86 is in the normal comment input mode, and as described above, the character string entered in the comment input area 86 is transmitted as a comment in response to the selection of the transmission object 861. On the other hand, when the input mode switching button 85 is in a selected state, the comment input area 86 goes into the tag input mode, and the character string entered in the comment input area 86 is transmitted as a tag in response to the selection of the transmission object 861.

In this example, tag input is limited to family members (users with a specified relationship) of the broadcaster of the live video to which the tag is being added (i.e., the video being viewed). Specifically, the input mode switch button 85 on the viewing screen 80 is selectable (enabled) if the viewer is a family member of the broadcaster, but is not selectable (disabled) if the viewer is not a family member of the broadcaster.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to the input (transmission) of a tag by any viewer. When a tag is input, the server 10 first checks that the number of tags currently valid (valid at that time) in the target live video (broadcast) is less than three (i.e., two or less) (step S100), as shown in the figure. In this example, a tag assigned to a live video is managed as currently valid until five minutes have passed since it was assigned. In other words, in this example, the "number of currently valid tags" is the number of tags assigned up to five minutes ago from the present. The currently valid tags are identified by referring to the assignment date and time in the tag management table 413.

If the number of currently valid tags is less than three (YES in step S100), the server 10 then checks that one minute or more has passed since the same user last tagged the target live video (step S110). The time when the same user last tagged the video is identified by referring to the input user account and tagging date and time in the tag management table 413.

If one minute or more has passed since the previous tag was applied by the same user (YES in step S110), the server 10 then checks that the tag content (character string) does not overlap with tags applied to the target live video within the last 10 minutes (step S120). The content of tags applied within the last 10 minutes is identified by referring to the tag content and the date and time of application in the tag management table 413. As described above, in this example, a tag that has been applied for 5 minutes will no longer be in a currently valid state, so "tags applied within the last 10 minutes" can also be said to be "currently valid tags and tags that have ceased to be in a currently valid state within the last 5 minutes."

If the tag content does not overlap with a tag entered within the last 10 minutes (YES in step S120), the server 10 then registers the entered tag (assigns it to the live video) (step S130). Specifically, a new record is registered in the tag management table 413. In addition, the tag information in the user information table 411 of the corresponding distributor is updated (the current tag is added).

On the other hand, if the number of currently valid tags is 3 or more (NO in step S100), if one minute or more has not passed since the previous tag was added by the same user (NO in step S110), or if the content of the tag overlaps with a tag added within 10 minutes (NO in step S120), the server 10 notifies the user who input the tag of an error (step S140). In this case, the input tag is not registered (added to the live video), and the tag is discarded. Thus, in this example, the number of currently valid tags that can be added to one live video is limited to three, the number of tags that can be added to one live video by one user within one minute is limited to one, and the number of identical tags that can be added to one live video within 10 minutes is limited to one. In this example, restrictions on the content of the tag (for example, character limit, restriction by NG words, etc.) may be set.

When a tag is assigned, a tag object 741, 841 corresponding to the assigned tag is added to the tag display area 74, 84 of the distribution screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewing screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30. In the tag display area 74, 84, the tag objects 741, 841 corresponding to currently valid tags are arranged side by side in the left-right direction so that the tag on the left is newer (has been assigned later). Therefore, the tag object 741, 841 corresponding to the newly assigned tag is added to the left end of the tag display area 74, 84. Note that if five minutes have passed since the tag was assigned and the tag is no longer currently valid, the corresponding tag object 741, 841 is deleted (for example, it disappears with an animation effect of moving to the right).

In this example, tag objects 741 and 841 display the tag content in the form of a hashtag with a "#" added to the beginning of the string. For example, if the tag content is "Tokyo sightseeing", tag objects 741 and 841 display "#Tokyo sightseeing". The horizontal length of tag objects 741 and 841 is automatically adjusted according to the length of the string to be displayed.

Furthermore, when a tag is added, a system comment regarding the tagging is input, and a corresponding comment object 731, 831 is added to the comment display area 73, 83. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment regarding the tagging displays the content of the tagged tag along with the account name of the viewer who added (input) the tag, for example, a comment such as "xx tagged the broadcast with "#TokyoSightseeing"."

In this example, the tag assigned to the live video is used to display information about the live video being distributed on the top screen 60. For example, the tag assigned to the live video is displayed as part of the information about the live video in the individual display area 641 of the list display area 64.

12 illustrates an example of the display contents of the individual display area 641. The individual display area 641 displays a still image, the account name of the broadcaster, and the number of viewers (current value) that are preset by the broadcaster of the live video, and, as shown in the figure, a first tag object 6411 and a second tag object 6412 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction at the bottom end. The first tag object 6411 displays classification text (managed in the user information table 411) that is the classification of the broadcaster set by the broadcaster himself in the form of a hashtag (a format in which "#" is added to the beginning of the string) (in the example of FIG. 12, "#big-eating broadcast" is displayed). In addition, the second tag object 6412 displays the currently valid tag that is assigned to the corresponding live video in the same form of a hashtag (in the example of FIG. 12, "#curry" is displayed). In addition, if multiple currently valid tags are assigned to the corresponding live video, one tag selected according to a predetermined rule (for example, a randomly selected tag or the latest tag, etc.) is displayed. In this way, by displaying both the classification text set by the distributor himself and the tags entered by the viewer in the individual display area 641, information about the content of the live video can be more appropriately provided to the user.

For example, tags assigned to live videos are used to extract and select live videos to be displayed in a list on the top screen 60. FIG. 13 illustrates the top screen 60 when "Topics" is selected in the selection area 62. In this case, the top screen 60 displays in the list display area 64 the tags assigned to any live video in chronological order along with the live video. In other words, when "Topics" is selected in the selection area 62, the list display area 64 displays a list of tags and corresponding live videos arranged in descending order of the date and time of assignment.

In the list display area 64, a number of individual display areas 642, each of which displays an individual tag and information about the corresponding live video, are arranged vertically. When a new tag is added to any of the live videos, the corresponding individual display area 642 is added to the top of the list display area 64.

14 illustrates an example of the display contents of the individual display area 642. As illustrated, the area 642 has a tag object 6421 in the upper left corner, and displays the profile image and account name of the broadcaster of the corresponding live video (to which the tag is attached). The individual display area 642 is set with a link to the corresponding live video, and the user can start watching the corresponding live video by selecting one of the multiple individual display areas 642 displayed in the list display area 64. Note that in this example, for example, if multiple different tags are attached to one live video within a short period of time, multiple individual display areas 642 corresponding to the multiple tags are arranged, and links to the same live video are set in these areas 642.

Above, the operation of tagging a live video has been described. Next, the operation when a user starts watching a live video will be described. FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 in response to a user starting to watch a live video (entering the broadcast). When a user starts watching a live video, the server 10 first inputs a system comment regarding the user's normal entry (step S210) if the user has not started watching the live video via a tag (NO in step S200), as shown in the figure. In this example, "starting to watch a live video via a tag" specifically means starting to watch a live video via the list display area 64 in which "topic" is selected in the selection area 62 of the top screen 60 (by selecting one of the multiple individual display areas 642 displayed in the list in the area 64).

When a system comment regarding normal entry is input, a comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment is added to the comment display area 73, 83. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment regarding normal entry displays the account name of the user who started viewing (entered the room), etc.

On the other hand, if the user who has started viewing has started viewing the live video via a tag (YES in step S200), the server 10 then inputs a system comment regarding entry via a tag (entry via tag) (step S220). When the system comment is input, the corresponding comment object 731, 831 is added to the comment display area 73, 83 as described above.

In this example, comment objects 731, 831 corresponding to system comments regarding entry via a tag display the tag that was passed through in addition to the account name of the user who entered the room. The tag that was passed through is the tag that corresponds to the individual display area 642 selected in the list display area 64 of the top screen 60. For example, comment objects 731, 831 display a comment saying "Mr. A came to play from "#xxx"" ("Mr. A" is the user who entered the room, and "xxx" is the tag that was passed through).

When a system comment regarding entry via a tag is thus input, if the user who started viewing is a first-time user (a user viewing a live video of this broadcaster for the first time) (YES in step S230), the server 10 will then award tag points to the person who input the tag via (step S240). Specifically, the tag point information in the user information table 411 is updated for the inputter. The tag inputter is identified by referencing the inputter's user account in the tag management table 413.

In this example, the tag point information includes tag points for each family (i.e., each distributor) of which the corresponding user (enter) is a family member, and in step S240, a predetermined number of points are added to the tag points of the corresponding family. Note that in this example, a ranking of tag points (e.g., ranking within the same family) is periodically set and made public.

In this example, if the entry is via a tag and the user who entered is a first-time user, a corresponding system comment may be further input. The corresponding system comment includes, for example, the person who entered the tag via the tag and the number of first-time users who entered via the tag, and for example, the corresponding comment object 731, 831 displays a comment saying, "yy first-time users came to visit via X's "#xxx". The corresponding system comment also includes, for example, the number of first-time users who entered via all tags (this tag and other tags) entered by the person who entered the tag via the tag during a specified period (for example, the current month), and for example, the corresponding comment object 731, 831 displays a comment saying, "zzz first-time users came to visit via X's tag this month".

Above, the operation when a user starts watching a live video has been described. Next, the operation when a broadcaster ends a broadcast will be described. As described above, when a broadcaster selects the stop broadcast button 76 on the broadcast screen 70, the broadcast of the live video ends. When the broadcast of the live video ends, the server 10 sets broadcast points for that broadcast. In this example, the broadcast points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the item points. The broadcast points are configured to increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the item points increase. The calculated broadcast points are registered in the broadcast management table 412.

In this example, the rank for the day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points the user acquired on the previous day. FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processes are executed late at night every day (for example, at 3:00 a.m. every day).

First, the server 10 updates the rank meter value of each user as shown in the figure (step S300). FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the rules for updating the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value fluctuates based on the ranking of the distribution points acquired by the user on the previous day within the rank band to which the user belongs. The distribution points acquired by a particular user on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution date and time, and distribution points in the distribution management table 412. Note that if a user makes multiple distributions in one day, the distribution points acquired for each of the multiple distributions are added together.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the rank meter value update rules are as follows: first, if the ranking of a distribution point within a rank band is in the top 10%, the rank meter value changes by "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking is in the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% after removing the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1", if the ranking is in the middle 30% (top 31-60%) the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and if the ranking is in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no distribution was performed on the previous day, the rank meter value changes by "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank band.

In step S300, the rank meter value of each user is updated according to the update rules exemplified in FIG. 17. Note that, for a user with a negative rank meter value, if the current change in the rank meter value is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value may be cleared to 0 before being increased. That is, for example, if the current change in the rank meter value of a user whose current rank meter value is "-1" is "+2", the rank meter value is cleared to 0 and then incremented by 2, so that the rank meter value after the change becomes "+2" (instead of "+1"). In this way, even for users with negative rank meter values (for example, users who broadcast infrequently), the rank meter value can be increased all at once, which promotes the broadcasting of live video.

After updating the rank meter value of each user, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S310). FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the update contents of the rank and the required rank meter value. As shown in the figure, first, when ranking up across rank bands (in other words, when ranking up from the highest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +4. That is, when a user belonging to the highest rank (e.g., A+) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +4, the user is ranked up to the lowest rank (e.g., S-) in the immediately upper rank band. Also, when ranking up within the same rank band (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or lowest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +2. That is, when a user belonging to the middle or lowest rank (e.g., B or B-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +2, the user is ranked up to the immediately higher rank (e.g., B+ or B) in the same rank band.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the rank meter value required for down-ranking within the same rank band (in other words, for down-ranking from the highest or middle rank in each rank band) is -2. That is, when a user who belongs to the highest or middle rank in each rank band (e.g., B+ or B) has a rank meter value of -2, the user will be down-ranked to the next lower rank (e.g., B or B-) in the same rank band. Also, the rank meter value required for down-ranking across rank bands is -6. That is, when a user who belongs to the lowest rank (e.g., A-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of -6, the user will be down-ranked to the highest rank (e.g., B+) in the next lower rank band. Thus, in this example, the absolute value of the rank meter value required for up-ranking/down-ranking across rank bands is larger than that for up-ranking/down-ranking within the same rank band. As a result, sudden up-ranking/down-ranking in a short period of time is suppressed.

In step S310, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence shown in FIG. 18. The rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been upgraded/downgraded) is cleared to 0.

In addition, in this example, diamonds are awarded as a reward to the user as a broadcaster based on the broadcast time on the previous day and the rank (rank on the previous day). FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds to each broadcaster. These processes are executed late at night every day, for example, at a time (for example, midnight every day) prior to the process executed when updating the rank of each user illustrated in FIG. 16.

First, as shown in the figure, the server 10 calculates the broadcast time of each user on the previous day (step S400). Specifically, the broadcast time of a specific user on the previous day is calculated by referring to the broadcaster user account and broadcast date and time in the broadcast management table 412. If a user makes multiple broadcasts in one day, the broadcast times of each of the multiple broadcasts are added together.

Then, the server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated broadcast time and the standard number of diamonds (step S410). Specifically, each user is granted a number of diamonds calculated by multiplying the calculated broadcast time by the standard number of diamonds. The standard number of diamonds is preset for each rank so that the higher the rank, the greater the number, and the standard number of diamonds corresponding to each user's rank on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are granted to a user, the number of diamonds held in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

The top screen 60 in the above example is an example of a screen that displays information about live videos being distributed, and other screens may be applied in other examples of this embodiment. FIG. 20 illustrates a top screen 60A in another example of this embodiment, in which "topic" is selected in the selection area 62. In this case, the top screen 60A has a tag search area 63 for searching for tags, a first list display area 64A that displays a list of live videos that have the most trending tag (the tag that has the largest number of live videos that are currently assigned as an active tag), and a second list display area 65 that displays a list of currently active tags that have been assigned to multiple live videos being distributed.

In the first list display area 64A, a number of individual display areas 641, each of which displays information about an individual live video, are arranged in the left-right direction. When one of the individual display areas 641 is selected, viewing of the corresponding live video begins. The start of viewing in response to the selection of the individual display area 641 is determined as entry via a tag (start of viewing).

In the second list display area 65, multiple tag objects 651 are arranged, each of which corresponds to an individual tag. In this area 65, tag objects 651 corresponding to tags with a large number of live videos attached are arranged at the top, and among tag objects 651 arranged at the same height, tag objects 651 corresponding to tags with a large number of live videos attached are located on the left.

When any one of the multiple tag objects 651 is selected, a tag-specific video list screen 90 illustrated in FIG. 21 is displayed superimposed on the top screen 60A. The screen 90 is a screen for displaying a list of live videos to which a specific tag is currently assigned as a valid tag, and has a tag display object 91 that displays the content of the tag specified as a specific tag (the content of the tag corresponding to the selected tag object 651) as shown in the figure, and a list display area 92 that displays a list of live videos to which the specified tag is currently assigned as a valid tag. The area 92 has multiple individual display areas 921 arranged vertically, each of which displays information about an individual live video. The individual display area 921 displays the profile image and account name of the distributor. When any one of the multiple individual display areas 921 is selected, viewing of the corresponding live video begins. The start of viewing in response to the selection of the individual display area 921 is determined as entry via a tag (start of viewing). Note that even when a currently valid tag is searched for and selected via the tag search area 63, the tag-specific video list screen 90 corresponding to the selected tag is displayed.

In the above example, when a tag is added to a live video, the video may be automatically posted to an external SNS. FIG. 22 illustrates an example of the content that is automatically posted to an external SNS. The automatic posting is performed using the SNS account of the tag inputter (which can be managed in the user information table 411, for example), and the content to be posted is generated according to the settings of OGP (Open Graph protocol). For example, the content to be posted includes a message that includes the account name of the broadcaster, the service name of the live video distribution service, the currently active tag, and the classification text as hashtags. For example, the content includes the text "#Mr. X is broadcasting on #ServiceY! #Curry #BigEaterBroadcast" ("Mr. X" is the account name of the broadcaster, "ServiceY" is the service name, "Curry" is the currently active tag, and "BigEaterBroadcast" is the classification text).

In the above example, tags are added by viewers of the live video, but in addition to this, tags may also be added by the broadcaster who is broadcasting the live video.

In the above example, the tag assigned to the live video may be made deletable by the broadcaster. For example, the corresponding tag may be deleted via an operation of selecting (e.g., a long press, etc.) the tag object 741 arranged in the tag display area 74 of the broadcast screen 70. When a tag is deleted, the corresponding record is deleted in the tag management table 413, and is also deleted from the tag information in the user information table 411.

In the above example, it may be possible to input a tag by consuming coins. In this case, the more coins consumed, the longer the validity period of the tag may be.

In the above example, it may be possible to view archives of live videos at a later time. In this case, since all tags added to archived live videos during distribution are managed in tag management table 413, it may be possible to search for the tags. For example, on a screen that displays the profile of the distributor, a list of tags (managed in the tag information in user information table 411) previously entered by viewers may be displayed, and when a tag is selected via the list, archived live videos to which the selected tag has been added may be searched and displayed.

The video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment described above associates (assigns) tags entered by users watching a live video to the live video, and presents information about the live video being distributed based on the associated tags, so that users can learn the current content (topic) of the live video being distributed from information based on tags entered by actual viewers. As a result, for example, it becomes easier for new users to start watching live videos, and viewing of live videos is promoted.

The processes and procedures described in this specification may be realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, other than those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described in this specification may be realized by implementing logic equivalent to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or magnetic disk. In addition, the processes and procedures described in this specification may be implemented as a computer program equivalent to the processes and procedures, and executed by various computers.

Although the processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and/or multiple modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be realized by integrating them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

In this specification, even if a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or described without being limited to either singular or plural, the component may be either singular or plural unless the context requires otherwise.

10 Video distribution server 11 Computer processor 15 Storage (storage device)
20 Communication network 30 User terminal 41 Information storage management unit 43 Basic function control unit 45 Video distribution control unit 60, 60A Top screen 70 Distribution screen 80 Viewing screen 85 Input mode switching button 86 Comment input area (predetermined area)
90 Tag-based video list screen 200 Item selection screen

Claims (20)

1. A system for streaming live video, comprising one or more computer processors, comprising:
The one or more computer processors, in response to execution of the readable instructions,
A process of presenting information about a live video being distributed to a user;
managing tag associations for live videos;
The process of managing the association includes associating a first tag input by a first user watching a first live video with the first live video;
The presenting step includes presenting information about the live video based at least on the associated tag.
system. The presenting process includes presenting information about the live video being streamed based at least on tags in a predetermined state that have been associated with the tag within a first time period.
The system of claim 1. The process of managing the association includes limiting the number of tags in the predetermined state that can be associated with one live video.
The system of claim 2. The process of managing the association includes limiting the number of tags that can be associated with one live video within a second time period.
4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The process of managing the associations includes limiting the number of tags that can be associated with one live video by one user within a third time period.
5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The process of managing the association includes restricting users who can input tags based at least on a predetermined attribute possessed by the user.
6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The process of managing the association includes limiting users who can input tags to be associated with the first live video to users who have a predetermined relationship with the user who distributes the first live video.
The system of claim 6. The one or more computer processors further execute a process of accepting comments input via a viewing screen for viewing the live video;
The process of managing the association includes accepting a tag input via the viewing screen;
the viewing screen has a predetermined area into which a character string can be input, the predetermined area being recognized as a comment when the character string is input in a first state, and as a tag when the character string is input in a second state;
8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The process of presenting includes presenting a list of tags associated with each of a plurality of live videos being distributed;
The list of tags is configured to prioritize tags with a larger number of associated live videos.
9. A system according to any preceding claim. The process of presenting includes presenting a list of live videos being streamed based at least on tags associated with each of the plurality of live videos being streamed.
10. A system according to any preceding claim. The process of presenting includes presenting a list of multiple live videos being distributed in which tags associated with each of the live videos are arranged in chronological order together with the corresponding live videos.
The system of claim 10. The presenting step includes presenting a list of live videos that is composed of a plurality of live videos that are associated with a particular tag.
12. The system of claim 10 or 11. The one or more computer processors further execute a process of, in response to a start of viewing of a second live video by a second user via the list of live videos, providing a predetermined notification regarding a second tag corresponding to the second live video in the list of live videos on a viewing screen for viewing the second live video.
13. A system according to any one of claims 10 to 12. The predetermined notification includes a notification regarding the start of viewing by the second user via the second tag.
The system of claim 13. The predetermined notification includes a notification regarding a third user who associated the second tag with the second live video.
15. The system of claim 13 or 14. The one or more computer processors further perform a process of increasing a value of a predetermined parameter of a third user who has associated a second tag corresponding to the second live video in the live video listing with the second live video in response to a start of viewing of the second live video by the second user via the live video listing.
13. A system according to any one of claims 10 to 12. The process of managing the association includes automatically posting, in conjunction with the association of the first tag with the first live video, posting content introducing the first live video, the posting content including the first tag, to a specified SNS.
17. A system according to any preceding claim. The process of managing the association includes associating the first tag with the first live video as well as with a user who broadcasts the first live video.
18. A system according to any preceding claim. 1. A method for streaming live video, executed by one or more computers, comprising:
Presenting information about the live video being distributed to a user;
managing tag associations for live videos;
The step of managing the association includes associating a first tag input by a first user watching a first live video with the first live video;
the presenting step includes presenting information about the live video based at least on the associated tag;
Method. A program for distributing live video,
In response to execution on one or more computers, the one or more computers
A process of presenting information about a live video being distributed to a user;
managing tag associations for live videos;
The process of managing the association includes associating a first tag input by a first user watching a first live video with the first live video;
The presenting step includes presenting information about the live video based at least on the associated tag.
program.

Images