5G technology, with increased speeds and higher bandwidths, is rapidly changing how we experience the digital world. These advancements allow us to access content and connect with others with greater ease than ever before. And with video streaming and cloud gaming becoming mainstays in our new media consumption habits, this is a technology that will become more integrated into our daily lives. Soon, it will be impossible to remember what life was like before the advent of these technologies.
Being able to successfully use 5G tech will be essential for businesses wanting to reach new audiences while also keeping their existing market segments happy. Whether the goal is to revolutionize how media is delivered or grow revenue in new areas, businesses will surely be keen to get ahead of the curve. Let’s take a closer look at how businesses are changing the different ways we consume media with the assistance of 5G technology.
Streaming high-quality content without buffering
5G technology is great for allowing users to stream higher-quality video at a consistent level without the irritation of regular buffering. While 4K is now the standard for many streaming services, a strong 5G connection can also make it possible to enjoy 8K video without needing to stop every few minutes.
For businesses, the benefits are clear to see. By encouraging users to adopt the latest technology, they can deliver better quality content and therefore improve their market share, which then allows the business to reinvest in its creative output. This is a self-sustaining cycle that benefits everyone.
Another bonus, which is likely overlooked by many exploring this topic, is that the use of higher quality connectivity also makes it easier for these streaming giants to reduce costs. This is because lower quality connections, such as 3G and 4G, are not very efficient and therefore require more expensive infrastructure in order to meet user demand. 5G technology largely minimises this need.
More immersive AR and VR media experiences
The low latency that comes with 5G connectivity makes it an ideal choice for those using AR and/or VR technology. Because it can allow the streaming of high-quality content almost instantaneously, users can enjoy virtual experiences, such as live virtual concerts or interactive tours, without having the experience feel disjointed or out of sync.
This also has uses outside of the music and tourism spaces, with the metaverse, as it has been called, also expected to essentially replace the internet as we know it. For brands wanting to engage customers in new and exciting ways, augmented reality technology could be a fun way to market to new audiences and showcase their USPs.
While it may look somewhat jarring to begin with, being one of the first companies to successfully integrate AR and VR experiences into their marketing toolkit should go some way in establishing a strong brand position. Even if others quickly catch up and do the same, being one of the first should make a brand much more memorable, improving brand recall.
Mobile gaming and improved accessibility
With multiplayer games being here, there and everywhere right now, it’s easy to imagine how frustrating it is for players who are unable to enjoy seamless multiplayer experiences because of a poor internet connection. By using 5G technology when out and about, players can avoid the lag associated with traditional gaming, which has largely been overcome thanks to the full-fibre connectivity many of us now have at home.
With customers able to enjoy better content without having to wait through endless loading screens and endure constant buffering, they are expected to have longer session times and be more likely to return in the future, which are key metrics for both traditional and iGaming organisations, particularly those with gamified rewards or pay-to-play features.
Igaming has changed massively with the introduction of 5G and faster network speeds, with casino games available to the player at any time throughout the day, accessibility has skyrocketed. Online Slot UK have compiled a list of top of the range online casinos reviewed by industry professionals, these utilise faster internet speeds to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
Real-time social media and live content
In a similar vein to how users expect live multiplayer games to work seamlessly with no noticeable lag, social media users and those who enjoy live media content also have comparable expectations. With many social media users using platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X while on the move, the need for a strong mobile connection is vital.
However, the importance of strong 5G connections while out in the wider world extends far beyond just watching the latest short-form video or livestream from your favourite streamer. In reality, these platforms are also essential for businesses and influencers who need reliable connectivity in order to promote new products or monetise their content.
By having low-latency connectivity and websites aimed at mobile-first users, businesses can benefit from more intuitive marketing, with personalised pop-ups at different stages of the buying journey. This can also be handy for those receptive to receiving post-purchase messaging. By sending feedback requests close to the purchase time, businesses can benefit from a seamless buying experience and collect valuable remarketing material directly from their existing customers. There is a lot of power in user-generated content.
Final thoughts
5G technology is expected to continue making it much easier for users to stream live content from their favourite influencers, immerse themselves in new AR and VR worlds, and play the most popular multiplayer games with their friends, all while encouraging businesses to invest in new and exciting marketing material.
For businesses wanting to break into new markets or reinforce their positions in existing sectors, offering content that can be delivered at the speeds expected by mobile-first users is essential. This can be a make-or-break factor that’s likely to be overlooked by many of those looking in from the outside. This isn’t simply a way to stay ahead of the curve – it’s essential to maintain pace with the market leaders.