Showroom (streaming service)

Showroom (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese live streaming service used primarily for Japanese idols and voice actors. A development of DeNA, it has been integrated into the audition process for idol groups such as 22/7,^[3] Nogizaka46,^[4] and Keyakizaka46.^[5]

Showroom

Type of site	Live streaming
Owner	Showroom Co., Ltd.[1]
Created by	Yuji Maeda [ja][2]
Parent	DeNA[1] Sony Music Entertainment Japan
URL	www.showroom-live.com
Commercial	Yes
Registration	Optional
Launched	November 25, 2013; 11 years ago (2013-11-25)
Current status	Online

App analytics company App Annie announced on September 13, 2017, that for the first half of 2017, in terms of revenue, Showroom is Japan's top-ranked video distribution application.^[6]

Events

The service is used for daily live-streams, which may be viewed for free. As of March 2018, there are no paid or subscription-based memberships. Revenue is generated from paid virtual gift items given to the performer by registered members during live-streams. Earnings are shared with the performers based upon the number of points they accumulate based on audience size, the number of comments, and other factors,^[7] and production companies may offer licensing deals or other music offers.^[8][9]

Initially, it only allowed streaming by the DeNA headquarters studio and by officially-recognized entertainers. After September 13, 2014, any registered member could live-stream.^[10] English language support was also added.^[7]

History

• November 25, 2013 – Browser-based service initiated by DeNA Corporation
• December 20, 2013 – Android app launched
• January 14, 2014 – iOS app launched
• June 10, 2014 – Added the free gift system given as a bonus for watching streams
• September 13, 2014 – All registered members are allowed to live-stream,^[10] English support added.^[7]
• October 1, 2014 – 10-minute additional usage limit for amateur dedicated gift items and paid gifts raised to 10,000 gold
• January 9, 2015 – Free release of official dedicated streaming software "Showroom Producer"
• February 9, 2015 – Added a 25-character maximum chyron function displayed at the top of the video
• April 1, 2015 – Released the iOS version of "Showroom Producer"
• May 18, 2015 – Limit raised for maximum amount of free gift items
• May 2015 – Viewing fees charged for some official content (Yokohama DeNA BayStars game live-stream, etc.)
• August 3, 2015 – DeNA Corporation spins off Showroom Co., Ltd. to operate the service.^[1]
• October 22, 2020 – Launched Smash, a video streaming app.^[11]