Showroom (streaming service)

Showroom, stylized as SHOWROOM, 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, Nogizaka46, and Keyakizaka46. 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.

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, and production companies may offer licensing deals or other music offers.

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. English language support was also added.

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, English support added.
 * October 1, 2014 - 10-minute additional usage limit for amateur dedicated gift items and paid gifts raised to 10000 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 an 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.
 * October 22, 2020 - Launched the smash. video streaming app.