In the world of politics, Atlanta technology has taken center stage as voters turn on their TVs, laptops and smartphones to virtually meet candidates ahead of casting their ballot in November.
Endavo, an Atlanta-based distribution platform that powers live streamed events and multi-channel video content, made national headlines after becoming the official over-the-top (OTT) platform provider for live streaming last week’s Democratic National Convention.
“The response and viewership for the Democratic National Convention has been tremendous,” said Paul Hamm, Endavo’s CEO. “On the first night, 28.9 million Americans tuned in across TV and digital platforms, breaking previous records for digital streams, totaling more than 10 million.”
When large-scale events started to go virtual earlier this year, it was clear that technology — and a bit of movie magic — would be needed to keep audiences engaged.
OTT technology, which allows content to be streamed on the Internet while bypassing cable or satellite providers, has made it possible for more content to reach viewers. But Endavo goes further than platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime by giving creators more control over how content is distributed, monetized and aggregated.
Endavo’s model bypasses traditional media, giving more control to content creators and their target audiences, be it during political campaign season or the launch of a new web series.
For the convention, this meant building a custom app that streamed the event via Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
Not only did the app make it possible to watch the convention without a traditional cable subscription, it also gave viewers access to bonus content and additional recordings.
“The convention is a critical opportunity to unite the country around our shared values and Vice President Biden’s vision for a better, safer future,” said DNCC COO Andrew Binns in a statement. “This year, we are looking for even more ways to bring Americans together and to highlight the stories and ideas of voters and delegates from across the country, and we look forward to doing so through our content-on-demand apps and live stream.”
Endavo sits at the unique intersection of media and technology — two industries Atlanta has built up over the past deca
de. Founded in 2008 and acquired by Atlanta’s Areu Bros. Studios in 2019, its unique Video Distribution Automation (VDA) platform works with video creators, live event coordinators and marketers to grow their online viewership.
While helping to stream a large political event may have been new for the company, Endavo has spent the last several years working to build new communities through unique video channels across the Southeast. Endavo is also known for powering the ChooseATL’s THEA platform and Florida-based Binge Network.
Ultimately, their platform is designed to build an online community that many crave during times of social distancing requirements.
In a statement, Hamm added that he believes their platform “will help redefine how technology and democracy can work together to shape our country’s conversations for years to come.”
Click here to sign up for the Hypepotamus newsletter, and you’ll get two weekly emails covering the tech startup community in the Southeast, with all the latest jobs, news, events and announcements.
