Live viewership is just the beginning: why post-event analytics matter

Loading

When evaluating the success of an esports tournament, most people focus on live viewership, the number of fans tuning in while it’s happening. But the reality is that tournaments live on long after the final whistle blows. With VOD (video-on-demand) content on platforms like YouTube, matches continue to attract attention, build hype, and keep fans engaged. That’s why Esports Charts’ YouTube VOD analytics are a game-changer. They show you how your content performs after the livestream ends, highlighting which matches are keeping fans hooked and which moments are worth rewatching.

It’s not enough to know how many people watched live. Real success comes when your content can hold attention and generate buzz even days or weeks later. With Esports Charts, you can uncover the true value of your content and see the bigger picture, beyond just live numbers.

Case in point: two tournaments, two very different stories

Take a look at two of the major events this year: VCT 2024: Masters Madrid (a massive international Valorant event) and IEM Cologne 2024 (a global Counter-Strike event that drew top teams from around the world). At first glance, the numbers make it seem obvious: Masters crushed it with a larger live audience compared to IEM Cologne. But here’s the kicker: once we analyze post-event views, the narrative shifts.

IEM Cologne saw a 34% increase in YouTube VOD views compared to its live numbers, while Masters only grew by 13%. Despite pulling a larger live crowd, Masters Madrid fell behind IEM when it came to continued fan interest after the final match. This tells a different story: real engagement doesn’t stop when the stream ends. Fans kept coming back to watch IEM Cologne, rewatching key plays and sharing the highlights.

What’s important about post-event views?

In today’s world, live viewership is only half the equation. YouTube VOD analytics reveal how your audience interacts with your content long after the stream is over. Are viewers rewatching specific moments? Which matches continue to draw in fans days later? This isn’t just about views — it’s about understanding why certain content has staying power.

With YouTube VOD analytics, you can:

• Spot long-term engagement. See which matches or moments continue to draw in viewers after the initial buzz fades.

• Understand what sticks. Not every big match pulls big numbers later on. Knowing what keeps people coming back is key.

• Pinpoint shareable content. What’s generating the most excitement? What are fans sharing, commenting on, and watching repeatedly?

These insights are crucial for making smart decisions about future events, content strategies, and sponsorship opportunities. They show you what’s working, and what needs to be reworked.

If you’re serious about understanding how your tournaments perform, Esports Charts gives you the complete picture. Our tools let you analyze every aspect of your event’s impact, from live viewership to post-event popularity. Check out our solutions and take your content strategy to the next level!