Since April 11, the world has been watching the trial between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard. The hearings are broadcast live on American television and the sordid details of their private life when they were married keep viewers in suspense. But it is not only on television that this legal case is a hit. On Twitch, famous streamers have decided to take an interest in it to maximize their audiences.
A great opportunity to maximize your audiences
Indeed, since the start of the Johnny Depp trial against Amber Heard, many things have been said and revealed to the eyes of the whole world. We will not go into detail on all the statements that were made by the main interested parties, but some big names in streaming have decided to surf on this legal episode to attract Internet users to their channels.
Thus, we can find Pokimane or xQc who do not hesitate to react to the statements made during this affair. Other content creators are taking advantage of the news to put the name of the two stars in their title to make viewers want to come watch their videos. They don’t just broadcast the hearings live. They propose another way to attend this media and legal episode.
Often by focusing it from a humorous point of view, for example Pokimane who implemented a system to count certain behaviors in the courtroom such as the tears of Amber Heard or the laughter of Johnny Depp. Others, like shortyyguy, offer to debate with Internet users on the testimonies of the two actors.
Produce effortlessly, treat this trial like a sporting event
Some observers do not see a good eye on using this cultural event to boost the audiences of streamers. Journalists believe that this lawsuit processed on Twitch allows content creators to effortlessly produce. Internet users have also expressed on Twitter that it was weird to surf on this case and follow it. as if it were a simple sporting event when lives and careers are at stake.
If the Depp vs. Heard trial is so fascinating, it’s because almost everyone knows the actor. Add to that the sordid details mixing drugs, alcohol and violence and the cocktail is perfect. Since the trial of OJ Simpson no other case of this kind had made so much noise.
Finally, the other risk of to cover this case when you are a streamer is to spread false information as noted by Richard Hoeg, a lawyer specializing in digital law and video games. Interviewed by Kotakuhe explains that streamers covering a hot topic can “reducing the level of good information rather than improving it“. Because this is a real case, with very serious charges. And some content creators are tempted to approach it like a soap opera or a sporting event. On the other hand, he still sees a great opportunity: offering this type of unfiltered content with comments can help people better understand what they are watching.
Still, the Depp/Heard trial is currently on hold. He should resume on May 16 and the verdict is expected for May 27.
