How sick are you of living your life through the eyes of a camera lens? Since going into lockdown, my life has become Zoom call after Zoom call, with a few Teams chats thrown in and a weekly Whatsapp group call with the family. It’s getting a little bit mental now.

Well, according to Limelight Networks and their new research on video, 39% of of Brits will not be using online video for the forseeable future. This include the likes of consuming content too, as 14% of adults are now watching seven or more hours worth of online video a day! However, you probably haven’t checked out the TechNuovo YouTube channel, that stuff is lit. #ShamelessPlug.

Admitedly though, it’s not just because online video is now being used as an excuse to watch because of boredom, there are other factors involved. Like 61% of users claimed that they experienced technical issues during virtual events like family video chat or a Teams call. I very much agree with that. At least one person in a group call sounds like a robot. Sort your net out mate.

Other factors included 36% of people complaining about internet connectivity problems, 13% of people complaining their videos loaded slowly, and 12% complained of poor video quality.

But Zoom, Teams, Whatsapp and other well-known video serives aren’t the only things really being used. Doctor Doctor is an online doctors appointments service, which sounds super convenient, but isn’t hugely popular right now as 61% of respondants said they can’t see themselves trying it. However, 16% of people would try an online fitness class. 51% of us are still pretty lazy though and don’t want to try, Damn, you caught us. And 19% of people plan on learning a language online. Of course there are other classes as well like cooking, dancing, carpentry and so many more, and 24% of people said they would give these a try.

Steve Miller-Jones,VP edge strategy and solution architecture at Limelight Networks,explains: “Online video is a key part of many online activities, so it’s no surprise that long load times and buffering is frustrating consumers and potentially stopping them from trying out virtual activities. Our research shows that whether for work or play, people in the UK simply aren’t willing to put up with poor online video experiences. Too often, video latency or a poor-quality picture can prevent virtual activities from delivering the personal connection and experiential benefits that consumers expect.   

“Businesses who want to offer a virtual experience need to carefully consider their content delivery strategy. This means choosing the right technology partners who can ensure end users have a high-quality, low latency experience.” 

So what do you think? Are you bored of online video services? Or are you the one who jumps on first in the Zoom call, or organises the virtual pub quiz? Let us know in the comments.