Top 5 Live Streaming Apps Used by the Young Generation in Japan

In today’s world, where social media and video content are part of everyday life, live streaming apps have become essential tools for young people to connect with others and express themselves. Features like real-time comments, virtual gifting, and the ability to stream from just a smartphone align naturally with the values and lifestyle of today’s youth.

In this article, we introduce five live streaming apps that are especially popular among teens and people in their twenties in Japan. We’ve broken down each app’s key features, why they’re popular, and the types of content typically shared to offer you a clear picture of what today’s live streaming scene looks like.

If you’ve ever wondered what live streaming looks like today or what kind of content young people are creating and tuning into, this guide has you covered.

Ranking of Live Streaming Apps

1. 17LIVE
2. TikTok LIVE
3. Pococha
4. SHOWROOM
5. Instagram Live

1. 17LIVE

Source: 17LIVE Homepage

Overview:

17LIVE was originally launched in Taiwan in 2015 and made a full-scale entry into the Japanese market in 2017. It has since become a leading platform in Japan’s live streaming culture, particularly popular among users in their late teens to early twenties.

Why It’s Popular:

• Encourages close, authentic interaction between streamers and viewers
• Offers a strong support system for aspiring creators, with features like virtual gifting and in-app events
• Includes community-based features like fan groups and ranking systems that keep users engaged

Popular Content Styles:

• Everyday life streams (chit-chat, meals, falling asleep on stream)
• Showcasing talents like singing or playing instruments
• Competitive events and streamer development programs

Recommended For:

• Streamers: Those who want to express themselves through live content and grow alongside their audience. It’s also a great platform for aspiring entertainers or models.
• Viewers: Fans who enjoy supporting their favorite streamers, those who find joy in helping someone chase their dreams, and people looking for deeper, more personal connections with streamers.

2. TikTok LIVE

Source: TikTok LIVE Homepage

Overview:

Globally known for its short-form videos, TikTok’s live streaming feature, TikTok LIVE, has gained traction among young users in Japan since the early 2020s as a go-to space for sharing in real time.

Why It’s Popular:

• Live notifications are automatically sent to existing followers, making it easy to attract viewers
• Streamers can go live without showing their face, making it accessible to more people
• A wide variety of filters and effects help create visually appealing streams

Popular Content Styles:

• Makeup tutorials and outfit showcases
• Casual chats and Q&A sessions
• Live demonstrations of dances and trend-based challenges

Recommended For:

• Streamers: Those who want to transition from video posts to live streaming, who prioritize staying current with trends, or who enjoy delivering entertainment in a fun, playful way.
• Viewers: People who enjoy fast-paced, trend-driven content and want to connect with their favorite influencers in real time.

3. Pococha

Source: Pococha Homepage

Overview:

Pococha is a Japanese live streaming app developed by DeNA. Since 2020, it has gained growing support as a platform for sharing everyday life, especially among women in their teens and twenties.

Why It’s Popular:

• Focuses on building warm, supportive communities with features like “cheer points” and the “family system”
• Prioritizes a sense of belonging as much as monetization
• Strong platform-led safety features, including active moderation of stream content

Popular Content Styles:

• Study sessions and casual chats during work breaks
• Advice sharing and relationship talk
• Relatable, everyday content like makeup routines and room tours

Recommended For:

• Streamers: Those who want to show their real, unfiltered selves and value connection over competition. Great for people who want to build relationships through sharing everyday experiences.
• Viewers: People who want to relate to streamers’ daily lives and personal challenges, and who enjoy forming meaningful connections through calm, engaging interactions. Ideal for those who want to participate in a kind and supportive community.

4. SHOWROOM

Source: SHOWROOM Homepage

Overview:

SHOWROOM was originally created as a live streaming platform for idol groups like AKB48. Today, it has evolved into a diverse, all-in-one streaming platform used by a wide range of creators, including entertainers, voice actors, and VTubers.

Why It’s Popular:

• Offers numerous audition opportunities for those pursuing careers in entertainment
• Supports avatar-based streaming using virtual characters
• Provides training and skill development programs for streamers

Popular Content Styles:

• Idol streams and fan interactions
• Voice-based content like readings and narrations
• Virtual streams featuring animated characters

Recommended For:

• Streamers: Ideal for those aiming to become entertainers, voice actors, or VTubers, or who want to use streaming to share their dreams. It’s also a good fit for creators who are skilled at building immersive, themed content.
• Viewers: Fans who are passionate about supporting idols, voice actors, or VTubers and want to engage deeply with their favorite creators. Perfect for those who enjoy being part of a supportive fan community and getting a behind-the-scenes look at performers’ journeys.

5. Instagram Live

Source: Instagram Live Homepage

Overview:

Instagram Live is a well-known feature within the Instagram app, used by celebrities and everyday users alike. Its structure allows for a sense of closeness with followers, making it a widely used tool for real-time sharing.

Why It’s Popular:

• Integrated with the feed and Stories, making it easy to start and access streams
• Popular for offering casual glimpses into people’s daily lives
• Supports features like co-streaming and sharing live archives

Popular Content Styles:

• Casual conversations in cafés or while walking around town
• Real-time Q&A sessions
• Collaborative, interactive content created with viewers

Recommended For:

• Streamers: Those who want to interact with their existing Instagram followers in real time, share content naturally, or build a personal brand as an influencer.
• Viewers: People who enjoy relaxed, day-in-the-life style streams and want to feel a stronger personal connection with those they follow.

Conclusion

Live streaming is no longer just a passing trend. For many young people in Japan, it’s becoming a vital part of their everyday lives, a way to brighten their day, boost their confidence, or find the motivation to start something new.

Whether it's opening up in a Pococha or 17LIVE comment section, enjoying your favorite hobbies live with others on TikTok LIVE or Instagram Live, or using SHOWROOM as a stepping stone toward a dream—streaming is quietly transforming how young people communicate and grow.

Live streaming is at once a new kind of home and a place to try on possibilities. Whether you want to challenge yourself, connect with someone, or take a step toward your dreams, we’re living in a time where all it takes is your smartphone screen to instantly reach out and make that connection. Your voice today might move someone else. Start by exploring the app that piques your interest—it just might be the first step that connects you to something bigger.

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