Study Live with Thousands

The Rise of Collective Online Study Sessions

Finding the concept of watching video games online perplexing? Consider this: a growing number of individuals are now observing others study on the internet. This emerging trend may challenge conventional perceptions of how people utilize online resources.

A Community Built Around Focused Learning

Often overlooked by those past their school years, a vibrant online community has developed around effective study habits and techniques. This community thrives on platforms like Discord and Reddit, accompanied by calming musical selections designed to enhance concentration.

A key component of this phenomenon is the “Study With Me” livestream. These broadcasts feature individuals engaged in their own studies, intended to be viewed concurrently by others seeking a similar focused environment. Typically, these streams involve minimal conversation from the host, prioritizing a conducive atmosphere for concentration. Surprisingly, dedicated YouTube channels boast substantial subscriber counts, and pre-recorded study streams accumulate millions of views.

The Pandemic's Influence and the Need for Virtual Study Groups

Although the concept of livestreamed studying existed prior, its popularity surged during the pandemic. Traditional study groups became challenging to organize when libraries were closed and in-person gatherings were discouraged.

StudyStream: A Dedicated Platform for Collaborative Learning

StudyStream, a venture originating from Y Combinator’s Summer 2021 program, is consolidating these ideas into a unified platform. It provides a dedicated online space for students to study together, exchange advice, and foster a sense of community.

Features and Growth

The platform offers 24/7 “focus rooms” hosted on Zoom, accommodating up to 1,000 students who are encouraged to activate their cameras, use headphones, and dedicate themselves to their studies. A corresponding Discord community facilitates connections among students, both during and after study sessions, and allows for smaller group study arrangements.

Since its launch late last year, StudyStream has experienced significant growth. Co-founder Sarujan Ranjan reports over four million users have utilized the platform, and their Discord community has surpassed 400,000 members. Recent observations consistently show thousands of users actively participating in the six concurrently running study streams.

Daily onboarding streams are also hosted, explaining the functionality of the focus rooms and outlining expected etiquette – notably, the importance of maintaining silence.

Maintaining a Focused Environment

Similar to the expectation of quiet in a library, the large-scale streams are designed for focused work, and conversation is discouraged. Microphones are disabled, and the in-Zoom chat function is deactivated.

Despite this, users find creative ways to interact. Some modify their Zoom display names to include social media handles, while others display handwritten notes. A common practice is utilizing Zoom’s “raise hand” feature as a non-verbal greeting, potentially increasing visibility on the streamer’s screen.

Moderation is also in place to address disruptive behavior, with live moderators and reporting mechanisms to ensure a positive environment.

From Education Platform to Study Streaming Hub

The founders of StudyStream – Sarujan Ranjan, Erfan Soliman, and Tianyou Xu – initially established the Knowledge Collective in 2018, an education platform offering leadership training programs.

However, through interactions with students, they discovered a more pressing need than access to content. Students expressed feelings of demotivation, unproductive habits, and isolation, stating they could access learning materials but struggled to initiate and maintain study routines.

The Power of Influencers and Community

Experimentation with study focus rooms proved successful, gaining traction after popular study-focused TikTokers and influencers promoted the platform. As users increasingly relied on StudyStream for community during a period of isolation, the team recognized the need to prioritize this aspect of their service.

“Our goal is to ensure that no student ever has to study alone again,” Ranjan emphasizes, “regardless of their geographical location.”

Monetization and Future Development

Currently, all StudyStream focus rooms are available free of charge. The team is exploring various monetization strategies, including premium rooms and other innovative concepts, while prioritizing platform development and user satisfaction.

An expanded web app is currently in closed beta, offering features such as shared task lists, study time tracking, and enhanced connectivity options for students.

Funding and Investment

Despite not participating in YC’s Demo Day, StudyStream had already secured funding. The team closed a $2.1 million SAFE round prior to the event, with backing from YC, Brighteye Ventures, Emerge Education, Dunce Capital, Ali Abdaal, Manchester City footballer Ilkay Gündoğan, and other angel investors.