Experiencing Coachella Through 18 Hours of Vertical Livestream: The Ups and Downs

Boone Ashworth spent an entire Coachella weekend watching the festival exclusively through vertical video on his phone. Coachella’s revamped vertical livestream, available on YouTube with 4K quality and multiple stage options, aims to immerse mobile viewers in the festival experience, particularly on the EDM-focused Quasar stage filmed with Google Pixel devices. Vertical video has become widespread across platforms like Disney+ and Bravo, making it a logical extension for Coachella, which thrives on FOMO (fear of missing out). Watching from home offers conveniences such as attending to chores, pets, and personal comfort, which attendees on site cannot do. However, the vertical format limits the visual experience, especially for wide-screen stages and headliner performances on other stages. Ashworth notes that while the livestream is engaging, it heightens FOMO as viewers are reminded of what they’re missing in the real festival setting. The article highlights the trade-offs between accessibility and the full sensory experience of being physically present, underscoring the evolving role of vertical video in live music and event streaming.