Chongqing -  As group live streaming surges in popularity across China, a specialized new role has emerged: the group streaming camera operator. These skilled technicians are becoming the invisible backbone of China's booming live-streaming industry.

The group live streaming format, where multiple performers dance or sing together in carefully choreographed routines, requires camera work far more complex than typical solo streams. Operators must execute precisely timed movements while handling heavy stabilization equipment, all while maintaining perfect rhythm with the performers.

Yuan Chaoliang(left), who entered the industry in 2023 and leads his camera team in Zhongmei Building Digital Technology (Chongqing) Co Ltd, is directing live camera movements during a broadcast.(Photo/Deng Yan)

"Fewer than one in ten applicants meet our standards," said a hiring manager at a major live-streaming studio in Chongqing. The specialized skill set required - combining technical camera expertise, physical endurance, and musical rhythm - has created an acute talent shortage.

Yuan Chaoliang, who entered the industry in 2023 and leads his camera team in Zhongmei Building Digital Technology (Chongqing) Co Ltd, now trains camera operators for streaming companies nationwide. The training program attracts students aged 18-40, including many college graduates and career-changers drawn by the industry's high earning potential. 

"I've trained nearly 200 qualified operators since 2024," Yuan said. 

Yuan initially designed a 3-day intensive course but found it inadequate. "Without prior camera experience, mastery in three days proved impossible," he admitted. The curriculum has since expanded to 10-15 days of classroom training followed by supervised studio apprenticeships. 

These camera operators now earn through "base salary + performance" models. Top operators can earn over 20,000 yuan ($2,786) monthly, but pay varies wildly. "Beginners might make just 6,000 yuan," said Yuan.

The job's physical requirements are proving challenging. Operators commonly develop chronic wrist and back pain from maneuvering 3.5-4kg stabilizers during extended shoots. "After intense sessions, I needed pain-relief ointments and acupuncture," said operator Lingzi, who wears wrist braces during shifts.

Lingzi, who entered the industry for almost one year, is directing live camera movements during a broadcast.(Photo/Deng Yan)

According to iiMedia Research, group live streaming has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments in China's digital entertainment industry, with daily active sessions on Douyin (China's TikTok) now exceeding 15,000. This interactive format, where teams of performers engage in synchronized dances, singing, and audience-driven challenges, has rapidly evolved from niche entertainment to a 2,000-billion-yuan (about $278 billion) market.

A new trend sees operators running popular social media accounts showcasing behind-the-scenes footage. These "third-person view" accounts attract large followings that actually boost viewership for their main streams, creating additional value.

Yuan sees continued growth ahead. "The live streaming market is still heating up with increasing capital investment, but we're far from reaching its peak. The industry remains in an upward trajectory with substantial potential."

As for Lingzi, she plans to ride the wave while it lasts. "I've never regretted leaving my old job for this," she admitted. "As for the future? I'll take it one step at a time—who knows how long this boom will last?"

(Liu Yang and Zhang Yu, as interns, also contributed to the report)