Tyler J. Smith, Stream Live's Visionary U.S. CEO, Discusses Innovations in Entertainment and Changes the Concert Experience for Fans Worldwide
Tyler J. Smith is exhausted. The 25-year-old media executive and creative mind behind Stream Live—a fast-growing live concert streaming platform—has just concluded a grueling six-hour emergency board meeting as his team finalizes plans for the company’s upcoming festival. Yet, as he sits down for his Heart Of Hollywood Magazine interview, there’s an unmistakable spark in his eye. Known for his belief that “anything can be created,” Smith is no stranger to high-stakes problem-solving and ambitious creativity.
As the American President and U.S. CEO of Stream Live, Smith has redefined the concert streaming landscape by turning his visionary ideas into immersive live experiences. His journey began in high school, directing music videos, documentaries, and live tour content. After a brief stint at Endicott College in Massachusetts, Smith decided to fully pursue his creative path, soon working with CJ E&M and Urbane Music as a content director and A&R, where he collaborated with South Korean artists and gained a global perspective.
Back in the U.S., his career took off with high-profile collaborations, including work with Travis Barker, The Kardashians, Michael B. Jordan, Lil Wayne, The Chainsmokers, Machine Gun Kelly, and Halsey. His role at Pop Up LA, where he directed and styled major projects, solidified his presence in the industry.
Joining Stream Live in 2021 as Creative Director, Smith quickly made a lasting impact. Within a year, he was promoted to President and U.S. CEO, driving Stream Live’s rapid growth in the U.S. market. Today, Stream Live hosts ticketed concerts with top artists like Tate McRae, Ty Dolla $ign, Rick Ross, Iggy Azalea, and Trippie Redd, and has established Stream Live Studios on Hollywood Boulevard as a premier venue.
Guided by his belief in boundless creation, Smith’s leadership continues to shape Stream Live’s mission: to bridge the digital and live entertainment worlds, providing fans immersive connections with their favorite artists on a global scale.
Tyler, your career spans media, fashion, and entertainment, from first picking up a camera at 16 to now leading Stream Live. How did these early experiences shape your path and lead you to where you are today?
Starting young gave me something invaluable—real experience with both success and failure. Failure was humbling, but it taught me a lot. My first time feeling the energy of a live audience was at a TDE concert at the Inglewood Forum. Seeing 30,000 people for the first time was surreal; that moment showed me the power of live experiences. That feeling still drives me today at Stream Live, where I approach each challenge with that same energy because those moments are why I joined this industry.
Stream Live has been a game-changer in live concert streaming. What inspired you to take on this challenge?
It’s funny, but it feels like every step I took led me here. I was consulting for Stream Live before covid, working on merchandising and creative strategy. When the pandemic hit, those plans were paused. Two years later, I got a call to dive back in, this time focusing on the core of the platform. I realized we had a chance to not only showcase artists but to redefine how fans connect with them globally. It was a leap of faith, but the path felt right. I stepped into production and creative leadership, and I haven’t looked back since.
Can you tell us more about the vision and mission behind Stream Live?
Stream Live is all about giving fans direct access to artists and experiences they might not otherwise have. Our platform is free because we believe music and artists should be accessible to everyone, regardless of location or finances. Over the past four years, we’ve put on ticketed concerts with artists like Tate McRae, Ty Dolla $ign, Rick Ross, Iggy Azalea, and Trippie Redd.
Stream Live Studios on Hollywood Boulevard has become our base, but our vision goes beyond it. We’re planning the empowHER festival with The Hollywood Partnership and Business Improvement District, aiming to create experiences that are both memorable and meaningful, bridging music with causes that matter.
You’ve collaborated with an impressive roster of artists. How has this influenced Stream Live’s approach?
Each artist brings their own style and unique way of connecting with fans, which has shown me that creativity has to be adaptable. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach, especially with big names. Stream Live is about creating tailored experiences—understanding each artist’s brand, vibe, and what their fans want. Fans are the heart of this industry, and if we’re not creating something unique and authentic, we’re not doing our job. Our approach is simple but effective: adapt to each artist and keep fans at the core.
Where do you see the future of music concerts, and what should artists focus on as technology evolves?
Streaming revenue is a challenge because artists earn only fractions of a cent per stream, which often isn’t enough to cover their expenses. This reality pushes artists to look beyond streaming. We designed Stream Live to focus on live concerts and interactive experiences, as live shows remain the most profitable.
Going forward, we plan to use AR (augmented reality) technology to make concerts even more immersive. The future of live music lies in blending tech with reality to create unforgettable and profitable experiences. Artists need to embrace this evolution—it’s where fans and revenue are headed.
Stream Live is a global platform. What sets it apart from others in the industry?
At Stream Live, it’s all about quality and community. We’re not just streaming live events; we’re delivering high-quality, engaging experiences. Our platform allows fans to connect, host watch parties, and even interact directly with artists. With reach across 195 countries, it’s more than a streaming service; it’s a global music community. We want users to feel like they’re part of a connected community that’s here for the music and the people—that’s what makes us different.
Who have been the key mentors in your life, and how have they influenced you?
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who taught me resilience and patience, both directly and by example. They showed me that success isn’t a straight line. You need to stay adaptable and humble enough to keep learning, even as you grow. This mindset has shaped every project and interaction for me. There’s always someone who knows something you don’t, so I keep myself open and am always looking to learn.
Growing up in Compton, what were your dreams, and how do they connect to the work you do today?
Compton taught me about ambition and hard work. Seeing people like Kendrick Lamar and Serena Williams succeed despite the odds showed me that it’s possible to break out and make an impact. For me, it’s about creating something that can uplift my community. There’s a saying I live by: “To save others from drowning, you have to build a ship.”
My goal is to build a platform that not only brings people together through music but also creates opportunities for those who need them.
Is there a dream or goal you still hope to achieve?
I feel like I’m just getting started. My dream is to grow Stream Live into a truly global platform, something that endures and continues to evolve. I also want to give back and mentor the next generation of creatives entering this industry. There’s a lot of wisdom that comes from experience, and if I can help others learn from my journey, that’s part of my own success.
In your opinion, what qualities are essential for a leader, especially in a creative field?
Poise and active listening. The entertainment industry is fast-paced and unpredictable, so you need to stay calm during unexpected challenges and be open to truly listen to your team. Creating space for others’ ideas fosters trust and motivates people to bring their best. That’s essential in creative spaces where everyone’s input counts.
On a personal note, what’s your favorite movie and song, and why do they resonate with you?
My music taste varies—Smashing Pumpkins, Coltrane, LUCKI—it’s all about the mood. For movies, I’d say Harlem Nights. Eddie Murphy brought together an incredible cast and took on multiple roles to make it happen. That kind of creative ambition resonates with me. When you’re building something, you often have to wear many hats to see it through.
Any final message for our readers?
Keep creating, even when things feel uncertain. Creativity is a journey that often finds its purpose along the way. And to all our Stream Live fans, there’s so much more coming—stay tuned, we’re just getting started.
Contact Tyler Smith
E-Mail: Tyler.s@streamliveapp.com
IG: @tylerjsmithoffical
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