It could be argued that TikTok negatively impacts our attention spans, yet viewers globally are captivated by a repetitive livestream from an obscure Swedish TV station, drawn to the Great Moose Migration.

For millennia, moose have undertaken their annual spring migration across the Ångerman River, seeking a more temperate summer habitat. However, since 2019, this three-week spectacle has been globally accessible, as Sweden's SVT broadcaster live-streams the migration online, employing over 30 cameras to capture the entirety of the deliberate, unhurried progression.

Mostly, the livestream shows calm pictures of forests and rivers. If you are lucky, you might see a moose walking by, not knowing it is famous around the world. It is just a moose, walking slowly without any worries.

Typically, the stream remains almost entirely silent. At other junctures, you might discern the gusting wind and the chirping of birds. It's a pleasant experience, even if you inadvertently leave the livestream tab open on your computer and are startled by the sudden sounds of creatures thousands of miles distant.

As one Swedish student recounted to the AP: "I feel at ease, yet simultaneously apprehend, 'Oh, a moose. What if there's a moose? I cannot use the facilities!'"

The stream of moose content persists even through the night. Night vision cameras ensure comprehensive visibility, irrespective of sunlight. However, the stark black and white imagery is more reminiscent of 'The Blair Witch Project' than a National Geographic production. Nevertheless, a spectral moose sighting remains a moose sighting.

SVT's live moose stream garnered nine million viewers last year, a figure that, while significantly lower than the Discovery Channel's Shark Week audience of over 22 million in 2023, is remarkably impressive given SVT's minimalist approach and limited staff.

The captivating quality of these livestreams stems from their stark contrast to typical internet content. While platforms like TikTok provide highly personalised, brief videos that are difficult to disengage from, and YouTubers employ careful editing to maximise viewer retention, livestreams offer a distinctly unpolished experience.

However, the moose are not seeking anything from us; they are seemingly unaware of our presence or encouragement.