What exactly is live streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

Live streaming (or livestreaming) is now so popular that 30% of internet users stream live every single week. We can both watch and create live streams across diverse devices and platforms It's now easier than ever to get started.

In this article this article, we'll explain what you need to know concerning live streaming.

• This article will explain the idea behind live streaming (including an explanation on the technical side).
  
• Here are some live streaming statistics and other landmarks.
  
• The discussion will focus on the benefits as well as practical examples of live streams.
  
• We'll also explain what you'll require to make your own live stream.
  

What is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming is the process of presenting to viewers a video stream in real-time. It was in the past that this was limited to media outlets which had the ability of broadcasting live to their viewers. But in the past few years, live streaming technology is a key feature on the internet as more people are taking advantage of the live stream from their own homes, without the need of the expense of a TV studio.

What is live streaming... technologically

Coding
    Technically speaking, the camera can input digital raw images. The images are, however, too large to stream efficiently. An encoder (software or hardware) minimizes the size in real-time, converting it into codecs (ie. h.264). This makes the file to allow streaming and also standardize the format so that all devices can comprehend it.

Compression
    The video is split into P-frames, I-frames, as well as B-frames. I-frames are a bit as a traditional JPEG image. They contain an complete frame of the image with all the details.

B frames and P-frames function differently. They are only capturing portions of video that changes by the tracking of motion vectors. This results in smaller files, which are easier to compress, and also more efficient to playback. If you watch a YouTube video that features a speaker with a background that is static, the majority of the images' resolutions do not alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) can only encode the motion and changes in the facial features of the speaker's body and body movement by reviewing previous frames.
  
• B-frames also have advantages over B-frames because they have the ability to refer to previous frames as well as the ones that are to follow, making one complete photo.
  

Internet speed
    Live streaming, naturally, demands a continuous flow of data. This is known by the term "bit rate, the amount of data that the device can stream every second.

• HD (720) video will require 2-4 Mbps. (HD) video may require between 2-4 Mbps
  
• 1080p requires 4 to 6 Mbps
  
• 4k is required to reach 15-25 Mbps
  

For live streams, the upload speed is required to be at the same speed as the data transmitted by your stream.

Viewers don't require the identical speed. Quality of video players will be reduced when connections are slow, or they even buffer (downloading two to three seconds faster) in order to make streaming seamless. Also, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies the files instantly to the server that is closest to the user since it takes information time to travel over longer distances.

Latency

The video may not be live. It is a fact that at the minimum there are 2 seconds of delay. This is known as the latency.

Live Statistic streaming

• 30% of Internet people are able to stream live each week.
  
• Some of the most often live streamed videos is breaking news (34 percent) as well as live sports (29%).
  
• 91.7 percent of internet's viewers all over the world watch live streaming during the entire month.
  
• 52% of TikTok users prefer viewing live streams.
  
• Smart TVs are the most popular place to watch live streaming (35.3 percent of the live streaming).
  
• 28percent of online videos that are watched online are live streamed.
  
• The longest-running live streaming of all time was 624 hours, provided by Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• Record-breaking live streaming for most people is maintained by Spanish streaming channel Ibai which has 3.44 million Twitch viewers to the channel La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live stream was the very first step to make it feasible (Timeline)

It's not possible to cover every aspect in this piece Here's a brief timeline of the technological advances that allow live streaming.

In the 1990s, technology allowed "packets" from media sources to stream, and then be rendered before a complete download.
    1993 - 1993 - The MPEG-1 standards for compressing was released, which allows for practical video streaming
    1995: The Starlight Company Starlight created the first video streaming from satellites.
     1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 The year 1995 RealPlayer launches, making it the first stream that is a mainstream media player. It was later made available as an option for Windows 98 installation.
    1996 1996: 1996: Real-time Transportation Protocol is created and is the basis to transmit audio and video across networks.
    1998- Starlight unveiled the first web conference software.
    1999 1999 - Victoria's Secret fashion show becomes one of the first major live streamed shows, with an estimated 1.5 million viewers.
    2002, 2001 Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable video feasible.
    2007 saw the launch of Justin.tv (later changed its name to Twitch) that featured Justin Kan with cameras all day. It would grow into several channels that allowed people to stream.
    2009: Both Ustream as well as Live stream will be launched in
    2011 - YouTube added live streaming to its offerings. It was introduced in the year 2005 (fun facts: the first live stream was titled "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook began live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, as well as Instagram in 2016.

The benefits of live streaming

Live Streaming is one method to deliver power.

• Super interactive viewers cannot only view live However, they do communicate, ask questions and provide feedback in various ways.
  
• Incomplete, with no editing video that creators of content may have to work on but live streaming isn't able to do this (at least not yet). Therefore that live streams look like they are natural, and can be more enjoyable.
  
• Less time-consuming: There might some preparation and set-up however it is generally much less labor-intensive than doing, say, work long hours to produce a video that may require editing, scripting, reshooting, etc.
  
• Lower costs for production Most often, it's an easier lift to begin with and to begin to launch.
  
• Repurposing The user could cut and change the live stream according to different goals and formats after the fact, in addition to creating an audio version of it.
  
• The urgency of live streaming is much more significant. Even if it's likely that someone uploads a video following or event, the ability to stream live is distinct and can increase the number of viewers.
  

What do you need to know in order to do in order to live stream?

There's an awesome overview in this video, for those who are starting to get familiar with stream live!

In the meantime, here's an outline of live streaming available to creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

One of the best things of live streaming is that you probably don't need any expensive equipment. The latest smartphones are equipped with everything to operate live streaming.

Here are a few possible videos:

• Video on smartphones: The majority of phones can create at least HD videos. However, some modern models shoot 4K. Be aware that the smartphone's camera at the rear and front might have different quality. However, both are likely to be fine for a live stream. It's easier to stream direct with your mobile.
  
• Webcam: Some computer streamers use the webcam built into their personal computer, or an external webcam. It is used for live streaming performed on a laptop or desktop. laptop.
  
• Professional cameras: Streamers who are well-established usually use professional cameras like DSLRs to stream live. They can be connected to a laptop or phone and will send you a better quality video and permitting you to pick the lens that you think fits best and style.
  

The sound is vital! There are many options available:

• Phone or Computer built-in mic (not suggested) Mics for computers and phones will be near your mouth when you stream live but are usually low quality sound recorders. It is recommended to choose one of the options below.
  
• Wireless or Bluetooth headphones place the microphone close to your mouth, increasing audio quality, while also reducing background sound. Any headset is usually an improvement over your device's built-in microphone.
  
• Lapel mic The lapel microphone is attached to the collar or shirt, and picks up the sounds closer to your mouth. The result is a sound that's more high-quality. The microphone is wired, as well as wireless as well as some of the higher-end mics have features such as noise canceling.
  
• Shotgun microphone A shotgun microphone is an in-between distance to the person you are (often is attached to the highest point of the camera) and pics up the omnidirectional voice signals from your vocal.
  
• Condenser mic for your desktop Most streamers now use desktop condenser microphones like Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into the PC, captures audio out of your lips.
  

Here are a few more live streaming tricks to help you improve the quality of your stream.

2. Streaming software (optional)

Streaming software doesn't have to be needed since you can live stream directly onto major platforms. The software can help those who are looking for:

• To share the computer's screen, be it in a slideshow format or even as part of gaming.
  
• to use multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• To add overlays, images, logos, or cards as well as chat boxes.
  
• Mix in audio streams (e.g. music).
  
• In order to stream simultaneously on several platforms (e.g. YouTube + Facebook plus LinkedIn). ).
  

In order to illustrate this it, we reviewed how to use the StreamYard platform in our piece on Zoom Alternatives. It has the ability to perform a range of things.

3. A streaming platform that allows live stream

It's pretty straightforward. You need the right streaming platform to support streaming such as YouTube or Twitch.

Try it ! Mighty makes it easy to live stream on your smartphone or a Mighty's application. You might even make an app which you could brand and stream using. It's also easy to make money from it or charge per stream, or even create a membership with streaming included within.

Live streaming has benefits for companies

If you run a business that you want to expand, then you must understand the power in live streaming. Your live streams won't appear like the polished or perfect version of that promotional video you put into it, however live streaming has something more distinctive. As we've mentioned, it helps create a sense of trust between your customers and yourself that is genuine and not scripted which is an enormous benefit for your business. Furthermore live streaming offers the possibility of being truly unpredictable and unexpected (in the best way) ).

Here are some additional live streaming benefits for a business:

• Event organizers are able to host events without having to have space or place Live streams let businesses organize virtual gatherings and discussions with no needing to be at the same space.
  
• Provide educational opportunities. Live streaming can be an excellent means to promote the benefits of education, particularly through teaching! Businesses can use live streams (especially with webinar formats) to inform customers about their products and create branding awareness.
  
• Viewers are able to view the live stream from any location: Anyone anywhere around the globe can watch the live stream using an internet connection and a device. Your viewers are brought closer to them and allows your audience to be connected with them.
  
• Earn money from the event and tickets Business can design top-quality digital goods like streaming live as a source of income, as well as selling tickets and gating them.
  

Don't use your live stream to promote sales. Offer your viewers something of value, educate them and inspire your customers to take action. This is why live streaming beneficial to your business.

We're amazed by live streaming and have added live streaming options in our different plans.

     Get Your Free Trial

Live streaming demonstrations

There are some huge historical live streams. This includes:

• Michael Jackson's memorial ceremony was among the live streams watched by the most people in its moment (2009).
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. There are still regular NASA live streams on space.
  
• In 2014, the gaming year witnessed players who were on Twitch engaged in Pokemon together with commands from chat. The number of players was estimated to be 1.16 million people played the game and watched.
  

These are incredible! Live streaming can be an effective tool for bringing people to one another. In fact, we host our own live stream, People Magic Summit, with top creators and community leaders (this year's attendees included celebrities such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be watched on our website!

Here are some more generic examples of what live streaming might appear to

• The Mighty Network host announces a daily challenge via a live stream every Monday.
  
• Live performances are broadcast on IGTV or TikTok and plays an intimate show for the viewers.
  
• Gamer is someone who participates in Roblox or Fortnight and streams the game's gameplay to other players.
  
• Colleges provide a virtual class that is taught via live streams.
  
• A thought-leader speaks to one of the users on LinkedIn live about an upcoming publication of a book.
  

It is now possible to go to: 11 of the top Strategies for Community Engagement

This post was posted on here