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

Live stream streaming (or livestreaming) has become so common that 30% of web viewers watch live streams each week. We can both watch and make live streams using a variety of various devices and apps, and it's easier than ever before to begin.

In this post, we'll introduce you to the basics you should know regarding live stream.

•         The following article will describe what live streaming is (including technical details).            
  
•         We'll present real-time streaming data and landmarks.            
  
•         We'll talk about the advantages of HTML0 and some examples that live streams can provide.            
  
•         and we'll show the things you'll need in order to make your own live streaming.            
  

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What is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming refers to the process of showing your viewers via video in real-time. It was in the past was limited to media outlets that had the technology to stream live video to their viewers.

However, in the last few years the live streaming technology has lit up the internet increasing the number of users are creating and using the live stream at home, without the need of the expense of a TV studio.

What is live streaming... technologically

Encoding
Technically, your camera outputs raw digital pictures. They are however too large for streaming effectively. Therefore, an encoder (software or hardware) reduces the video's size at real-time and converts it to codecs (ie. h.264). This makes the files small enough to stream and standardizes the way that devices can understand it.

Compression
The video can be split into what's known as I-frames and P-frames as well as B-frames. I-frames function a little like a traditional JPEG image. They contain a full image frame with all the particulars.

P-frames and B-frames operate in a different way. They are only capturing the portion of the video that changes by tracking motion vectors. This results in much smaller, simpler to compress, and more efficient for replay. In an YouTube video where someone talks with something static, a majority of the background's pixels do not alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) only need to encode the movement and variations in the body of the speaker's face as well as body movements through looking at previous frames.        
  
• B-frames are also more effective, since they are able to reference previous and future frames in order to produce an entire picture.      
  

Internet speed
Naturally, live streaming also requires a constant stream of data. It is referred to as the bit rate. It is the amount of information your device is able to stream every second.

• HD720 (HD) video needs 4 to 4.5 per cent of Mbps        
  
• 1080p needs 4 to 6 Internet connections of 4-6 Mbps        
  
• 4k is a requirement of 15-25 Mbps        
  

If you are doing live streams the upload speed has to be in line with the information your stream is sending.

The viewers do not require the identical speed. The quality of video players is reduced if connections are slow or buffer (downloading two to three seconds earlier) to make the stream smooth. Additionally, we utilize Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your file in real time to a server that's closer to your viewer, because it requires information to travel longer distances.

    Latency

No video is truly live. It's almost always two seconds of delay. We refer to this as latency.

Live Statisticians streaming live

• 30% of internet viewers watch a live stream weekly.      
  
• The most often streamed live content includes breaking news (34%) and live sports (29%).      
  
• 91.7 percent of all internet viewers around the world view live streaming throughout the month.      
  
• 52 percent of TikTok subscribers want to view live streaming.      
  
• Smart TVs can be the most popular spot to stream live streamed content (35.3% of all streamed content).      
  
• 28 A majority of online videos streamed online live streamed.      
  
• The most long live streaming ever took over 624 hours provided by Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.        
  
• The record for live streaming with the highest number of viewers is held by Spanish streaming channel Ibai, with 3.44 million Twitch streamers in his La Velada del Ano (3).      
  

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

The list isn't exhaustive in this article, but here's an overview timeline of the tech developments that make live streaming possible.

In the 1990s, technology allowed "packets" of media to be streamed and rendered prior to a full download.
1993 - 1993 - The MPEG-1 standard for compression is released that allows for practical streaming of video
1995 - Starlight, a company Starlight developed the first streaming video system using satellites.
1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 - RealPlayer launches, becoming the first stream media player. Later, it was added as an option in Windows 98 installation.
1996: The Real-time Transportation Protocol is created, creating an infrastructure for transmitting video and audio over networks.
1998- Starlight announced the first web conferencing products.
1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show is one of the first live streaming events, with an estimated 1.5 million people watching.
2002 - Flash Player adds video capabilities, making embeddable videos possible.
2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later rebranded as Twitch) with Justin Kan with a camera all day long. It was later expanded to several channels, allowing people to stream.
2009 - Both Ustream and Live stream were launched
2011 2012 YouTube has added live streaming to its services. It had launched in 2005 (fun fact: the first video was titled "Me at the Zoo). Facebook added live streaming in 2015, Periscope in 2015, and Instagram in 2016.

The benefits of live streaming

Live Streaming is a method of delivering energy.

• Super-interactive  viewers cannot only view in real time However, they also have the ability to talk, ask questions and provide feedback in different ways.      
  
• Completely unfinished: Unlike edited video, which content creators may feel obligated to polish, live streaming can't really achieve this (at least not yet). This means that live streams feel natural, and more engaging.    
  
• The time is less consuming: There could some preparation and set-up for live streams, but they are often less work than, say making the video that you want to make. This may involve scripting, re-shooting, editing, etc.    
  
• Costs of production are lower : Often it's less lifting for starting and then launching.      
  
• Recycling  It is possible to could cut and modify your live stream for different formats and purposes after the event, and also creating a recorded version from it.      
  
• There's an urgency: Live streaming feels a little more pressing. Although it's possible that someone posts a recording after an event, being able to watch live feels really special and boosts the number of people who watch it.    
  

What are you required to live stream

It's a great overview in this video if you're beginning to learn about Live streaming!

In other words, this is an overview of live streaming options for creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The best part regarding live streaming in the present is it doesn't require any extravagant devices. The majority of modern phones come with all the necessary features to manage live streams.

Here are a few possibilities for video choices:

• Video on smartphones: The majority of smartphones can produce at least HD video, and some more recent models shoot in 4k. Do remember that your phone's cameras on the front and back may have different resolutions. Both are probably suitable for a live stream. It's the easiest way to stream via your smartphone.    
  
• Webcam: Certain computer streamers choose to use either the built-in webcam of their computer, or else an external webcam. This would be for live streaming done via laptops or computers.    
  
• Professional camera: More established streamers typically employ professional cameras such as DSLRs for live streams. These can be tethered to your phone or laptop and can send a higher-quality video as well as permitting you to select the lens that most suit your look and style.    
  

You'll also need sound! These are some suggestions:

• Mic built into your computer or phone (not advised) Phone and microphones on computers are too close to your mouth when you are watching the live stream and often have low-quality sound recorders. It's better to choose one of the options below.    
  
• Headphones: Bluetooth or wired headphones put the microphone close to your mouth, improving sound quality and reducing background disturbance. Any headset is usually an improvement over your device's built-in microphone.    
  
• Lapel mic Lapel microphones are clipped to the collar of your shirt and listens for the audio closer to the mouth, resulting in better sound quality. It is wired as well as wireless, and some higher quality microphones have features such as noise cancelling.    
  
• Shotgun microphone  The shotgun microphone is a distance from you (often it clips onto the top of a camera) and pics up an directional voice from the voice.      
  
• Desktop condenser mic : More streamers are now employing desktop condenser mics such as Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into the computer and captures audio from the mouth of your user.      
  

Here are some additional stream live tricks that will boost your game.

2. Software to stream (optional)

The use of streaming software isn't necessarily necessary as you are able to live stream directly on popular platforms. But streaming software might be beneficial for those looking to:

• For sharing an image on a computer screen. It could be part of a slideshow or for gaming.        
  
• In order to utilize more than one camera (ie. different angles).    
  
• For overlays to images, logos and chat boxes or cards.        
  
• Mixing in various audio source (e.g. music).    
  
• In order to stream on multiple platforms at the same time (e.g. YouTube + Facebook plus LinkedIn). ).    
  

As an example we discussed the platform StreamYardin our post about Zoom Alternatives. It is a great platform for these kinds of things.

3. A platform for live streaming

It's pretty simple. It is necessary to have a streaming platform such as YouTube and Twitch.

You can try it ! Mighty allows you to stream live using your smartphone or Mighty application, or you could even create an app that you can brand and stream live from. You can easily monetize it by charging for streams or even create a membership using streaming integrated into.

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Live streaming benefits to businesses

If you run a business and want to grow, then you must understand the power that live streamers can bring to your business. Live streams may not look as professional or polished as the promo video that you worked on, but live streaming is something unique.

Like we mentioned earlier, live streaming creates a sense of intimacy between you and your audience which is unscripted and real, which is a huge benefit for your company. Plus, live streaming has the potential to be really exciting and unexpected (in an excellent way). ).

Here are a few of the other advantages of live streaming for businesses:

• Event organizers can host events without the need for space or place: Live streams let businesses organize virtual meetings and events without needing to all gather in a single city.    
  
• Create educational opportunities: Live streams could be an opportunity to provide value by teaching! Live streams can be used by businesses (especially when they are in the form of a webinar) to help educate their customers and increase brand recognition.    
  
• Audience can watch from anywhere: Anyone in the world can catch a live stream with an internet connection and a gadget. This brings your audience closer and makes it easier to connect with them.    
  
• Make money from ticket sales and other events Event organizers can develop premium digital products like live streaming as sources of income, by selling tickets or gating them.    
  

Do not just make use of your live stream for selling. Give your customers worth, provide them with information that will inspire, motivate them, and get them involved. It's the only way to make live streaming effective for your business.

Live streaming is our favorite, and that's why we've added live streaming capabilities in all our plans.

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Live streaming demonstrations

There are numerous huge, historic live streams. These include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial service was one of the live streams that were watched by the most people in its era (2009).      
  
• The year 2012 was the last time NASA live streamed Mars Curiosity landing. There are still regular NASA live streamings on space.    
  
• In 2014 gamers on Twitch were playing Pokemon alongside commands received from the chat. The number of players was estimated to be 1.16 million users played and 55 million watched.    
  

They're awesome! Live streaming has the power to connect people. We even host the live streams of our very own: People Magic Summit, with the top community leaders and creators (this event featured guests like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry, and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed here!

Here are some other examples of how a live stream can look like

• A Mighty Network host announces a daily challenge via a live stream every Monday.        
  
• A musician goes live on IGTV or TikTok and performs the audience to a small-scale concert.        
  
• A gamer is a player who plays Roblox as well as Fortnight and streams to viewers.        
  
• The college provides the virtual class  taught over a live stream.      
  
• A thought leader interviews someone on LinkedIn live regarding an upcoming publication of a book.        
  

You can now read: 11 of the Most Effective Community Engagement Strategies