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

Live stream streaming (or livestreaming) has become so common that 30 percent of internet users stream live weekly. You can watch or create live streams using a wide range of platforms and apps. It's easier than ever to start.

In this article, we'll tell the basics you should find out concerning live streaming.

• We'll explain the concept for live streaming (including the technical aspects).
  
• We'll provide live streaming stats and important landmarks.
  
• We'll talk about the benefits and instances of live streaming.      
  
• HTML0 We'll also show you how to build your individual live stream.
  

Turn a livestream into profit. Test the platform using one of the biggest communities with a total amount of $1,000,000.

     Download Your Free Trial

((toc))

What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming refers to the process of broadcasting to an audience in real time. The past, live streaming was limited to media outlets capable of broadcasting live to their audiences.

In the last couple of years, the live streaming technology has shone on the web as more and more people create and use this live experience right in their own homes. There is the need for a costly TV studio.

What exactly is live streaming... technologically

Encoding
    The camera can input raw digital pictures. The images are, however, too large for them to be streamed effectively. Thus, an encoder (software or hardware) converts the video real-time, converting it into codecs (ie. h.264). This reduces the size of the files enough to stream and standardizes the way that devices can read it.

Compression
    The video is broken down into what are called I-frames or P-frames. These are also referred to as B-frames. I-frames function a little similar to a standard JPEG image. They include a complete image frame with every detail.

P-frames and B-frames work differently. They just capture the area of the video that's modified by tracking motion vectors. It is much smaller and easier to compress, and is more efficient for replay. As an example, in a YouTube video where someone talks in a background that is not changing, the majority all of the backgrounds pixels will not change.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) can only encode the movement and movements in the appearance of the speaker and movement of the body through analyzing prior frames.
  
• B-frames can also be better than B-frames, as they have the ability to be used to refer to both previous and subsequent frames, to form the entire image.
  

Internet speed
    Live streaming is a constant stream of data. It's also known as the bitrate, the quantity of data that the device is able to stream each second.

• 720 (HD) video requires between 4 and 4.5 per cent of Mbps
  
• 1080p is required at least 4 Mbps
  
• 4k is a requirement of 15-25 Mbps
  

In the case of live streaming, the speed of your upload needs to match the streams data transmission.

The viewers do not require the same speed. The quality of video players decreases in the event of slow connections or if they buffer (downloading approximately 2-30 seconds ahead of time) to make the stream smooth. In addition, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your files in real-time to the server closest to the viewers of your site, as it requires information to travel over longer distances.

Latency

There is no way to be sure that a film will actually be real-time. It's almost always two second delay. We term this delay latency.

Live Streaming statistics

• 30 percent of Internet viewers view a live stream every week.
  
• The most often, live streaming media include breaking news (34%) as well as live sports (29%).
  
• 91.7% of internet users across the globe watch live streaming throughout the month.
  
• 52 percent of TikTok users prefer live videos.
  
• Smart TVs have risen to the best option to stream live (35.3 percent of all streamed video).
  
• 28 Most video contents consumed on the internet is streamed live.
  
• The longest live stream of all time ran for more than 624 hours at the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• The live streaming record with the highest number of viewers was established by Spanish Ibai, a streamer from Spain-with 3.44 million viewers on Twitch for the stream titled La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live streaming was the first method to make it possible (Timeline)

Although the list doesn't cover everything it is an overview of technological developments that make live streaming feasible.

In the 1990s, we saw the introduction of technologies that enabled "packets" made up of data to be rendered and streamed prior to a complete download.
    1993-93 - The MPEG-1 compression standards are introduced that allows for practical streaming of videos
    1995 - The firm Starlight created the first streaming video system using satellites.
     1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 It was the year 1995 when RealPlayer is launched, making it the first major streaming media player. Later, it was added in the Windows 98 installation.
    1996 1996: The Real-time Transportation Protocol is invented and is the basis that allows the transmission of audio and video via networks.
    19981997 Starlight unveiled the first web conference product.
    1999 - Victoria's secret fashion event, which proved to be a huge success, becomes one of the first live streaming events having around 1.5 million spectators.
    2002, 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable video an option.
    2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch) that featured Justin Kan with an all-day camera. It was to grow into a number of channels that would allow viewers to stream.
    2009 - Both Ustream and Live stream have been launched
    2011 The year 2011 is upon us and YouTube is now incorporating live streaming in its service. It first launched in 2005 (fun information: the initial video was entitled "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook started live streaming in the year 2015. It also introduced Periscope in 2015 and Instagram in 2016.

Live streaming has many benefits.

Live streaming has vitality.

• Super-interactive viewers cannot only view live. They also can talk or ask questions, and offer feedback in different ways.
  
• Absolutely imperfect In contrast to edited video, in which the creator of content may feel they are obliged to make improvements, but live streaming isn't able to do this (at most it's not currently). It means that live streams are more natural and have a lot more fun.
  
• Time isn't as demanding: There could need to set up and prepare but live streaming is generally more efficient than making an edited video, which may require writing, reshooting, editing or any other editing.
  
• Production costs are less  It's usually much easier to begin and to launch.
  
• Repurposing The user can cut and alter the live stream to suit various needs and formats after the actual event or host a recorded version from it.
  
• The urgency of live streaming is more pressing. If it's a person who posts a recording after the event, watching it live makes you feel special and can increase the amount of viewers who watch it.
  

What do you require to stream live

This video is the most comprehensive overview in this video, especially for people starting to understand more about Live streaming!

But otherwise, here's an overview of live streaming available to producers. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

One advantage of live stream is the fact that it does not require any expensive technology. The majority of modern smartphones include all the features you require to run live streaming.

Here are a few possible video options:

• Videos on phones Most phones are capable of creating at minimum HD video, and some modern phones shoot 4K. Be aware that the phone's rear and front camera might have different resolutions. Both are probably appropriate for live streaming. It's the simplest way to stream on your phone.
  
• Webcam: Certain streamers prefer using the built-in webcam of their computer, or an external webcam. This can be used to stream live streaming that is done via a laptop or computer.
  
• Professional cameras: The best seasoned streamers usually use professional cameras like DSLRs to live stream. They are able to be connected to your phone or laptop and will send you a better quality video, allowing you to select the best lens for the style you prefer and your experience.
  

Sound is essential! There are several choices available to you:

• A microphone on a computer or phone built in (not suggested) Phones and microphones on computers are too distant from you when you're watching live streaming they are typically poor quality sound recorders. Choose from the options that are listed below.
  
• Wireless or Bluetooth headsets place your microphone near your mouth. It improves sound quality, while also reducing background sound. Any headset is usually better than your phone's microphone built in the phone.
  
• Lapel microphone The mic can be affixed to your shirt or collar and focuses the sound closer to your mouth, resulting in higher quality sound. It is wired as well as wireless as well as some of the better microphones include options like noise cancellation.
  
• Shotgun microphone (also known as a shotgun microphone is a distant distance from you (often it's attached to the upper part of a camera) and records sound directional from your voice.
  
• Desktop condenser mic  A growing number of streamers are using microphones for desktops, such as those of the Blue Yeti, which plugs directly to your computer and receives sound directly out of your mouth.
  

Here are some more tips for stream live to help you improve your skills.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

Streaming software does not have to be required as you can stream live directly to platforms that are popular. However, streaming software could be an ideal alternative for people looking to:

• for sharing images on the computer screen. This could form part of a slideshow, or even to play games.
  
• To make use of multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• For graphic overlays, logos, images, chat boxes or cards.
  
• Mixing in various audio streams (e.g. music).
  
• To stream to multiple platforms at once (e.g. Facebook + YouTube plus LinkedIn ).
  

To illustrate this, we talked about the streaming platform StreamYard in our article on Zoom Alternatives. It does a lot of these things.

3. A platform for live streaming

It's pretty simple. It is necessary to have a platform for streaming that can support streaming, such as YouTube and Twitch.

Or come try ! Mighty can be a breeze to stream live from your phone or the Mighty application. It is possible to create an app to brand and stream your live streams using. It's easy to make money from it by charging for streams or create the possibility of a subscription that you can integrate streaming to.

     Start Free Trial Free Trial

Live streaming can be beneficial to companies

If you're a proprietor of a company that wants to increase your business's size, you should be aware of the advantages that live streaming can bring. Your live streams won't appear like the polished or perfect version of the promotional videos you worked on, but live streaming is more distinctive.

We have already mentioned that live streaming can create a feeling of connection between your viewers and your brand that makes it feel a lot more authentic and unscripted, which is an enormous benefit for your company's image. Additionally live streaming has the capacity to be spontaneous and surprising (in the best manner). ).

Here are some advantages from live streaming for a business:

• Create events without having a the space or location. Live streams allow businesses to organize virtual meetings and events without having to be in the same city.
  
• Make educational possibilities: Live streaming can be a way to add value via education! The companies can utilize live streaming (especially in a webinar format) to educate customers on their products and build the brand's reputation.
  
• The viewers can watch the live stream at any time and from anywhere anyplace in the world. Anyone can catch an online live stream by using the internet and device. This brings your audience closer and makes it much easier to connect to them.
  
• Make money from ticket sales and events Event organizers can develop top digital solutions, such as live streams as sources of revenue, as well as ticket sales and then gating the event.
  

And don't just use your live stream to sell. Provide your customers with worth, provide them with information which will motivate, inspire your customers, make them feel valued, and engage them. That's what makes live streaming effective for businesses.

Live streaming is one of our favorites which is why we've added live streaming functionality to all of our plans.

     Try it for free!

Live streaming as an example

There are a lot of live streams. Examples include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial service has been one of many of the highest-rated live streams in the history of (2009).
  
• The year 2012 was the last year that NASA live streamed Mars' Curiosity landing. It is still possible to observe NASA live streaming on the internet from space.
  
• In 2014, gamers who were on Twitch played Pokemon and were also given commands to them by chat. The following day, it was estimated that 1.16 million users played and that 55 million viewers people watched.
  

These are amazing! Live streaming is a great way to bring people together. We even have our own channel: People Magic Summit, which features the best community leaders and creators (this event featured celebrities such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). It is possible to rewatch the sessions at our site!

Below are a few more general examples of how live streams can be like.

• A Mighty Network host announces a daily challenge via a live stream on Mondays.
  
• Live performances are broadcast on IGTV or TikTok and then hosts a private concert for the viewers.
  
• Gamer who is playing Roblox or Fortnight and streams the game to viewers.
  
• Colleges can offer a virtual class that is taught live via streams.
  
• A thought leader talks to one of the users on LinkedIn live on the internet about an imminent book publication.
  

You can now read: 11 of the Top Communities Engagement Strategy

This post was first seen on here