What Is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

Live streaming (or livestreaming) has become so commonplace that 30percent of internet viewers watch live streams each week. You can watch or create live streams across a variety of devices and apps and is easier to get started than ever before.

In this post this article will provide the fundamentals you should know regarding live stream.

• We'll explain what live streaming is (including an explanation for technical motives).
  
• Live streaming statistics and important milestones.
  
• In this piece, we'll discuss the advantages of HTML0 and provide some examples of live streaming.
  
• And we'll share how to set up your own streaming live.
  

What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming is the practice of broadcasting to a live audience video streaming in real time. In the past, live streaming was limited to media firms that could afford the capability of streaming live to their audiences. But in the past few years, the live streaming tech has become a huge hit on the web since more and more consumers are accessing the live streaming experience at their own homes, no need to rent a television studio.

What is live streaming... technically

Coding
    Technically speaking, your camera is able to output the raw digital image. However, they are too large for streaming effectively. An encoder (software or hardware) reduces the video's size at real-time and converts it to codecs (ie. h.264). This reduces the size of the file enough to stream it and also standardize the method that devices are able to read it.

Compression
    The video may be divided into I-frames or P frames. These are also referred to as B-frames. I-frames work a bit as the typical JPEG image. They contain an entire image frame with the entire image's details.

B-frames and P-frames operate slightly different. They only capture parts of the movie that is modified in motion vectors and taking them. This is a simpler file to compress and is faster to playback. In a YouTube video where a speaker is speaking in a background that is not changing most of the background's pixels will not change.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) are used to record changes and movements in the face of the speaker as well as movement of the body by looking back at older frames.
  
• B-frames have even greater effectiveness as they are able to use the ability to refer to both prior and future frames, thereby creating an entire picture.
  

Internet speed
    Naturally, live streaming requires a continuous stream of data. We call this bit rate, how much data your device will be able to stream in a second.

• HD video requires 720 (HD) video needs between 2-4 times
  
• 1080p is a high-quality video format that requires at least 4 to 6 Mbps
  
• 4k requires 15-25 Mbps
  

In live streams, it is essential that your upload speed be at par with the data that the stream is sending.

Viewers don't require the identical speed. Video players' quality are reduced when the bandwidth is not high, or even buffer (downloading about 2-30 seconds in advance) so as to make streaming smooth. Additionally, we utilize Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies the files instantly to an internet server that is closer to the viewers, since it requires information to travel further distances.

Latency

The video might not be real-time. There's always at least two seconds of delay. We call this latency.

Live Statisticians streaming live

• 30% of Internet users have the ability to stream the live stream every week.
  
• Most frequently, live streamed content include breaking news (34 percent) as well as live sports (29 per cent).
  
• 91.7 percentage of the Internet's Internet users around the world stream live services on a monthly basis.
  
• 50 percent of TikTok customers prefer to stream live videos.
  
• Smart televisions have become the most popular place for streaming live-streamed content (35.3 percent of streaming content).
  
• 28 percent video material watched live online.
  
• Live streaming which was the longest ever in existence took more than 624 hours. It was provided by Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• The world record for live streaming with the most users is held by Spanish streaming channel Ibai, with 3.44 millions Twitch viewers on the channel La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live streaming is the first step in making it feasible (Timeline)

It's impossible to cover everything, but we'll give you quick overview of technological advancements that make live streaming possible.

In the 1990s, we saw the development of technologies that enabled "packets" of media to be rendered and streamed prior to downloading a complete archive.
    1993 - The MPEG-1 standard of compression was introduced, which allows the streaming of videos in a practical manner.
    1995 1995: The Starlight company Starlight developed the first video streaming system using satellites.
     1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1995 RealPlayer is launched, making it the first media player streaming. Later, the program was included to the Windows 98 installation.
    1996 - The Real-time Transport Protocol is created, which provides the infrastructure to transmit videos and audio across networks.
    19981998 Starlight announced the first web conference products.
    1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show is one of the first live streaming shows, which has around 1.5 million viewers.
    2002, 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable video feasible.
    2007: The debut of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch) featuring Justin Kan's camera 24/7. The site would expand to encompass several channels that allowed viewers to broadcast.
    2009: Both Ustream as well as Live stream launched in 2009.
    2011 2012 YouTube launched live streaming on the content it offers. It was launched in 2005 (fun fact: the first video was named "Me in the Zoo"). Facebook launched live streaming in 2015, Periscope in 2015, and Instagram in 2016.

Live streaming benefits

Live streaming is vital.

• Super Interactive viewers can not only view in real time, but, they can also be able to communicate, answer questions, and give feedback in different ways.
  
• Unfinished and unfinished in contrast to edited videos, in which the creators of content might feel them obligated to make improvements however live streaming isn't in a position to accomplish this (at the very least, not at the moment). Thus, live streaming feels authentic and enjoyable.
  
• Time is not as consuming It is possible to do some pre-production and set-up for live streams, but they are typically more labor-intensive than making the video that you'd like to create. It could involve the scripting process, reshooting, editing and so on.
  
• Lower production cost : Often it's less lifting for getting started and launching.
  
• Recycling The viewer can cut and adapt the live stream for different purposes and formats after the actual event, or host a recording or video.
  
• There's an urgency: Live streaming might feel more crucial. Although it's possible that someone will release their video after the time, being able view it live is a true pleasure and can increase the number of people who watch it.
  

What you need to live stream

The most comprehensive overview can be found the video below, especially in case you're just starting to learn the basics of live streaming!

But, it's also a summary of live streaming available for the creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The best part with live streaming nowadays is there's no requirement for extravagant equipment. The majority of modern phones include everything required to run live streaming.

Here are some possible videos to consider:

• Video on smartphones: The majority of phones can produce HD videos. However, some newer models can are capable of shooting in 4K. Be aware that the phones' front and back cameras might have different specifications. Both are probably suitable for live streaming. It's simpler to stream direct via your smartphone.
  
• Webcam: Some computer streamers prefer using a built-in computer webcam, or alternatively, the external camera. This can be a great option for streaming live using laptops or computers.
  
• Professional cameras: Experienced streamers generally use professional cameras such as DSLRs to stream live. These can be tethered to smartphones or laptops, and offer a superior quality video and giving you the option of selecting the lens you prefer and have the most experience with.
  

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

• The microphone built into your computer or phone (not advised): Your phone and computer microphones are distant from your mouth during the live stream. They generally sound quality is poor on recorders. It is better to choose one of the choices listed below.
  
• Wireless or Bluetooth headsets place the microphone in close proximity to your mouth. It improves sound quality and reducing background noise. Each headset is superior to your smartphone's microphone built into it.
  
• Lapel microphone The lapel microphone is attached to your shirt collar and picks up sound nearer to your mouth resulting in better sound quality. They come wired and wireless as well as certain of the more expensive microphones are equipped with features like noise cancellation.
  
• Shotgun mic The shotgun microphone is placed far from your face (often it clips up to the top of your camera) and captures an omnidirectional voice signal that comes from your voice.
  
• Desktop condenser mic A majority of streaming sites today are using desktop condenser mics such as The Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your PC and receives sound directly from the mouth of your users.
  

Here are more live streaming tips for you to improve your streaming game.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

Streaming software does not have to be required, since it is possible to live stream direct to the major platforms. The streaming software is the best option for people searching for:

• For sharing the display of a computer, be it as slideshows, or to play games.
  
• For the purpose of using more than one camera (ie. different angles).
  
• For overlays to logos, chat boxes, graphics cards.
  
• Mixing different audio sources (e.g. music).
  
• For streaming to several platforms at the same time (e.g. YouTube + Facebook and LinkedIn). ).
  

As an example we discussed the platform StreamYardin our post about Zoom Alternatives. It can do a variety of different items.

3. Live streaming platforms

It's quite simple. You require a platform for streaming, like YouTube as well as Twitch.

You can try it ! Mighty makes it super easy to live stream using your smartphone or through the Mighty application. You could even create your own application with a branded name to stream live streams to. You can also make profit from it. You can charge per stream or create a membership with streaming included within.

Live streaming benefits to businesses

If you're the proprietor of a business, it's important to comprehend the potential that live streamers can bring to your business. The live stream may not be exactly as polished and perfect as the promo video that you created, but live streaming has its own uniqueness. In the same way it can create a connection between your audience and you that feels a lot more authentic and genuine. This is a major benefit for your company. Plus, live streaming has potential to be exciting and awe-inspiring (in an excellent manner). ).

There are other benefits of live streaming in business:

• Create events without the need for the space or even a location. Live streaming lets businesses hold virtual gatherings and discussions without needing to be located in the same city.
  
• Learn more about the possibilities of education Live streaming is a great way to add the value of education, especially through the process of education! Companies can make use of live streams (especially that use a webinar format) to educate customers on their offerings and to create brand awareness.
  
• Your viewers can watch live from wherever: Anyone anywhere around the globe is able to watch the live stream on a device and internet connection. It brings them closer to them and allows them to establish a connection to them.
  
• Profit from events and ticket sales Event planners are able to develop top digital services such as live streaming for sources of revenue, through ticket sales or by grating them.
  

You shouldn't make use of your live stream only as a way to make money. Give your customers something worth their time, teach the audience and motivate them to engage them. Live streaming is the only method to help live streaming be beneficial for your business.

We're awestruck at live streaming, so we've added live streaming functionality to our various plans.

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Live streaming examples

There are a few large live streams that have been broadcast in the past. Examples include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial service was one of the most watched live streams of its moment (2009).
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to view NASA live streamings about space.
  
• In 2014, players playing on Twitch played Pokemon alongside commands given by the chat. The number of players is estimated to be 1.16 million players played while 55 million watched.
  

They're awesome! Live streaming can be a powerful tool to unite people. Indeed, we even stream live from our very own: People Magic Summit, with famous artists and community leaders (this event's participants were famous like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). Replays of the sessions are available on our website!

Here are a few general examples of live streaming that can look like

• A Mighty Network host announces a every week on their live stream on Mondays.
  
• Live music is performed by a musician via IGTV as well as TikTok and provides a private performance for the viewers.
  
• Gamer play Roblox and Fortnight and streams the game to viewers.
  
• The college has an online class online that's taught over the internet via live streaming.
  
• A thought leader talks to one of the members on LinkedIn live about an upcoming publication of a book.
  

Find it here: 11 of the best social engagement strategies

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