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

The live stream (or livestreaming) has become so well-known that more than 30% of all internet viewers watch live streams every single week. It's possible to stream and record live streams across a variety of platforms and devices, and is easier than before to begin.

In this post we'll go over the essentials you must know in relation to live streaming.

• We'll explain what live streaming is (including an explanation of technical aspects).
  
• Live streaming data along with important milestones.
  
• This presentation will discuss the benefits as well as practical examples live streams can provide.      
  
• In addition, we'll explain the things you'll need for your own stream live.
  

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What is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming describes the act of presenting your viewers via video live in real time. The past, live streaming was available only to media that had the ability of broadcasting live to their audience.

But in the past few years, the technology of live streaming has seen a huge increase on the internet growing the number of people who are making and enjoying the live stream in their homes, and there is no requirement for a high-end TV studio.

What exactly is live streaming... technically

Encoding
    Technically speaking, your camera takes photos that have been taken in raw format. But these are too big to stream effectively. An encoder (software or hardware) reduces the video in real-time and converts it to codecs (ie. h.264). The result is that the file size becomes small enough to stream, and also makes it so any device is able to understand it.

Compression
    The video may be divided into what is known as I-frames or P frames. These are also referred to as B-frames. I-frames function in a similar way to the typical JPEG image. They contain a full image frame that includes all details.

B-frames and P frames work slightly differently. They just capture the parts of the video that changes through tracking motion vectors. This results in an enlargement of the file size, making it easier to compress and quicker for playback. For example, in an YouTube video where the subject talks to an unchanging backdrop, the majority of the background's pixels won't change.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) are used to record the movements and modifications in the body of the face of the speaker as well as the movements of the body through analyzing the previous frames.
  
• B-frames can be even more efficient because they can to refer back to previous and forward frames, creating an entire picture.
  

Internet speed
    Live streaming also depends upon a continuous flow of information. It is referred to by the term "bit rate. This is the amount of information that your device capable of transfer in one second.

• HD720 (HD) video will need 2 to 4 percent of the bandwidth
  
• 1080p needs about 4-6 at least Mbps
  
• The 4k standard requires 15-25 Mbps
  

If you are doing live streaming, it's essential that your upload speed be consistent with the stream's information. transmits.

However, viewers don't require the identical speed. The quality of video players is reduced if connections aren't fast or you buffer (downloading two to three seconds earlier) in order to make the streaming smooth. Additionally, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies the files at a rapid rate to a server that is near to the user because it requires information to travel longer distances.

Latency

It is possible that the video is not real-time. In the simplest case, there is a couple seconds delay. We call the delay as latency.

Live Streaming statistics

• 30% of Internet viewers can watch live streaming every single week.
  
• The most of the time live streamed videos is breaking news (34 percent) as well as live sporting events (29%).
  
• 91.7 per cent of the web's Internet users across the globe live stream throughout the month.
  
• 52% Of TikTok users are keen to stream live videos.
  
• Smart TVs may be the top spot for streaming live (35.3 percent of all streamed content).
  
• 28 The majority online videos consumed online live streamed.
  
• Live streaming that was the longest to run for over 624 days provided by Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• The record-breaking live stream with the highest number of viewers was set by Spanish streaming service Ibai with 3.44 million streamers on Twitch for their Channel La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live streaming was made possible (Timeline)

While we won't be covering everything, here's a brief timeline of the tech developments which allow live streaming.

The 1990s saw the introduction of technology that enabled "packets" composed of content files to be streamed. They were then processed prior to the full download.
    1993 - 1993: 1993-93: MPEG-1 compression standard is released to allow for the streaming of video in real-time.
    1995 - The company Starlight developed the first video streaming system using satellites.
     1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1996 RealPlayer launches, becoming the first major streaming player. Later, it was added as an option for Windows 98 installation.
    1996 - Realtime Transport Protocol is created and is the basis to transmit audio and video over networks.
    1998 - Starlight introduced the first Web product for conferencing.
    1999 1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show is the very first live streamed events that is expected to attract 1.5 million viewers.
    2002, 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities and embeddable video content possible.
    2007 - Launch of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch) that included Justin Kan with cameras that were available 24/7. Later, it was expanded to several channels which permitted the public to stream.
    2009 - Both Ustream as well as Live stream will be launched in
    2011 The year 2011, was the year in which YouTube began live streaming on its offerings. It was introduced in 2005 (fun information: the very first YouTube video was titled "Me in the Zoo"). Facebook introduced live streaming in the year 2015, followed by Periscope in 2015 and Instagram in the year 2016.

Live streaming benefits

Live Streaming has an energy.

• Super interactive viewers can not only watch in real time However they also have the ability to communicate, ask questions as well as give feedback in a variety of methods.
  
• Completely unfinished: Unlike edited video, where an author might consider themselves obligated to improve, live streaming can't do this (at at least, not at the moment). Therefore, live streams feel natural, and much more engaging.
  
• It's not as time-consuming. There could be a need for setup and preparation however, live streaming is often less effort than making an edited video, which may require writing, editing, re-shooting or any other editing.
  
• Costs of production are much lower. Usually, it's easier to start and then launch.
  
• Recycling It is possible to can cut and adapt the live stream of your choice to various formats and functions after the fact in addition to hosting the stream as a recorded.
  
• The urgency of live streaming feels a little more pressing. If it's a person who uploads their footage after the day, watching it live feels really special and can increase engagement.
  

What are you required for live streaming

The best overview is in this video, if you're starting to get into Live streaming!

But, here's a description on live streaming available to creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

One of the advantages of live streaming is that it's likely you do not require any expensive technology. Most modern smartphones come with everything needed to run a live stream.

Here are some videos to consider:

• Video on smartphones: Every phone can create at least HD video. Some modern phones shoot 4K. It is important to know that the back and front camera could differ in their terms of quality. However, both cameras are likely to be able to stream live. This is the easiest method to stream using your mobile.
  
• Webcam: Certain computer streamers prefer using or the built-in webcam on their laptop or computer, as well as an external webcam. It is a good choice the case for live streaming using laptops and computers.
  
• Professional cameras: most seasoned streamers usually utilize professional cameras, such as DSLRs for live streaming. They can be connected to laptops or phones and will send you a superior quality video as well as giving you the choice of selecting the camera that best suits your style and design.
  

It's also important to have sound! Below are some recommendations:

• The microphone built into your computer or phone (not advised) The microphones and phones on computers are too near to the mouth in live streams. They're generally audio recorders that are not of high-quality. It is better to choose from the options below.
  
• Wireless or Bluetooth headphones put the microphone near your mouth, increasing the quality of your sound and decreasing background sound. Any headset is usually an upgrade over the microphone built into the device.
  
• Lapel microphone: A lapel microphone is attached to the collar of your shirt and listens for the audio closer to the mouth, leading to better quality. These microphones are wireless as well as wired as well as some high-end models have options such as noise cancellation.
  
• Shotgun microphone (also known as the shotgun microphone is distance from your face (often clips to the top of a camera) and records an in-direct voice recorded from your voice.
  
• Condenser microphone designed for desktop usage Most streamers now use Condenser microphones for desktop use, such as Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your computer and hears directly through the mouth of your user.
  

Here are more stream live tricks to boost your performance.

2. Software to stream (optional)

The use of streaming software doesn't have to be a requirement because you're able to stream live directly to the vast platforms. This is a great alternative for people who need:

• To share an image on a computer screen. This could happen as part of a slideshow or an element of gaming.
  
• To use multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• for overlays to add images, logos, and overlays cards or chat boxes.
  
• To mix different Audio sources (e.g. music).
  
• For streaming across multiple platforms at the same time (e.g. YouTube + Facebook plus LinkedIn). ).
  

As an example, we talked about the streaming platform StreamYard in our blog article about Zoom Alternatives. It can do a variety of these kinds of things.

3. A platform for live streaming

It's quite simple. It's a matter of having a platform streaming that allows streaming, such as YouTube or Twitch.

It's possible to try it ! Mighty allows you to stream live on either your smartphone or the Mighty app as well as develop your own app to stream live from. You can easily monetize it by charging per stream or create a membership with streaming built into.

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Live streaming is a benefit to companies

If you own a business you must be aware of the potential of live streaming. Live streams may not be the same polished and perfect like the promotional video that you worked on, however live streaming has something more distinct.

Like we mentioned earlier, live streaming creates a sense of connection between your customers and you that feels far more genuine and natural and can be an enormous strength for your brand. In addition live streaming offers the ability to be truly unexpected and spontaneous (in the best way possible). ).

Here are a few of the benefits of live streaming for companies:

• Host events without needing any space or location: Live streams let businesses organize virtual meetings and events with no needing to live in a single city.
  
• Provide educational opportunities. A live stream could be an opportunity to provide value through the process of education! Companies can make use of live streams (especially in a webinar format) to help educate their customers and create brand awareness.
  
• Live viewers can watch the stream at any time from anywhere anyone around the world can view an online live stream by using an internet connection and an electronic device. It brings them closer and makes it easier for them to get in touch with you.
  
• Profit from events and ticket sales: Companies can create top digital services including live streams that bring in revenue by selling tickets, and also the possibility to monetize these services.
  

Do not use your live streaming as a method to earn cash. Provide your viewers with something valuable, provide them with information that will educate them that will inspire to motivate them, make them feel valued, and engage them. That's what will truly make live streaming beneficial to your company.

Live streaming is one of our favorites, and that's why we've added the live streaming feature in our different plans.

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Live streaming examples

There are a few huge, old live streams. Examples include:

• Michael Jackson's funeral is one of the live streams with the highest viewership of its time (2009).
  
• The year 2012 was the first time NASA broadcast live the Mars Curiosity landing. There is a regular NASA live streams in the internet in space.
  
• In 2014, the gaming year witnessed gamers on Twitch engaged in Pokemon along with commands sent from the chat. The number of players was estimated to be 1.16 million people played, and 55 million viewers were watching.
  

They're awesome! Live streaming can be a fantastic method to make connections between with people. We even host an own stream: People Magic Summit, with the top community and creators (this event featured guests such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions are accessible here!

Here are a few general examples of what an actual live stream could be to look like:

• A Mighty Network host announces a daily challenge via a live stream every Monday.
  
• Live music is broadcast on IGTV or TikTok and hosts the audience to a small-scale concert.
  
• Gamer who participates in Roblox along with Fortnight, and streamed Roblox to players.
  
• A college offers the virtual class and is offered via live streaming.
  
• A thought leader talks to one of the users on LinkedIn live regarding an upcoming publication of the book.
  

Take a look: 11 of the Most Effective Communities Engagement Strategy

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