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

The live streaming (or livestreaming) is now so popular that 30% of web users watch a live stream every week. It is possible to watch and create live streams on many various devices and apps and is now simpler than ever before to begin.

In this article this article, we'll explain the basics you should be aware of concerning live streaming.

•         We'll explain what live streaming means (including an explanation of the technical aspects).            
  
•         We'll present live streaming stats and milestones.            
  
•         We'll talk about advantages and practical examples that live streams can provide.            
  
•         We'll also explain the things you'll need in order to make your personal live stream.            
  

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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. The past, live streaming was only available to the media with the capability to broadcast live to their audience.

But in the past few years the live streaming technology has exploded on the web increasing the number of users are making and enjoying the live stream in their own homes, with no need for an expensive TV studio.

What is live streaming... technical

Encoding
Technically, your camera inputs raw digital pictures. But these are too big to stream effectively. So an encoder (software or hardware) compresses the video at real-time and converts it to codecs (ie. h.264). This makes the files small enough for streaming and makes it so any device can understand it.

Compression
The video can be split into what are called I-frames or P-frames. They are also known as B-frames. I-frames work a bit as a typical JPEG image. They contain a full image frame that includes all details.

P-frames and B-frames work a bit differently. They only capture the part of the video which changes by tracking motion vectors. This results in a smaller file, easier to compress and quicker for playback. For example, in an YouTube video in which a person talks against an unchanging background, 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 speaker's face as well as movement of the body by analyzing the previous frames.        
  
• B-frames are even more effective, since they are able to reference previous AND future frames to create an entire picture.      
  

Internet speed
Live streaming is also dependent on a constant flux of information. It is referred to as the bit rate. It is the amount of information your device is able to be able to stream in a second.

• HD720 (HD) video will require 2-4 per cent of Mbps        
  
• 1080p needs 4-6 Mbps        
  
• 4k needs 15-25 Mbps        
  

If you are doing a live stream it is essential that your upload speed to be in line with the information your stream is sending.

The viewers do not require the same speed. Video players reduce quality if connections are slow or buffer (downloading two to three seconds earlier) to make the stream smooth. We also use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies the file at a real-time rate to a server which is close to the viewer because it requires information to travel longer distances.

    Latency

The video may not be truly live. At the very least, there is a couple seconds of delay-we refer to this as latency.

Live Streaming statistics

• 30 percent of Internet viewers are able to watch a live stream every week.      
  
• The most often live streamed content are breaking news (34%) as well as live sports (29%).      
  
• 91.7 percent of the internet's Internet users around the world stream live throughout the month.      
  
• 52% Of TikTok subscribers would like to stream live video.      
  
• Smart TVs can be the most popular spot for watching live streaming (35.3 percent of the streamed content).      
  
• 28 A majority of online videos consumed online live streamed.      
  
• Live streaming that was the longest ever ran for more than 624 hours provided by Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.        
  
• The live streaming record for most viewers was set by Spanish streamer, Ibai-with 3.44 million Twitch streamers for the channel La Velada del Ano (3).      
  

How live streaming became possible (Timeline)

We won't cover everything however, here's a brief timeline of the tech developments that allow live streaming.

In the 1990s, technology allowed "packets" of media to be streamed, and then rendered prior to a full download.
1993 - 1993: The MPEG-1 compression standard is released, enabling practical video streaming
1995 - The company Starlight created the first video streaming system using satellites.
1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 - RealPlayer debuts, and becomes the first major streaming player. Later, it was added as an option for Windows 98 installation.
1996 - Real-time Transport Protocol is created, creating an infrastructure for transmitting video and audio over networks.
1998 - Starlight introduced the first Web product for conferencing.
1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show is one of the first live streaming event, with a projected 1.5 million spectators.
2002 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities, making embeddable video content a possibility.
2007 - Launch of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch), which included Justin Kan with a camera 24/7. It was later expanded to multiple channels that allowed the public to broadcast.
2009 - Both Ustream as well as Live stream are launched
2011 The year 2011 was the year that YouTube introduced live streaming to its services. The service was first introduced in 2005 (fun information: the very first video was named "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook added live streaming in the year 2015, 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 various ways.      
  
• Completely unfinished: Unlike edited video, where a content creator might feel obligated to polish but live streaming isn't able to accomplish this (at at least, not currently). Therefore, live streams feel natural, and much more entertaining.    
  
• It's less time-consuming: There may need to be setup and preparation however, live streaming is often less work than, say, working hard on creating a produced video-which could need scripting, re-shooting, editing or other editing.    
  
• Costs of production are lower  Most of the time it's less lifting to get started and launch.      
  
• Recycling  It is possible to can cut and adapt your live stream to suit different formats and purposes after the fact, as well as hosting a recording of it.      
  
• There's an urgency: Live streaming feels a little more pressing. If it's a person who publishes their video later the event, watching live feels really special and boosts participation.    
  

What are you required for live streaming

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

However, here's an outline of live streaming available to creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The cool thing with live streaming is that you probably don't need any extravagant technology. The majority of modern phones come with everything needed to operate a live stream.

Here are some possible video options:

• Smartphone video: All phones can create at least HD video. Some modern phones shoot 4K. Make sure to note that the front and back camera might differ in quality. But either is probably fine to stream live. It's the easiest way to stream using your mobile.    
  
• Webcam: Certain computer streamers prefer using either the built-in webcam of their computer as well as an external webcam. It is a good choice the case for live streaming via laptops or computers.    
  
• Professional cameras: The most seasoned streamers usually use professional cameras like DSLRs to stream live. These can be tethered to phones or laptops and will send you a better quality video and giving you the option of choosing the lens that most suit your look and feel.    
  

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

• Mic built into your computer or phone (not suggested) Phone and microphones on computers are too close to your mouth during the live stream they are usually audio recorders that are not of high-quality. Better to select among the alternatives below.    
  
• Headphones: Bluetooth or wired headphones get that microphone right near your mouth, increasing the quality of your sound and decreasing background sound. Any headset is usually an improvement over your device's microphone built into the device.    
  
• Lapel microphone: A lapel mic clips to your shirt or collar and listens for the audio closer to the mouth, resulting in better high-quality. The mics are wireless and wired as well as some of the higher-end mics include features like noise cancelling.    
  
• Shotgun microphone  (also known as a shotgun microphone is a distance from your face (often clips to the top of a camera) and records an directional voice from your voice.      
  
• Condenser microphone for desktop use  A lot of streamers are now using desktop condenser microphones like Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your computer and receives sound directly from the mouth of your user.      
  

Here are a few more stream live tricks that will boost your game.

2. Software to stream (optional)

The use of streaming software isn't necessarily necessary, since you can stream live directly to the large platforms. It's an ideal option for those who want:

• To share an image on a computer screen. It could be part in a slideshow format or as part of gaming.        
  
• To use multiple cameras (ie. different angles).    
  
• to add overlays, images, logos and cards, or chat boxes.        
  
• To mix different audio sources (e.g. music).    
  
• In order to stream on multiple platforms simultaneously (e.g. YouTube + Facebook plus LinkedIn). ).    
  

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

3. A live streaming platform

It's pretty simple. You require a platform for streaming that supports streaming, such as YouTube or Twitch.

You can try it ! Mighty makes it super easy to live stream via your mobile or Mighty application, or you could even create your own branded app to stream live from. And it's easy to monetize by charging for streams or create a membership with streaming integrated into.

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Live streaming is a benefit to businesses

If you own a business it is essential to understand the power in live streaming. Live streams may not be as polished or perfect as the promo video you labored over, but live streaming has something more distinctive.

As we said above, live streaming creates a sense of intimacy between your audience and you that feels a lot more authentic and unscripted and is an enormous strength for your brand. In addition, live streaming holds the potential to be really spontaneous and surprising (in the best way possible). ).

Here are a few of the additional advantages of live streaming for companies:

• Host events without needing any space or location: Live streams allow businesses to organize virtual meetings and events without having to be in a single city.    
  
• Provide educational opportunities. A live stream can be a way to provide value through education! Companies can make use of live streams (especially in a webinar format) to help educate their customers and create brand awareness.    
  
• Viewers can view the live stream from any location: Anyone around the globe can watch an online live stream by using an internet connection and a gadget. This brings your audience closer and makes it easier for them to get in touch with you.    
  
• Profit from events and ticket sales: Businesses can create top digital services such as live streams to generate revenues, by selling tickets and the ability to monetize them.    
  

Don't use your live stream as a way to make money. Offer your clients something of value, educate them that will inspire, motivate them, and make them feel valued, and engage them. That's what will truly make live streaming beneficial to your business.

Live streaming is our favorite which is why we've added live stream functionality to our various plans.

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Live streaming examples

There are some huge old live streams. Examples include:

• Michael Jackson's funeral is one of the most-watched live streams of its time (2009).      
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed Mars Curiosity landing. You can still watch regular NASA live stream on space.    
  
• The 2014 gaming season saw users on Twitch engaged in Pokemon together with commands from the chat. The number of players was estimated to be 1.16 million users played and 55 million people watched.    
  

And these are awesome! Live streaming is a great way to connect people. We even host an own stream: People Magic Summit, with top creators and community leaders (this year's guests included people such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed here!

Here are a few more generic examples of what a live stream might look like:

• A Mighty Network host announces a weekly challenge on a live stream on Mondays.        
  
• A musician goes live via IGTV or TikTok and hosts the audience to a small-scale concert.        
  
• Gamer who plays Roblox as well as Fortnight and streams the game to viewers.        
  
• A college offers the virtual course  which is delivered via live streaming.      
  
• A thought leader talks to one of the users on LinkedIn live regarding an upcoming publication of a book.        
  

Check it out: 11 of the Most Effective Communities Engagement Strategy