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

Live stream streaming (or livestreaming) is so popular that 30 % of Internet users live stream every week. It is possible to watch and make live streams using many different devices and apps It's now more simple than ever to begin.

In this article, we'll tell the things you should learn about live streams.

• The article below will explain what live streaming is (including a technical explanation).
  
• We'll present live streaming statistics and important landmarks.
  
• In this post we'll talk about the benefits of HTML0 and some examples for live stream.
  
• We'll also show you the steps you'll require to make your personal live stream.
  

Turn a livestream into profit. Look into the platform, which includes at minimum 1 million members.

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What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming is the practice of broadcasting to viewers a video stream in live-time. In the past, this was only available to media firms that were able for live streaming to their audience.

In the past few years, the live streaming technology has transformed the internet as more users enjoy and creating this live stream in their own homes, with no need for an expensive TV studio.

What exactly is live streaming... technical

Coding
    Technically speaking, the camera is able to input raw digital pictures. However, they are too large to stream efficiently. So encoders (software or hardware) transforms the video real time to codecs (ie. h.264). This makes the files small enough to stream, and also makes the format suitable for any device is able to understand it.

Compression
    The video is split into what's known as P-frames, I-frames, along with B-frames. I-frames work in a way like a normal JPEG image. They are a complete frame of the image, with the entire information.

P-frames and B-frames operate in a different way. They just capture the parts of the video that change in motion vectors by the tracking. The video is smaller, simpler to compress, and faster to watch. For example, in an YouTube video where the subject talks to an unchanging background it is evident that the vast majority all of the backgrounds pixels will not alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) are used to record the motion and changes in the body of the speaker's face, as well as body movements through studying previous frames.
  
• B-frames may be more effective, since they are able to refer to both prior and subsequent frames, resulting on a whole picture.
  

Internet speed
    Live streaming needs a continuous flow of information. This is known as bit rate, the quantity of data that your device can stream every second.

• HD720 (HD) video is required for between 2-4 4 Mbps
  
• 1080p is the minimum required for downloading in 4-6 minutes
  
• 4k needs 15-25 Mbps
  

When doing live streaming, your upload speed needs to be able to handle the amount of data that your stream is sending.

The viewers do not require the same speed. The quality of video players is reduced if connections aren't fast or if they buffer (downloading between two and three seconds faster) so as to make smooth and seamless streaming. Also, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your files in real-time to servers closer to the viewers of your site, since it needs information to travel across larger distances.

Latency

It's impossible to ensure that a live video will stream live. There is almost always a few seconds delay. We term this delay the latency.

Live Statistic streaming

• 70% of internet viewers view live streams each week.
  
• Most often, live streaming video is breaking news (34%) and live sports (29 percentage).
  
• 91.7 percent of internet's users worldwide watch live stream all throughout the month.
  
• 52% of TikTok users are keen to stream live videos.
  
• Smart TVs have been the best place for streaming live-streamed video (35.3 percent of streamed videos).
  
• 28 A majority of online videos consumed online live streamed.
  
• The most long live streaming ever recorded ran more than 624 days from the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• Record-breaking live streaming and the highest number of viewers was set by Spanish streaming channel Ibai who had 3.44 million Twitch users in the channel's La Velada del Ano (3).
  

How live streaming became feasible (Timeline)

It's not a complete list but here's a short timeline of the tech developments that allow live streaming.

The 90s witnessed the development of technology which allowed "packets" from media sources to be streamed and afterwards rendered prior to full download.
    1993 - The MPEG-1 compression standard is announced that allows for practical streaming of videos
    1995 1996 Starlight, a firm Starlight created the first streaming video using satellites.
     1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 The year 1995 marks the date that RealPlayer launches, becoming the first player to stream media. It was later included as an option for Windows 98 installation.
    1996: The Real-time Transportation Protocol is invented, creating the framework to transmit audio and video over networks.
    1998- Starlight announced the first web conference products.
    1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show is one of the first live streaming programs, having an estimated 1.5 million viewers.
    2002 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities which allow embedding video an option.
    2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch) with Justin Kan sporting a camera for the entire the day. Later, it was expanded to include multiple channels, which allowed viewers to broadcast.
    2009 The launch of both Ustream as well as Live stream are launched
    2011-2012 YouTube has integrated live streaming into its offering. It was launched in 2005 (fun information: the original video was named "Me in the Zoo). Facebook began live streaming in 2015, Periscope in the year 2015 as well as Instagram in 2016.

The benefits of live streaming

Live streaming is a way of delivering energetic.

• Super interactive viewers cannot only observe live. However, they can also use them to chat, ask questions and give feedback in a variety of ways.
  
• Absolutely imperfect In contrast to edited videos, which content creators may consider themselves obligated to refine the content, live streams can't accomplish this (at at the very minimum but not currently). Therefore, live streams feel natural, and are more pleasant.
  
• It's not as time-consuming. There could be preparation and set-up for live streaming However, they're usually less work than, say making the film you wish to create. It could involve the scripting process, reshooting, editing and other editing.
  
• The costs of production are less Typically, there is lower on the lifting required to begin the process and later launching.
  
• Repurposing the user is able to modify and cut the live stream to different formats or purposes following the event. It can also be used for recording it.
  
• The pressure of live streaming can feel a little more urgent. If the person uploads a video after the event, catching a live event makes people feel more special and can increase participation.
  

What are you required for live streaming

This video is a fantastic review of the video anyone who is just beginning to learn about Live streaming!

In any case, here's the outline for live streaming for creators .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The best part regarding live streaming today is it doesn't require any expensive equipment. Modern smartphones are equipped with all the necessary features to manage a live stream.

Here are a few potential videos to consider:

• Smartphone video: Most phones can produce HD video. Some modern phones shoot 4K. Be aware that the cameras at the back and front differ in resolution. However, both are probably adequate to stream live. It's easier to stream direct via your smartphone.
  
• Webcam: Some streamers prefer using an internal computer webcam, or else using the external camera. It is used to stream live streaming that is done on a desktop or laptop.
  
• Professional camera: The most seasoned streamers usually use professional cameras, such as DSLRs for live streams. They can be connected to phones or computers and provide you with a superior quality video while allowing you to select the best lens for the style and appearance of your.
  

Sound is crucial! There are a few options to consider:

• Microphone built into your PC or telephone (not recommended) Phone or computer microphones can be far from your mouth when you're watching streams live. They also generally have poor quality sound recorders. You should pick among the following options.
  
• The Bluetooth and wired headphones have a microphone that is placed near your mouth, increasing the quality of your audio and decreasing background disturbance. Every headset will be better than your phone's built-in mic.
  
• Lapel microphone The mic is attached to the collar of the shirt. It picks up audio closer to the mouth, making the perfect high-quality. It can be wired as well as wireless, and some higher quality microphones include features like noise cancellation.
  
• shotgun microphone (also sometimes referred to as an earphone) sits distant from the face (often is attached to the upper part on the lens) and captures your voice's direction.
  
• Condenser microphone for desktop usage A majority of streaming platforms today use the condenser microphones on desktops such as ones from Blue Yeti that plugs directly into your computer, and takes sound from the mouth of the users.
  

Here are some additional tips for live streaming to improve your performance.

2. Software to stream (optional)

Streaming software doesn't have to be required, since it is possible to live stream direct to the major platforms. It's beneficial for those looking to:

• To share an image to the screen of a computer. This could form part of the slideshow, or as a gaming.
  
• For the purpose of using several cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• for overlays, images, logos, chat boxes or cards.
  
• Mix various Audio sources (e.g. music).
  
• In order to stream across multiple platforms at once (e.g. Facebook plus YouTube or LinkedIn ).
  

To illustrate this, we talked about the platform StreamYardin our post on Zoom Alternatives. It is able to do many of these types of things.

3. Live streaming platforms

It's quite straightforward. You need a streaming platform that supports streaming, such as YouTube as well as Twitch.

You can try it ! Mighty lets you stream live via your mobile or Mighty application. It is possible to create your own branded app that you stream on. It's easy to earn profit from it. You can cost per stream, or create a membership using streaming integrated into.

     Start Free Trial Free Trial

Live streaming is beneficial to businesses.

If you own a company that you want to expand and expand, you should be aware of the benefits that live streams offer. The live streams might not look like the polished or perfect version of the promo video that you made, however live streaming does have something distinctive.

As we've mentioned, it creates an intimacy between your customers and yourself which is unscripted and real this is a major advantage for your business. In addition live streaming has the possibility of being unplanned in its spontaneity and unpredictability (in the best possible way). ).

Here are a few benefits of live streaming in business:

• Host events without needing the space or location. Live streaming allows businesses to host virtual discussions and gatherings without having to gather everyone in a single city.
  
• Create educational opportunities: A live stream could offer the chance to increase value through providing instruction! Businesses can use live streams (especially that use the online format) to inform customers about their products and build their brand's recognition.
  
• Your audience is able to stream live anywhere is able to view the live stream via the internet and device. It brings them closer to them and allows them to connect with them.
  
• Profit from events and ticket sales Businesses can create top digital services such as live streams as sources of revenue, through ticket sales or by gating them.
  

Do not just make use of your live stream only for marketing. Give your customers something valuable, inform your customers, motivate them and engage them. That's what makes live streaming beneficial for your company.

Live streaming is one of our favorites, therefore we've added live streaming features to all of our plans.

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Live streaming example

There are a myriad of historical live streamings. Examples include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial ceremony was among of the live streams which were watched by the highest number of people at the moment (2009).
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to observe NASA live streamings on space.
  
• The year 2014 was the year that gamers playing on Twitch played Pokemon along with commands given by the chat. Then, it was revealed that 1.16 million people played as 55 million viewers watched.
  

They're awesome! Live streaming is powerful in connecting individuals. Indeed, we can stream live from our very own: People Magic Summit, with the top community leaders and creators (this year's attendees included celebrities including Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed here!

Here are some more general examples of how live streaming may take on:

• The Mighty Network host announces a weekly challenge on a live stream each Monday.
  
• A live musician performs on IGTV or TikTok and hosts an intimate concert for viewers.
  
• Gamer who participates in Roblox as well as Fortnight and broadcasts to viewers.
  
• Colleges offer the option of a virtual class and are delivered through live streaming.
  
• A thought-leader speaks to an individual via LinkedIn live, discussing an upcoming book release.
  

Now you can read: 11 of the most popular social engagement methods for Community

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