What Is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

Live stream streaming (or livestreaming) has grown so widespread that 30% of web users watch a live stream weekly. You can watch or create live streams on many various devices and apps and is now simpler to get started than ever before.

In this post this article, we'll explain the basics you should know regarding live stream.

• We'll explain what live streaming is (including an explanation for technical reasons).        
  
• We'll share some live streaming statistics and important milestones.        
  
• In this article, we'll discuss the advantages of HTML0 and some examples of live streaming.        
  
• And we'll share what you'll require to make your own streaming live.        
  

What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming is the practice of broadcasting to an audience live video streaming in real time. The past, live streaming was restricted to only media companies that had the technology of broadcasting live to their audience. But in the past few years, the live streaming technology has exploded on the web as more users are consuming and creating this live experience right from their homes--no need for an expensive television studio.

What is live streaming... technologically

Encoding
Technically, your camera outputs the raw digital image. They are however too big to stream effectively. So 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 and standardizes the way that devices can read 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 complete image frame that includes all details.

B-frames and P-frames operate slightly differently. They just capture the parts of the movie that is changed in motion vectors by capturing them. It is an easier file to compress and quicker for playback. In an YouTube video, where a speaker is speaking with an unchanging background, the majority of the background's pixels do not alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) are used to record the movements and modifications in the face of the speaker and movement of the body by reviewing earlier frames.        
  
• B-frames are even more effective, since they have the ability to refer to both prior and future frames in order to produce the entire image.      
  

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

• 720 (HD) video requires between 2-4 speeds        
  
• 1080p requires 4-6 Mbps        
  
• 4k needs 15-25 Mbps        
  

When doing live streams it is essential that your upload speed to be in line with the information that your stream sends.

Viewers don't require the identical speed. The quality of video players is reduced if the connection speed is low, or even buffer (downloading 2-30 seconds ahead) in order to make streaming smooth. Additionally, we utilize Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your files in real-time to a server closer to your viewer, as it needs information to travel further distances.

    Latency

The video may not be truly live. There's always at least a couple seconds of delay-we call this latency.

Live Statisticians streaming live

• 30 percent of internet users are able to watch a live stream weekly.      
  
• Most often live streamed content includes breaking news (34 percent) and live sports (29 percent).      
  
• 91.7 percent of the internet's Internet users worldwide watch live streaming services each month.      
  
• 52 percent of TikTok subscribers prefer to stream live video.      
  
• Smart TVs are by far the most sought-after location to stream live streamed content (35.3 percent of all streamed content).      
  
• 28 percent of the video content consumed online live streamed.      
  
• Live streaming that was the longest in history ran for more than 624 hours provided by Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.        
  
• The record for live streaming for most viewers is held by the Spanish streaming channel Ibai, with 3.44 millions Twitch viewers for the channel La Velada del Ano (3).      
  

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

We won't cover everything, but here's a quick list of some technological advancements that make live streaming possible.

The 1990s saw the advent of technology that allowed "packets" from media sources to be streamed and rendered prior to downloading a complete file.
1993 - The MPEG-1 standard of compression is introduced that allows for practical streaming of video
1995: The company Starlight built the first video streaming from satellites.
1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 1995 RealPlayer launches, becoming the first streaming media player. The program was later added as an option in Windows 98 installation.
1996 - Real-time Transport Protocol is created, which creates the framework to send videos and audio across networks.
1998- Starlight announced the first web conferencing products.
1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show is one of the first major live stream events, with around 1.5 million people watching.
2002 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable video feasible.
2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later rebranded as Twitch) with Justin Kan with a camera 24/7. The site would expand to include several channels, allowing the public to broadcast.
2009- Both Ustream and Live stream were launched
2011 2012 YouTube introduced live streaming to its offerings. It was launched in 2005 (fun fact: the first video was named "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook began live streaming in 2015, Periscope in 2015, and Instagram in 2016.

Live streaming benefits

Live streaming has vitality.

• Super interactive  viewers can not only watch in real time However, they also have the ability to talk, ask questions and provide feedback in different ways.      
  
• Completely unfinished In contrast to edited videos, in which content creators might consider themselves obligated to refine, live streaming can't really accomplish this (at at least, not currently). Therefore, live streams feel natural, and are more enjoyable.    
  
• The time is less consuming: There could some preparation and set-up for live streams, but they are typically less labor-intensive than, say making the video that you want to make. This may involve scripting, re-shooting, editing and so on.    
  
• Lower production costs : Often it's less lifting for getting started and launching.      
  
• Recycling  The user can cut and adapt the live stream to different purposes and formats after the actual event, or by hosting a recording or a video.      
  
• There's an urgency: Live streaming can feel a bit more important. Although it's possible that someone publishes their video later an event, being able to watch live is a real treat and increases the number of people who watch it.    
  

What you need to live stream

The best overview is in this video, if you're beginning to learn about live streaming!

However, it's an overview of live streaming available to creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The best part about live streaming today is there is no need for fancy equipment. The majority of modern phones come with everything needed to operate live streaming.

Here are some potential video options:

• Smartphone video: Most phones are able to create HD videos, while some more recent models shoot in 4K. Be aware that the phone's back and front camera may be of different specs. Both are probably suitable to stream live. It's easier to stream direct via your smartphone.    
  
• Webcam: Certain computer streamers choose to use either a built-in computer webcam, or else using an external webcam. It is a good choice for live streaming done via laptops or computers.    
  
• Professional cameras: Established streamers usually utilize professional cameras, such as DSLRs for live streams. These can be tethered to phones or laptops and provide a superior quality video and giving you the option of choosing the lens you like best and experience.    
  

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

• The built-in microphone on your phone or computer (not advised): Your phone and computer microphones are distant from your mouth in the live stream and are often poor quality sound recorders. Better to select one of the options below.    
  
• Wireless or Bluetooth headphones place the microphone near your mouth, improving audio quality while reducing background disturbance. Every headset will be better than your phone's built-in microphone.    
  
• Lapel microphone The lapel microphone clips to your shirt or collar and picks up sound closer to your mouth, making for better quality. They come wired and wireless as well as some of the higher-end microphones come with features such as noise canceling.    
  
• Shotgun mic  A shotgun mic sits away from you (often clips to the top of the camera) and pics up an omnidirectional voice signal from your vocal.      
  
• Desktop condenser mic  The majority of streamers these days are employing desktop condenser mics such as the Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your computer and receives sound directly from the mouth of your user.      
  

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

2. Software for streaming (optional)

Streaming software doesn't have to be required, since you can live stream directly to the major platforms. But streaming software might be an ideal option for those seeking:

• For sharing the screen of a computer, be it as a slideshow, or even for gaming.        
  
• In order to utilize more than one camera (ie. different angles).    
  
• For overlays to logos, graphics cards, chat boxes.        
  
• To mix in different audio sources (e.g. music).    
  
• To stream to multiple 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 these kinds of things.

3. Live streaming platforms

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

Or come try ! Mighty makes it super easy to live stream from your phone or the Mighty application, or you could even create your own app with a branded name to stream your live streams from. It's also easy to make money from it or charge per stream or create a membership with streaming included in.

Live streaming benefits to businesses

If you're a proprietor of a company it is essential to understand the power that live streamers can bring to your business. Live streams may not appear as perfect or polished as the promo video that you worked on, but live streaming is something unique. Like we mentioned above, it creates an intimacy between your audience and you that feels a lot more genuine and authentic this is a major benefit for your business. Plus, live streaming has potential to be exciting and unexpected (in an excellent way). ).

Here are the additional advantages of live streaming for businesses:

• Organise events with no needing space or place: Live streams let businesses host virtual events and conversations without having to be in the same city.    
  
• Make educational possibilities: A live stream can be the perfect way to add the value of education, particularly through education! Businesses can use live streams (especially with a webinar format) to inform customers about their products and create brand awareness.    
  
• The audience can stream live from wherever: Anyone anywhere in the world is able to watch the live stream using a device and internet connection. This brings your audience closer and makes it easier to connect with them.    
  
• Earn from ticketing and events Event organizers can develop top digital services such as live streaming as sources of income, by selling tickets or the ability to grate them.    
  

Do not just make use of your live stream as a way to make money. Give your customers something of value, educate them and inspire them to engage them. It's the only way to make live streaming beneficial to your business.

We are awestruck by live streaming so we've added live streaming functionality to our various plans.

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Live streaming examples

There are a few huge historical live streams. Examples include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial service has been one of the most-watched live streams in its moment (2009).      
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to watch NASA live streams about space.    
  
• In 2014, gamers on Twitch were playing Pokemon together with commands from the chat. The number of players was estimated to be 1.16 million users played and 55 million watched.    
  

They're awesome! Live streaming has the power to unite people. In fact, we host the live streams of our very own: People Magic Summit, with prominent creators and community leaders (this year's attendees included celebrities like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed here!

Here are a few general examples of what live streaming might 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 or TikTok and plays an intimate concert for viewers.        
  
• A gamer plays Roblox and Fortnight and streams the game to viewers.        
  
• A college offers an online online course that's taught over a live stream.      
  
• A thought leader talks to one of the users on LinkedIn live about an upcoming publication of a book.        
  

Check it out: 11 of the Best Social Engagement Strategies