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

Live streaming (or livestreaming) has become so well-known that more than 30 percent of Internet users watch live streams on a regular basis. It is possible to watch or create live streams on a number of devices and apps and it is easier than ever before to begin.

In this article, we'll teach you how to know about live streaming.

• We'll explain what live streaming means (including an overview of the technical elements).
  
• We'll share some live streaming statistics and important milestones.
  
• The discussion will focus on the benefits and practical examples that live streams can provide.
  
• We'll also explain what you'll require to make your personal live stream.
  

What is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming is the practice of displaying your viewers live video streaming in real time. The past, live streaming was limited to media outlets with the capability to broadcast live to their viewers. In recent times it has become a reality and live streaming has lit up the internet as more users are consuming the live streaming experience in their own homes, and without the requirement of an expensive TV studio.

What is the definition of live streaming... technologically

Coding
    In terms of technicality, the camera is able to input the raw digital image. But, they are too big to stream effectively. Thus encoders (software or hardware) compresses the video at the speed of light and converts it to codecs (ie. h.264). This makes the files small enough to stream and standardizes it so any device can understand it.

Compression
    The video may be divided into I-frames, P-frames, and B-frames. I-frames function similar to a standard JPEG image-they contain a complete image frame that includes every detail.

P-frames and B frames work different. They only capture parts of the video that changes due to moving vectors. It is less large, simpler to compress and quicker to replay. As an example, in a YouTube video where the speaker is talking against an unchanging background the bulk all of the backgrounds pixels will not alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) can be used to track changes and movements within the body of the speaker's face as in body movements, by re-reading the previous frames.
  
• B-frames are even more effective, since they have the ability to refer to the past and present frames in order to produce the full image.
  

Internet speed
    Live streaming is also dependent on a constant flux of information. We call this bit rate the amount of data that your device can stream each second.

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

When doing a live stream the upload speed has to be in line with the information that your stream communicates.

The viewers don't have the same speeds. Viewers lose quality in the event that connection speeds are low, or buffer (downloading 2-30 seconds ahead) in order to make streaming smooth. We also use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies the files at a constant rate to a server that is near to the user because it requires more information in order to move over long distances.

Latency

The video may not be truly live. It's almost always just two seconds in delay. This is known as the latency.

Statisticians streaming live Statisticians streaming live

• 30 percent of Internet viewers watch live streams each week.
  
• One of the most frequently streamed live video includes breaking news (34%) as well as streaming live sporting activities (29 per cent).
  
• 91.7% of internet viewers worldwide watch live streaming services each month.
  
• 52 95% of TikTok users prefer to watch live streams.
  
• Smart TVs may be among the most desired spot for watching live streaming (35.3 percent of streaming content).
  
• 27 percent video files watched online is live streamed.
  
• The longest-running live streaming of all time ran for over 624 hours. It was hosted through Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• Record-breaking live stream for the most viewers ever is currently held by a Spanish Ibai streaming artist--with 3.44 million viewers on Twitch in the channel La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live streaming was made possible (Timeline)

It's difficult to include the entire spectrum, however here's a short list of the latest technological advances that allow live streaming.

In the 1990s, we saw the introduction of technology that allowed "packets" of media to be streamed and converted before the download is complete.
    1993 - 1993 - The MPEG-1 compression standard is introduced to allow for the streaming of live video.
    1995: The Starlight company Starlight built the first streaming of video through satellites.
     1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1995 RealPlayer launches, and is the first streaming media player. The program was later added to the Windows 98 installation.
    1996 - The Real-time Transport Protocol is developed, creating an infrastructure for transmitting video and audio across networks.
    1998 - Starlight launched the very first web conference product.
    1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show turns into one of the very first significant live stream events, with around 1.5 million viewers.
    2002, 2001 Flash Player adds video capabilities that make embeddable video content feasible.
    2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch) with Justin Kan sporting an camera during the entire day. The website would grow to include multiple channels, which let the public broadcast.
    2009 - - Both Ustream as well as Live stream are launched
    2011. 2011 was the year that YouTube introduced live streaming to its offerings. It was launched in 2005 (fun facts: the first YouTube video was titled "Me at Zoo"). Zoo). Facebook started live streaming in 2015, Periscope in 2015, along with Instagram in 2016.

Live streaming has many benefits.

Live streaming can be very energetic.

• Super-interactive  viewers are not only view in real time but can also talk about their experiences, ask questions and provide feedback in various ways.
  
• Absolutely imperfect, aside from edited video in which content creators could feel they are obliged to modify the stream's content, live streams cannot accomplish this (at at least, not in the present). So, live streams are natural, and more fun.
  
• The time is less consuming The process may require some planning and set-up however, live streaming is often less work than, say creating the film you'd like to produce. It could involve writing, editing, or shooting again, and so on.
  
• Lower production costs : Often it's easier to begin and then launch.
  
• Recycling : You could alter and cut the live stream into different types and formats after the fact, as well as making a recording version of the stream or a video.
  
• There's an urgency: Live streaming can be a little more urgent. If it's a person who publishes their video later the time, streaming live makes you feel special and can increase the number of people who watch it.
  

What is the minimum requirement for live streaming?

This video is a fantastic review of the video for anyone who is just beginning using Live streaming!

But, it's also a list of live streaming options available to creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

One of the greatest aspects of live streaming at the present is it doesn't require any fancy devices. A majority of smartphones have everything you require for live streaming.

Here are some possibilities for video options:

• Video on smartphones Many phones are able to create HD video. Certain models are more modern and shoot in 4K. Make sure to note that the camera both on the back and front might be different quality. But either is probably fine for a live stream. It's easiest to stream directly with your smartphone.
  
• Webcam: Some computer streamers prefer using either an internal computer webcam, as additionally, using an external webcam. This would be used for live streaming that is done on laptops and computers.
  
• Professional cameras: Established streamers usually use professional cameras like DSLRs to live stream. These can be tethered to phones or laptops and will send you a superior quality video, and also give you the possibility of picking the lens that most suit the style and look you want to achieve.
  

It is crucial to have sound! There are a few alternatives available

• Microphone built into your PC or phone (not recommended) Computer or phone microphones can be far from your mouth in streaming live as well as are generally not high-quality sound recorders. It's better to choose among the options listed below.
  
• Headphones: Bluetooth or wired headphones place the microphone close to your mouth, thus increasing the quality of your voice and lessening the background noise. Whatever headset you use is typically better than the built-in microphone on your phone.
  
• Lapel microphones The microphone is attached to the collar of your shirt or collar and picks up sound closer to the mouth. It gives you a higher quality. Mics are wireless as well as wired. Additionally, some of the premium mics include features such as noise canceling.
  
• Shotgun mic : A shotgun microphone is located a bit away from your (often is placed at the very top of your camera) and can capture the voice in omnidirectional direction. the voice.
  
• Condenser microphone for desktops  A growing number of streamers are using desktop condenser microphones like Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into computers and records audio directly from your mouth.
  

Here's more stream live advice for you to up your level.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

Streaming software isn't required to be purchased since you can live stream directly to the most popular platforms. However, streaming software could help those who want for:

• To share a computer screen or as a slideshow, or even for gaming.
  
• To use multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• As overlays for logos, graphics cards, chat boxes.
  
• Mixing in various audio sources (e.g. music).
  
• To stream to multiple platforms at once (e.g. YouTube + Facebook plus LinkedIn ).
  

To illustrate this it, we reviewed how to use the StreamYard technology in our post about Zoom Alternatives. It does a lot of these things.

3. A platform for live streaming

The reason is pretty simple. It is necessary to have a platform that supports streaming like YouTube and Twitch.

Test it ! Mighty makes it easy to stream live on your smartphone or Mighty application, or you could even make an application allows you to brand and stream your live streams through. It's also simple to earn profits from it. You can charge for individual streams or create an account with streaming integrated into.

Live streaming is a benefit for businesses.

If you're the owner of a firm, you need to realize the benefits of live streaming. Although live streams might not be exactly as professional or polished as the promotional videos you put in it, but live streaming is more distinctive. Like we mentioned earlier, it creates a bond between you and your clients which is genuine and not scripted which is an important benefit for your brand. Live streaming also gives you an opportunity to be exciting and unexpected (in the best manner). ).

Here are some other benefits that live streaming can bring to companies:

• Event organizers can host events with no need of spaces or even a place to host Live streams. let businesses hold conversations and virtual gatherings, without the need to gather people in the same location.
  
• Create educational opportunities: A live stream is an opportunity to provide the value of education, particularly through teaching! Businesses can use live streams (especially in a webinar format) to inform customers and create brand awareness.
  
• Viewers can view the live stream anywhere in the world: Anyone anywhere on earth can view the live stream online making use of a device with an internet access. The stream brings people closer and it makes it much simpler for them to get contact with your.
  
• Earn money from ticket sales Business can design the most advanced digital solutions like live streaming as sources of revenue, selling tickets and giving them away.
  

You should not make the most of the stream to promote your business. Offer your clients worth and facts and information, as well as inspire them to engage them. This is why live streaming beneficial for your company.

We're amazed by live streaming so we've integrated live streaming into every one of our strategies.

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Live streaming examples

There are several massive, historical live streams. These include:

• Michael Jackson's funeral was among the most watched live streams of its time (2009).
  
• In 2012 NASA streamed live Mars Curiosity landing. It is still a live streams of NASA live streams live streams on space.
  
• In 2014, users who were on Twitch played Pokemon alongside commands received from chat. Then, it was revealed that 1.16 million players played, with 55 million watching.
  

These are incredible! Live streaming can be a great way to connect people. We even stream live from our very own People Magic Summit, with the top community people and creators (this year's guests included people such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry as well as Amanda Goetz). You can rewatch sessions here!

Here are a few general examples of how a live stream can look like

• The Mighty Network host announces a every week on their live stream every Monday.
  
• Live music is performed by an artist via IGTV as well as TikTok and is followed by an intimate show for viewers.
  
• A gamer is one who is a Roblox player along with Fortnight, and streams to viewers.
  
• The school offers students with an class online that's taught over a live stream.
  
• An influential thought leader speaks with one of the LinkedIn users LinkedIn live regarding the upcoming launch of a book.
  

You can now read: 11 of the Most Effective Strategies for Community Engagement

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