What is live stream? (Definition & Examples) |

The live streaming (or livestreaming) has grown so popular that 30 percent of web viewers watch live streams each week. It is possible to watch and create live streams on many various devices and apps. It's now more simple than ever to begin.

In this post we'll provide the basics you should learn concerning live streaming.

• This article will describe what live streaming means (including an explanation of the technical elements).
  
• HTML0 Here are some live streaming stats and important milestones.
  
• The discussion will focus on the positives of HTML0 and some examples that live streams may offer.      
  
• and will show you how to make your individual live stream.
  

Turn a livestream into profit. Test the platform using one of the biggest communities, with an aggregate worth of $1 million.

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What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming refers to the act of presenting your viewers videos in real-time. It was in the past only available to media companies which had the ability to broadcast live to their audience.

However, in the last couple of years the live stream technology grown exponentially online, increasing the number of individuals who can create and consume live streams from their own homes. There is no need for an expensive television studio.

What is live streaming... technically

Coding
    The camera has the capability to process raw digital pictures. The images are, however, too large for them to be streamed effectively. Therefore, an encoder (software or hardware) decreases the size of the video in real time to codescs (ie. h.264). This makes the files small enough to stream, and it also makes the format standard to ensure that every device will have the ability to read it.

Compression
    The video can be divided into P-frames, I-frames and B-frames. I-frames have a lot in common to a standard JPEG image-they contain a complete image frame, with all of the particulars.

B-frames and P-frames operate in a different way. They are only capturing the portion of the footage that is changing due to tracking motion vectors. This results in a smaller file, easier to compress and quicker for playback. For instance, in a YouTube video where someone talks against an unchanging background there is a majority of background's pixels aren't changing.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) can only encode the movement and changes in the speaker's face and body actions by looking at preceding frames.
  
• B-frames can also be more effective as they are able to reference prior and subsequent frames to create an entire photo.
  

Internet speed
    Naturally, live streaming requires the continuous flow of information. It's also known by the term "bit rate. This is the amount of data your device able to be able to transmit in a single second.

• 720 (HD) video requires between 2-4 Mbps
  
• 1080p requires at minimum 4-6 for Mbps
  
• The 4K standard requires 15-25 Mbps
  

In the case of live streams, your upload speed needs to be in line with the information the stream transmits.

Video viewers don't require the same speed. The quality of video players is reduced when connections are slow and buffer (downloading about 2-30 seconds in advance) in order to make streaming smooth. Also, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies the file at a real-time rate to a server that's nearer to your viewers, as it needs information to travel longer distances.

Latency

No video is truly live. There is usually a few seconds delay. We call this latency.

Live Streaming stats

• 30% of Internet people are able to stream live every single week.
  
• One of the most frequently streamed live content is breaking news (34 percent) along with live sports (29 percentage).
  
• 91.7 percent of Internet Internet users around the world stream live services during the course of the month.
  
• 52 percent of TikTok users wish to stream live video.
  
• Smart TVs are the most popular location to stream live streamed content (35.3 percent of all streaming content).
  
• 28percent of the videos that is streamed online are streamed live.
  
• The longest live stream ever in time was over 624 hours. It was from Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• The record of live streaming for the most viewers is currently held by Spanish streaming channel Ibai who has 3.44 million viewers on Twitch on the Channel La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live stream was the initial stage to allow it (Timeline)

It's difficult to discuss all aspects in this article, but here's an overview timeline of the tech developments which allow live streaming.

In the 1990s, technology allowed "packets" that contained media files to be streamed and rendered prior to an entire download.
    1993 to 1993 1993 - 1993: 1993 - 1993: MPEG-1 compression standards are published that allows for practical streaming of videos
    1995 - Starlight, a company Starlight invented the first streaming video system using satellites.
     1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1995 RealPlayer is launched, making it the first streaming media player. The program was later added as an option for Windows 98 installation.
    1996: 1996: Real-time Transportation Protocol is invented, creating the framework for sending audio and video across networks.
    1998 1999 Starlight unveiled the first Web conference product.
    1999 1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show is one of the first live streaming event and is projected to draw 1.5 million viewers.
    2002, 2001 Flash Player adds video capabilities which make embedding video-related content feasible.
    2007 - Launch of Justin.tv (later rebranded as Twitch) that featured Justin Kan with a camera throughout the day. It was later expanded to several channels, allowing the public to stream.
    2009: Both Ustream as well as Live stream will be launched in
    2011-2012 YouTube has included live streaming in its streaming service. It had launched in 2005 (fun facts: the first video was titled "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook introduced live streaming in 2015. It also introduced Periscope in the year 2015 and Instagram in 2016.

Benefits of live streaming

Live streaming is a powerful tool.

• Super-interactive  Viewers are not able to only watch in real-time. However, they also are able to interact with each other, to ask questions as as give feedback in various methods.
  
• A complete mess Unlike edited videos in which the creator of content might feel obligated to polish the video but live streams don't have the capacity to complete this task (at at least, not in the present). Therefore, live streams are natural and are more enjoyable.
  
• It is less time-consuming to prepare: They may require be some setup and preparation, but live streams are typically less labor-intensive as opposed to, say, the effort required to create an edited film, which might require scripting, editing, re-shooting or another editing.
  
• The costs of producing HTML0 are much lower. Most often, there is smaller lift to get started and launching.
  
• Repurposing It is possible to chop and edit your live stream to suit various formats and needs after the actual event, or even hosting a recording of it.
  
• There's an urgency: Live streaming can be a little more important. If you're a participant who releases their video after the event, viewing it live is a real treat and boosts uptake.
  

What are you required to live stream

The video provides a fantastic overview this video for those who are getting to grips with live streaming!

However, below is an outline of live streaming options available for creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The best part with live streaming is the fact that it doesn't require an expensive device. Modern smartphones have all required features necessary to handle the live streaming.

Here are a few options for videos:

• Video on smartphones: The majority of phones are capable of producing at a minimum HD videos, while some newer phones can shoot 4K. Be aware that the phone's front and back camera might have different resolutions. But, they're both likely to be adequate to stream live. It's much easier to stream directly with your mobile.
  
• Webcam: Certain computer streamers prefer to use a built-in computer webcam or an external webcam. It is a good choice for live streaming done via laptops or computer.
  
• Professional cameras: The most seasoned streamers usually utilize professional cameras, such as DSLRs that allow live streaming. They can be connected to your phone or laptop and offer superior quality video, in addition to allowing users to choose the best lens for the style and appearance of your.
  

You'll also need the sound! There are a few options available:

• Microphone built into your PC or mobile (not suggested) Phone and computer microphones remain far away from your mouth while broadcasting live. However, they're usually poor quality sound recorders. It is better to choose from the list below.
  
• The Bluetooth as well as wired headphones position the microphone close to your mouth, enhancing the quality of sound and decreasing background noise. The best headphones are usually more than the microphone built into your phone.
  
• Lapel microphone: A lapel mic clips on to the collar of your shirt and picks up sounds closer to your mouth, leading to better quality. They come wired and wireless, and some higher quality microphones have features such as noise cancelling.
  
• Shotgun microphone (also known as the shotgun microphone) sits far away from you (often it clips onto the top of the camera) and captures directional sound by your voice.
  
• Desktop condenser mic  Many streamers utilize mics on their desktops like the Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti, which plug directly into the computer and takes sound straight from your users.
  

Here are some more live streaming tricks to help you improve your streamer skills.

2. Streaming software (optional)

The usage of streaming software isn't necessary since you can live stream directly on various platforms. It's a good idea for those looking to:

• for sharing an image to the computer screen. It can be used as a slideshow, or even as a gaming.
  
• to use more than one camera (ie. different angles).
  
• To add overlays such as logos, images cards, chat boxes.
  
• Mixing different audio sources (e.g. music).
  
• for streaming on multiple platforms simultaneously (e.g. YouTube + Facebook plus LinkedIn). ).
  

To illustrate this, we looked at the streaming service StreamYard on our blog post on Zoom Alternatives. It can do a variety of different things.

3. Live streaming platforms

The explanation is fairly straightforward. It is necessary to have an streaming service, such as YouTube along with Twitch.

Check it out ! Mighty lets you run a live stream from your phone or the Mighty app. It is possible to create an app that you own with a brand name that you can stream your live streams from. You can easily monetize by charging per stream, or set up the option of a streaming subscription that includes streaming in.

     Get Free Trial Free Trial

Live streaming benefits to businesses

If you're the proprietor of a business that wants to expand, then you must understand the power in live streaming. The live stream you choose to use won't appear as professional or polished as the promo video you put in the effort to create, however live streaming is something distinct.

It's been mentioned before the fact that live streaming generates an atmosphere of connection between you and your viewers that is unscripted and real that is a major strength for your brand. Additionally, live streaming offers the possibility of being truly spontaneous and surprising (in the best possible way). ).

These are a few additional benefits that live streaming can bring to a business:

• Event organizers can host events without the need of the space or location: Live streams allow businesses to organize virtual meetings and events without the need to gather everyone in a single city.
  
• Make educational possibilities: A live stream is a great way to add value through education! Companies can make use of live streams (especially those that are offered in the form of a webinar) to let customers know about their offerings and boost branding recognition.
  
• The audience can stream live from virtually anyone in the world can catch an online live stream through a gadget and Internet connection. The live stream brings people closer to each other to each other and helps them to get in touch with you.
  
• Profit from events and ticket sales Business can design top digital goods such as live streams to generate revenues, by selling tickets and then granting the tickets.
  

Don't use your live stream as a means to earn profits. Offer your clients worth, provide them with information and motivate them to interact with them. That's what will truly make live streaming an asset to your business.

We're awestruck at live streaming so we've added live streaming capabilities in every plan we have.

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Live streaming as an example

There are many huge, live streams from the past. Examples include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial service was among the most-watched live streams during the period (2009).
  
• in 2012. NASA live streamed their 2012 Mars Curiosity landing. In 2012, there are regular NASA live streamed space events.
  
• The 2014 gaming season witnessed users playing on Twitch played Pokemon alongside commands received from the chat. It was later estimated that 1.16 million players played while 55 million watched.
  

They're awesome! Live streaming can be a fantastic method to make connections between people. Actually, we have an individual stream, called People Magic Summit, with the top community makers and leaders (this year's attendees included celebrities such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry as well as Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be found here!

Here are some examples of what live streaming can look like

• The Mighty Network host announces a each week via their live stream each Monday.
  
• Live music is performed by a performer on IGTV as well as TikTok and also plays mini-concerts for viewers.
  
• Gamer who plays Roblox and Fortnight and broadcasts to viewers.
  
• Colleges provide the virtual class which is taught using live streams.
  
• An influential thought leader speaks to someone on LinkedIn live regarding an upcoming publication of a book.
  

You can now read: 11 of the top social engagement strategies to Engage Community

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