What Is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |
Live stream streaming (or livestreaming) has become so common that 30% of internet users stream live weekly. You can watch or create live streams on many various platforms and applications It's now easier than ever to start.
In this article We'll show you everything you need to learn about live streaming.
- We'll explain the concept of live streaming (including technical details).
- We'll provide live streaming stats and landmarks.
- We'll talk about the benefits and instances of live streaming.
- And we'll share how to build your individual live streaming.
Turn a livestream into profit. Try the platform with one of the largest communities with a total value of $1 million.
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What is live streaming?
Quick live streaming definition
Live streaming is the act of broadcasting to an audience live video streaming in real time. The past, live streaming was limited to media outlets with the capability to broadcast live to their audience.
But in the past couple of years the live streaming technology has lit up the internet as more users are creating and using this live experience right in their own homes, with no need for an expensive TV studio.
What is live streaming... technologically
Encoding
Technically speaking, the camera is able to input raw digital pictures. They are however too large to stream effectively. Therefore, an encoder (software or hardware) compresses the video in real-time to codecs (ie. h.264). This reduces the size of the files enough to stream and standardizes the way that devices can read it.
Compression
The video is divided into what are called I-frames or P-frames. They are also known as B-frames. I-frames function a little like a traditional JPEG image. They contain a full image frame that includes all specifics.
P-frames and B-frames work in a different way. They only capture the part of the movie that is changed by tracking motion vectors. It is much smaller, simpler to compress, and more efficient for replay. For example, in an YouTube video where someone talks with an unchanging background, the majority of the background's pixels do not change.
- P-frames (Predictive frames) only need to encode the motion and changes in the face of the speaker and movement of the body by analyzing previous frames.
- B-frames are also better than B-frames, as they have the ability to refer to both prior AND future frames to create the entire image.
Internet speed
Live streaming requires a continuous flow of information. It is referred to as the bit rate, the amount of data your device can stream every second.
- 720 (HD) video requires 4 to 4.5 per cent of Mbps
- 1080p requires at least 4-6 Mbps
- 4k is a requirement of 15-25 Mbps
In the case of live streaming, your upload speed needs to match the data the stream transmits.
The viewers do not require the same speed. Video players reduce quality if connections are slow or buffer (downloading about 2-30 seconds in advance) to make the stream smooth. Additionally, we utilize Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your files in real-time to a server that's nearer to your viewers, because it requires information to travel over longer distances.
Latency
There is no way to guarantee that a video will be live. It's almost always two seconds of delay. We term this delay latency.
Live Streaming statistics
- 30 percent of Internet viewers view a live stream every week.
- Most frequently live streamed media are breaking news (34%) as well as live sports (29%).
- 91.7% of internet users around the world view live streaming throughout the month.
- 52% of TikTok customers prefer to stream live video.
- Smart televisions have become the top spot for watching live streaming (35.3 percent of the streaming content).
- 28 A majority of video content consumed on the internet are streamed live.
- The longest live stream in history ran for more than 624 hours from the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
- The live streaming record with the highest number of viewers was set by Spanish streamer, Ibai-with 3.44 million Twitch viewers for his La Velada del Ano (3).
How live streaming became feasible (Timeline)
The list isn't exhaustive however, here's a brief chronology of technological developments that make live streaming possible.
The 1990s saw the advent of technology that allowed "packets" of media to be streamed and rendered before a complete download.
1993 - 1993 - The MPEG-1 compression standards are introduced that allows for practical streaming of video
1995 - The company Starlight built the first video streaming system using satellites.
1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 The year 1995 RealPlayer is launched, making it the first major streaming media player. It was later included as an option in Windows 98 installation.
1996: The Real-time Transportation Protocol is invented, creating an infrastructure for transmitting audio & video over networks.
1998- Starlight unveiled the first web conference products.
1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show, which was a huge success, becomes one the first live streaming events, with an estimated 1.5 million viewers.
2002 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities, making embeddable video content a possibility.
2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch), which included Justin Kan with a camera all day long. It would grow into numerous channels that would allow viewers to broadcast.
2009 - Both Ustream as well as Live stream are launched
2011 - YouTube has added live streaming into its offering. The service was first introduced in 2005 (fun fact: the first video was titled "Me at the Zoo). Facebook began live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, as well as Instagram in 2016.
Benefits of live streaming
Live streaming has vitality.
- Super-interactive viewers cannot only view live However, they also have the ability to talk, ask questions and provide feedback in different ways.
- Absolutely imperfect In contrast to edited videos, in which the creator of content might consider themselves obligated to refine but live streaming isn't able to accomplish this (at the very least, not at this point). This means that live streams are organic, and much more entertaining.
- The time is less consuming: There could need to be setup and preparation however, live streaming is generally less time-consuming than say, working hard on creating a produced video-which could need writing, reshooting, editing or other editing.
- Costs of production are lower : Often it's less lifting to get started and launch.
- Repurposing The user can cut and adapt your live stream to suit various purposes and formats following the actual event, or by hosting a recording from it.
- There's an urgency: Live streaming is a bit more pressing. If it's a person who posts a recording after, catching a live event feels really special and boosts the number of people who watch it.
What you need in order to stream live
The best overview is of this video for those who are beginning to learn about Live streaming!
But otherwise, here's an overview of live streaming available to creators. .
To live stream, you need:
1. AV source
The cool thing with live streaming is that it doesn't require any expensive technology. Most modern smartphones come with everything you need to run live streaming.
Here are a few possible video options:
- Video on smartphones: The majority of phones can create at least HD video, and some newer ones shoot in 4k. Do remember that your phone's rear and front camera may have different resolutions. Both are probably suitable for live streaming. It's the easiest way to stream via your smartphone.
- Webcam: Certain computer streamers choose to use either a built-in computer webcam, or else using an external webcam. This is used for live streaming that is done on a desktop or laptop.
- Professional cameras: The most seasoned streamers usually use professional cameras like DSLRs to stream live. They can be connected to your phone or laptop and can send a higher-quality video and permitting you to select the lens that most suit your look and experience.
Sound is essential! There are a few options available:
- Phone or Computer built-in mic (not suggested) The phone or microphones on computers are too distant from your mouth when you are watching streaming live, and are often poor quality sound recorders. You should pick among the alternatives listed below.
- Wireless or Bluetooth headphones put the microphone near your mouth, improving audio quality while minimizing background sound. Any headset is usually better than your phone's microphone built into the device.
- Lapel mic The lapel mic is attached to your shirt or collar and picks up the sound closer to your mouth, making for better sound quality. They come wired and wireless, and some higher quality microphones come with features such as noise canceling.
- Shotgun mic (also known as a shotgun microphone is a distance from you (often it clips onto the top of a camera) and records directional sound from your voice.
- Desktop condenser mic : More streamers are now employing desktop condenser mics such as those of the Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your PC and receives sound directly from your mouth.
Here are some more stream live tips for you to boost your game.
2. Streaming software (optional)
Streaming software doesn't have to be required because you can live stream directly to popular platforms. However, streaming software could be an ideal option for those seeking:
- For sharing an image on a computer screen. It could be part as a slideshow, or even for gaming.
- In order to utilize more than one camera (ie. different angles).
- To add overlays, graphics, logos, chat boxes or cards.
- To mix in different audio sources (e.g. music).
- For streaming to several platforms at once (e.g. YouTube + Facebook + LinkedIn ).
For an example of this we discussed the platform StreamYardin our post about Zoom Alternatives. It does a lot of these things.
3. A platform for live streaming
The explanation is fairly straightforward. It is necessary to have a streaming platform that supports streaming, such as YouTube and Twitch.
Or come try ! Mighty is a breeze to run a live stream from your phone or the Mighty app. You could even create an app that you can brand and stream your live streams from. You can easily monetize it, charge for individual streams or set up a subscription with streaming integrated into.
Live streaming has benefits to businesses
If you're a proprietor of a company and want to grow, then you must understand the benefits of live streaming. Your live streams won't appear as perfect or polished as that promotional video you labored over, but live streaming has something more unique.
As we said above, live streaming creates a sense of intimacy between your audience and you that feels a lot more authentic and unscripted, which is a huge strength for your brand. In addition, live streaming holds the ability to be truly spontaneous and surprising (in an excellent way). ).
Here are some of the other benefits of live streaming to a business:
- Organise events with no needing a the space or location. Live streams allow businesses to organize virtual meetings and events without having to be in a single city.
- Make educational possibilities: Live streaming can be a way to add value through education! Companies can make use of live streams (especially in a webinar format) to inform customers about their products and build brand awareness.
- Viewers can view the live stream from any location anyone in the world can catch an online live stream by using the internet and device. This brings your audience closer, and it makes it much easier to connect with them.
- Earn from ticketing and events Event organizers can develop top digital services such as live streams as sources of revenue, selling tickets and gating them.
And don't just use your live stream to sell. Provide your customers with worth, provide them with information that will inspire, motivate them, and make them feel valued, and engage them. This is what makes live streaming effective for your business.
Live streaming is our favorite, and that's why we've added live streaming functionality to all of our plans.
Live streaming example
There are massive historical live streams. Examples include:
- Michael Jackson's memorial service has been one of the most watched live streams in its era (2009).
- The year 2012 was the last time NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to watch NASA live stream on space.
- In 2014, gamers on Twitch were playing Pokemon along with commands given by the chat. It was later estimated that 1.16 million users played and 55 million watched.
And these are awesome! Live streaming has the power to unite people. In fact, we even have an own stream: People Magic Summit, with the top community leaders and creators (this year's attendees included celebrities such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). It is possible to rewatch the sessions on our website!
Here are some more generic examples of what a live stream can look like
- A Mighty Network host announces a weekly challenge on a live stream every Monday.
- A performer goes live on IGTV or TikTok and hosts an intimate concert for viewers.
- Gamer who plays Roblox or Fortnight and streams the game to viewers.
- Colleges offer a virtual class taught via live streams.
- A thought leader talks to one of the users on LinkedIn live on the internet about an imminent book launch.
You can now read: 11 of the Top Communities Engagement Strategy