What is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

Nov 7, 2024

The live streaming (or livestreaming) has become so well-known that 30 percent of Internet users stream live every week. It's possible to stream and record live streams on many various devices and apps and is easier than ever before to get started.

In this piece, we'll explain what you need to know about live streaming.

  • This article will explain the idea for live streaming (including the technical specifications).
  • Live streaming statistics and other landmarks.
  • HTML0 In this piece we'll look at the benefits of HTML0 along with some examples of live streaming.
  • and we'll explain the steps you'll need in order to build your own stream live.


Turn a livestream into profit. Look into the platform, which is home to at least $1 million of communities.


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What exactly is live streaming?


Quick live streaming definition


Live streaming is the act of presenting to your audience via video in real-time. It was in the past was limited to companies which had the ability to stream live video to their viewers.


Over the last couple of years, the live streaming technology has exploded onto the web, increasing the amount of users are making and experiencing this live streaming experience at home, with no need for expensive studios for TV.


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What exactly is live streaming... technologically


Coding
    Technically, your camera is capable of delivering raw digital pictures. They are however too large for streaming effectively. An encoder (software or hardware) converts the video at time-of-flight and converts it into codecs (ie. h.264). The result is that the file size decreases enough to stream and standardizes the format so that any device could understand the format.


Compression
    The video is split into P-frames or I-frames. These are also referred to as B-frames. I-frames are a lot as a conventional JPEG image. They are a complete image frame, with all of the detail.


P-frames work and B frames operate slightly differently. They only capture the part of the film that is changed due to moving vectors. This results in much smaller videos that are easier to compress, and faster to playback. As an example, in an YouTube video, in which a speaker is speaking in front of a background that is static, most of the background's pixels aren't changed.


   

  • P-frames (Predictive frames) are utilized to capture changes and movements in the speaker's face and body movements, by taking a look at previous frames.
  • B-frames can also be better than B-frames because they are able to reference both previous and future frames to create the complete image.


Internet speed
    Live streaming requires a continuous stream of data. This is referred to as bit rate. It is the quantity of data your device will be able to stream within a single second.


   

  • HD720 (HD) video is required for 4- 4 Mbps
  • 1080p is the minimum required for downloading between 4 and 6 minutes
  • 4k is a requirement of 15-25 Mbps


If you are using live streaming you need your upload speed to keep up with the amount of data the stream is sending.


Video players don't have the same speed. Videos lose quality in the event of a slow connection or if they buffer (downloading around 2-30 minutes in advance) so that they can make streaming smooth. Also, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your data in real-time a server nearer to viewers since the information takes time to travel longer distances.


Latency


There is no way to be certain that a video will be in real time. It is always at least two seconds delay, which we call this delay latency.


Live Streaming Statistics


   


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Live streaming is the very first step in making it possible (Timeline)


It's not possible to address the entire spectrum, however this is a brief overview of developments in technology that allow live streaming.


The 1990s saw the introduction of technology that allowed "packets" from various media sources to stream, and then be rendered before a complete download.
    1993 to 1993 1993-93: 1993 - 1993: MPEG-1 standards for compression are released which allows the streaming of video
    1995 - Starlight is a business Starlight created the first video streaming system via satellites.
     1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1995 is the year that RealPlayer launches, and is the first stream media player. Later, it was added in the Windows 98 installation.
    1996 - Real-time Transportation Protocol is invented, providing an interface for transmitting audio and video across networks.
    1998- Starlight announced the very first web conference products.
    1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show, which was a huge success, is one of the first live streamed shows, with an estimated 1.5 million people watching.
    2002, 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable videos possible.
    2007 - Launch of Justin.tv (later rebranded as Twitch) that featured Justin Kan, who was an on-camera cameraman during the daytime. The channel was later extended to several channels which let viewers to stream.
    2009: Both Ustream as well as Live stream both launched
    2011 2012 YouTube introduced live streaming on the services it offers. The first time the service was offered was in 2005 (fun fact: the first YouTube video was titled "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook began live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, and Instagram in 2016.


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Live streaming benefits


Live Streaming has an energy.


   

  • Super interactive  viewers aren't limited to watching in real-time However, they do have the ability to talk, ask questions and give feedback in other ways.
  • Incomplete: This is different from edited video, where a content creator may feel pressured to improve their work, live streams aren't in a position to do this (at most, not at this point). Therefore, live streams feel like they're natural and are much more entertaining.
  • The process is much less demanding Some preparation and setup, but live streaming tends to be more efficient than making a produced video-which could require scripting, re-shooting and editing, and so on.
  • Costs of production are lower  In most cases, it's a lower lift to get started and start.
  • Repurposing  is that you can cut and alter your live stream for different goals and formats after the event, and also creating a recorded version or a video.
  • There is a feeling of urgency. Live streaming can seem a bit more immediate. If you're a person who publishes a live stream following an event, being able to watch live feels really special and boosts the amount of viewers that are able to watch it.


What are you required for live streaming?





This video is the most comprehensive overview in this video, especially for people starting to understand about live streaming!


In other words, this provides a summary of live streaming available for producers. .


To live stream, you need:


1. AV source


One of the best benefits of live streaming nowadays is that there's no requirement to invest in expensive devices. The majority of modern phones have everything you require to stream live.


Below are some potential video possibilities:


   

  • Video on smartphones A majority of smartphones can create at least HD video. The latest models can capture in 4K. Be aware that the phone's rear and front camera might be different in resolution. But, they're both most likely to have enough resolution to live stream. It's simpler to stream directly from your phone.
  • Webcam: Some streamers choose to utilize either the built-in webcam of their computer, or else using the webcam of an outside. This is typically used for live streaming that is done with a laptop or a desktop.
  • Professional cameras: Established streamers usually use professional cameras, such as DSLRs for live streaming. They can be connected to phones or laptops and can send you superior quality video. They will also let you pick the lenses that best suit your style and expertise.


Also, you'll need audio! There are many alternatives available:


   

  • The built-in microphone on your smartphone or laptop (not suggested) The computer or phone microphones can be too far from your mouth when you're viewing streaming live, and generally have sound recorders that are not of high-quality. Better to select from the choices given below.
  • Wireless or Bluetooth headphones get that microphone near your mouth, increasing volume and quality of sound, while also reducing background sound. The headphones you select will typically be better than your phone's microphone built into it.
  • Microphone for lapels: The microphone is attached to your shirt collar and picks up the sounds closer to your mouth. This results in better sound quality. It is wired as well as wireless and some of the best microphones come with options like noise cancellation.
  • Shotgun microphone The microphone that is shotgun a distance from your face (often it is positioned at the highest point on the lens) and captures a directional voice from your vocal.
  • Condenser mic for the desktop A majority of streamers have been using desktop condenser mics such as The Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your PC and then captures the sound from your mouth.


Here are some more Tips for Live streaming that will help boost your game.


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2. Streaming software (optional)


Streaming software does not have to be purchased, as you can live stream directly via most platforms. However, streaming software could be a good idea for those looking to:


   

  • To share the screen of a computer, be it as a slideshow, or as a gaming device.
  • In order to utilize multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
  • to add overlays to add overlays chat boxes, or cards.
  • Mix different audio sources (e.g. music).
  • In order to stream on multiple platforms at once (e.g. YouTube + Facebook + LinkedIn ).


As an example, we reviewed the streaming platform StreamYard in our article on Zoom Alternatives. It does a lot of these.


3. Live streaming platforms


The explanation is fairly straightforward. You require a streaming platform that can support streaming such as YouTube as well as Twitch.


Try it out ! Mighty is easy to stream live from your smartphone or via the Mighty application, or you may even have an app that you own that you can stream live from. And it's easy to monetize by charging per stream, or even set up your own streaming subscription that includes streaming.


     Get Free Trial Free Trial


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Live streaming offers benefits to businesses


If you're a proprietor of a business, it's important to be aware of the benefits for live stream. The live stream you create won't look as professional or polished like the promotional video you worked on, however live streaming is something unique.


Like we mentioned earlier, live streaming provides a sense of connection between you and your viewers that feels like it's more genuine and unscripted, which is an enormous benefit for your business. Furthermore, live streaming holds the ability to be unexpected and an eye opener (in an excellent way ).


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Here are a few additional benefits of live streaming for firms:


   

  • You can host events without having to have place or space: Live streams let businesses host virtual discussions and gatherings without the need to gather every person in a city.
  • Create educational opportunities Live streaming may provide value, especially via the teaching process! Businesses can use live streams (especially when they take the form of webinars) in order to inform their customers and create the perception of their brand.
  • Audience can watch from anywhere Anywhere anywhere in the world is possible to view the live stream via the internet and a computer. The live stream can bring your viewers closer, and makes it simpler for viewers to connect with the broadcaster.
  • Make money from tickets and events sales: Companies can develop high-quality digital products like live streams for generating revenue by selling tickets, and then gating them.


Do not just make use of your live stream as an opportunity to earn profits. Offer your clients something valuable, inform the audience, motivate them, and get your customers involved. This is why live streaming advantageous to your business.


We are fans of live streaming and that's why we've added live streaming capabilities to every one of our plans.


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Live streaming as an example


There are numerous huge, historic live streams. These include:


   

  • Michael Jackson's funeral was among the most watched live streams in its era (2009).
  • In 2012, it was the final time NASA streamed live Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to watch the the regular NASA live streaming in the internet in space.
  • In 2014, users playing on Twitch engaged in Pokemon along with commands received from the chat. Later, it was estimated that 1.16 million users played with 55 million watching.


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And these are awesome! Live streaming is a great method to make connections between with people. In fact, we host our own live stream, People Magic Summit, with the top community makers and leaders (this year's participants included famous people like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions are accessible on our website!


Here are a few basic examples of what it might appear as:


   

  • The Mighty Network host announces a daily challenge through streaming live on Mondays.
  • A live musician performs via IGTV or TikTok and plays in a private concert to viewers.
  • A gamer is one who participates in Roblox and Fortnight and streams the game's gameplay to other players.
  • The school offers a virtual course in which students are taught using live streaming.
  • A thought-leader interviews an individual on LinkedIn live on the internet on the eve of a book's publication.


It is now possible to look up: 11 of the most effective community engagement Strategies



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