What is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

Live streaming (or livestreaming) has become so common that 30% of web viewers watch live streams each week. It is possible to watch and create live streams on many different devices and applications and is now simpler than ever before to begin.

In this article, we'll introduce you to everything you need to be aware of regarding live stream.

• This article will explain the concept of live streaming (including a technical explanation).        
  
• We'll provide live streaming stats and landmarks.        
  
• The discussion will focus on advantages and practical instances of live streaming.        
  
• and we'll explain the steps you'll need to create your personal streaming live.        
  

What is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming refers to the process of broadcasting to an audience on video in real-time. It was in the past that this was limited to media outlets with the capability to stream live video to their viewers. However, in recent years, technology for live streaming has exploded on the web, and more and more users are creating and enjoying that live experience at home, without the need of a costly TV studio.

What exactly is live streaming... technical

Coding
Technically, your camera outputs digital raw images. However, they are too large to stream effectively. So an encoder (software or hardware) reduces the video's size in real time to codecs (ie. h.264). The result is that the file size gets smaller enough to stream, and also standardizes the format so that any device could be able to read it.

Compression
The video is divided into what are called I-frames, P-frames, and B-frames. I-frames are a lot like a traditional JPEG image. They contain an complete image frame with all the particulars.

P-frames and B frames work a bit differently. They just capture the parts of the video that changes by tracking motion vectors. This results in a smaller file, easier to compress, and more efficient for replay. For example, in the case of a YouTube video where someone talks with an unchanging background, the majority of the background pixels don't alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) can only encode the motion and changes in the face of the speaker and body movements by looking at prior frames.        
  
• B-frames can be even more efficient, because they have the ability to refer to both prior and future frames in order to produce the full image.      
  

Internet speed
Live streaming also requires a constant flux of data. This is known as bit rate. It is the amount of information your device is able to be able to stream in a second.

• 720 (HD) video requires 4 to 4.5 speeds        
  
• 1080p needs at least 4-6 speed        
  
• 4k needs 15-25 Mbps        
  

If you are doing a live stream the upload speed has to keep up with the amount of data the stream transmits.

The viewers do not require the identical speed. Video players decrease quality when a connection is slow, or buffer (downloading about 2-30 seconds in advance) for making the stream smooth. We also use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your files in real-time to a server that's nearer to the player, because it requires information to travel over longer distances.

    Latency

The video may not be truly live. At the very least, there is a couple seconds of delay-we refer to this as latency.

Live Statisticians streaming live

• 30 percent of Internet users are able to watch a live stream every week.      
  
• One of the most often live streamed content is breaking news (34 percent) as well as live sports (29%).      
  
• 91.7% of all internet viewers globally view live streaming throughout the month.      
  
• 52 percent Of TikTok users want to watch live content.      
  
• Smart TVs can be the most popular spot to stream live streaming (35.3 percent of all streaming content).      
  
• 28 A majority of online videos streamed online live streamed.      
  
• The most long live streaming in history was over 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 Ibai streamer-with 3.44 millions viewers on Twitch on the channel La Velada del Ano (3).      
  

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

The list isn't exhaustive, 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" of media to be streamed and rendered before a complete download.
1993 - 1993 - The MPEG-1 standard for compression is published that allows for practical streaming of video
1995 - The company Starlight created the first streaming video system using satellites.
1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 The year 1995 RealPlayer debuts, and becomes the first major stream media player. The program was later added as an option for Windows 98 installation.
1996 - Real-time Transport Protocol is created, which creates an infrastructure for transmitting videos and audio across networks.
1998- Starlight introduced the first Web conferencing products.
1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show, which was a huge success, becomes one the first major live stream event, with the potential of 1.5 million viewers.
2002 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities, making embeddable video content feasible.
2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later rebranded as Twitch), which included Justin Kan, who was a cameraman 24/7. It would grow into multiple channels that allowed the public to stream.
2009- Both Ustream and Live stream launched
2011 2012 YouTube has added live streaming to its services. The service was first introduced in 2005 (fun fact: the first video was titled "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook introduced live streaming in 2015, Periscope in 2015, as well as Instagram in 2016.

Live streaming benefits

Live Streaming is a method of delivering energy.

• Super interactive : Viewers can not only watch in real time However, they also have the ability to talk, ask questions as well as give feedback in various ways.      
  
• Perfectly imperfect Aside from edited video where a content creator might consider themselves obligated to refine, live streaming can't really accomplish this (at least not yet). Therefore, live streams are organic, and more engaging.    
  
• Less time-consuming: There might be prep and setup however, live streaming is often less work than, say, working hard on creating an edited video, which may require editing, scripting, re-shooting, etc.    
  
• Lower production costs  Commonly, it's a less lift to get started and launch.      
  
• The repurposing : You could cut and modify the live stream to different formats and purposes after the fact, as well as creating a recorded version or a video.      
  
• It's a sense of urgency. Live streaming feels a little more important. If it's a person who posts a recording after the event, watching live makes you feel special and helps increase uptake.    
  

What you need to live stream

It's a great overview in this video, if you're starting to get started with live streaming!

But otherwise, here's an overview of live streaming options for creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The best part about live streaming today is there is no need for extravagant equipment. Modern smartphones have all the necessary features to manage live streaming.

Here are a few possible video options:

• Smartphone video: Most phones are able to create HD video. Some newer ones shoot in 4k. Be aware that the phone's front and back camera may be of different specs. Both are probably suitable for a live stream. It's easiest to stream directly from your phone.    
  
• Webcam: Some computer streamers choose to use either a built-in computer webcam or using an external webcam. This would be used for live streaming that is done via laptops or computers.    
  
• Professional camera: The most seasoned streamers often utilize professional cameras, such as DSLRs to stream live. These can be tethered to a laptop or phone and can send a higher-quality video, as well as letting you choose the lenses which best suit your style and experience.    
  

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

• Phone or Computer built-in mic (not advised): Your phone and microphones on computers are too far away from your mouth in streaming live, and are often low-quality sound recorders. It's better to choose from the choices below.    
  
• Headphones: Bluetooth or wired headphones get that microphone right near your mouth, improving the quality of your sound and decreasing background disturbance. Any headset is usually more effective than the device's built-in microphone.    
  
• Lapel microphone: A lapel mic clips onto your collar or shirt and picks up sounds closer towards your mouth, allowing the sound more high-quality. It is wired as well as wireless as well as some of the higher-end mics have features such as noise canceling.    
  
• Shotgun microphone  A shotgun microphone is a distance from your face (often is attached to the highest of the camera) and records the direction of your vocal.      
  
• Desktop condenser mic  A lot of streamers today are making use of desktop condenser microphones, such as the Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your computer and picks up sound right out of your mouth.      
  

Here are a few more live streaming advice for you to improve your gameplay.

2. Streaming software (optional)

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

• For sharing an image on a computer screen. It could be part of a slideshow or for gaming.        
  
• to use multiple cameras (ie. different angles).    
  
• To add overlays, images, logos cards or chat box.        
  
• Mixing in various audio sources (e.g. music).    
  
• To stream to multiple platforms at once (e.g. YouTube + Facebook + LinkedIn ).    
  

As an example we discussed the StreamYard platform in our article on Zoom Alternatives. It is a great platform for the above.

3. A platform for live streaming

The explanation is fairly straightforward. You require a platform for streaming such as YouTube or Twitch.

Try it out ! Mighty allows you to run a live stream using your smartphone or Mighty application, or you can even get an app that you can brand and stream live from. And it's easy to monetize, charge for individual streams or set up a subscription with streaming integrated into.

Live streaming is a benefit for business

If you own a business it is essential to understand the benefits in live streaming. Your live streams won't appear as perfect or polished like the promotional videos you put into it, however live streaming offers something distinctive. Like we mentioned above it builds a sense of intimacy between you and your viewers that feels a lot more authentic and unscripted, which is a huge strength for your brand. Additionally, live streaming offers potential to be spontaneous and surprising (in a good way ).

Here are some of the other live streaming benefits for companies:

• Event organizers can host events without the need for any space or location: Live streams let businesses hold virtual gatherings and discussions without the need to gather everyone in the same place.    
  
• Create educational opportunities: A live stream is a way to give worth, specifically through the education! Businesses can use live streams (especially when they are in the form of a webinar) to inform customers about their products and create brand awareness.    
  
• The audience can stream live from wherever: Anyone in the world can catch a live stream with the internet and device. This brings your audience closer and makes it easier for them to get in touch with you.    
  
• Profit from events and ticket sales: Businesses can create premium digital products like live streaming as sources of revenue, selling tickets and gating them.    
  

Do not just make use of your live stream as a way to make money. Provide your customers with worth, provide them with information that will inspire, motivate them, and make them feel valued, and engage them. It's the only way to make live streaming work for your company.

We love live streaming, and that's why we've added live streaming capability to all of our plans.

 Start Your Free Trial

Live streaming examples

There are some huge historical live streams. These include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial service has been among of the live streams that were watched by the most people at the time (2009).      
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed 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 players played, while 55 million were watching.    
  

They're awesome! Live streaming has the power to unite people. We even host our own live stream, People Magic Summit, with the top community leaders and creators (this year's guests included people like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry as well as Amanda Goetz). You can rewatch sessions here!

Here are some more generic examples of what live streams can look like

• A Mighty Network host announces a every week on their live stream each Monday.        
  
• A performer goes live via IGTV or TikTok and hosts a mini-concert for viewers.        
  
• A gamer is a player who plays Roblox or Fortnight and streams to viewers.        
  
• A college offers the online course that is taught via a live stream.      
  
• A thought leader talks to someone on LinkedIn live on the internet about a forthcoming book release.        
  

You can now read: 11 of the Best Community Engagement Strategies