What Is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

Live stream streaming (or livestreaming) is so commonplace that 30% of web users watch a live stream each week. It is possible to watch live streams and make them with several different devices and software and it is easier than ever before to get started.

In this post in this article, we'll go over some of the basic concepts you must know about live streaming.

• This article explains the idea of live streaming (including an explanation of the technical aspects).
  
• Live streaming stats and landmarks.
  
• We'll discuss the benefits and the various scenarios that live streams can bring.
  
• We'll also explain what you'll require to set up your own streaming live.
  

What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming refers to the process of presenting to the viewers a video stream in real-time. In the past, this was limited to just companies that could afford the capability of streaming live video to their customers. But, over the last few years the live streaming technology has exploded on the web increasing the number of people are creating and enjoying this live stream at their home--no requirement for an expensive TV studio.

What exactly is live streaming... technology-wise

Encoding
    The camera can input raw digital pictures. However, they are too big to stream efficiently. A encoder (software or hardware) minimizes the size in real time to codecs (ie. h.264). This means that the size of the file decreases enough to stream, and it makes it a standard format it is accessible to any device that needs it.

Compression
    The video is split into I-frames, P frames, and B-frames. I-frames function in the same way like a standard JPEG image, they contain an entire image frame with all the details.

P-frames and B frames operate in a different way. They only capture the part of the video which changes through tracking motion vectors. The video is smaller, simpler to compress and quicker to playback. For instance, in the case of a YouTube video in which someone speaks about something static, the majority of the background's pixels won't change.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) will only record the motion and changes in the facial features of the speaker's and body movement by taking a look at previous frames.
  
• B-frames are even more efficient, because they can reference both previous and future frames in order to produce an entire picture.
  

Internet speed
    Live streaming also requires the constant flow of information. This is also known as bit rate, the amount of data the device can be expected to stream in a second.

• 720 (HD) video needs 4 to 4.5 Mbps
  
• 1080p is the minimum required for downloading 4-6 7 Mbps
  
• 4k is a requirement of 15-25 Mbps
  

In the case of live streaming the upload speed should be consistent with the stream's information. is sending.

The viewers don't need the same speed. Video players' quality can be diminished if the connection isn't fast enough or they are buffering (downloading 2-30 seconds ahead) so that the video stream is smooth. Also, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies the file at a real-time rate to a server which is closer to the user because it needs the time for information to travel over longer distances.

Latency

It's possible that the video isn't truly live. It's almost always two seconds of delay. We refer to this as delay the latency.

Live Streaming stats

• 30 percent of internet users view a live stream weekly.
  
• Some of the most frequently streamed live video is breaking news (34%) as well as live sports (29 percent).
  
• 91.7 percent of internet's viewers around the world stream live every month.
  
• 52 % of TikTok subscribers want to stream live videos.
  
• Smart TVs are the most-loved place to stream live TV (35.3% of all streaming content).
  
• 27 percent video content streamed on the internet are streamed live.
  
• Live streaming that was the longest in history took over 624 hours from the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• The streaming record with the most viewers is held by Spanish streamer Ibai with 3.44 million people watching Twitch on the channel La Velada del Ano (3).
  

What made live streaming possible? (Timeline)

It's impossible to cover all the details in this article, but here's a brief overview of the technological developments that make live streaming possible.

In the 1990s, technology allowed "packets" that contained media files to be streamed in the 1990s, then rendered before downloading the full file.
    1993 - The MPEG-1 standard for compression has been released to permit streaming video in real-time.
    1995: The company Starlight developed the first streaming of video via satellites.
     1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 It is the year 1995 when RealPlayer was launched. This makes it the first stream media player. The program was later added as an option for Windows 98 installation.
    1996 1996: 1996: The Real-time Transportation Protocol is created to create an infrastructure to transmit videos and audio across networks.
    1998-1998 Starlight presented the very first web conference products.
    1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show, which was an immense success, became one the first live streaming programs, which could attract 1.5 million viewers.
    2002 - Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable video feasible.
    2007 saw the launch of Justin.tv (later changed its name to Twitch) with Justin Kan, who worked as the cameraman for all hours of the day. The website would grow to encompass a variety of channels that would allow viewers to stream.
    2009- Both Ustream as well as Live stream are launched
    2011 2012 YouTube has introduced live streaming on its platforms. The first time it was offered in 2005 (fun detail: the initial video was called "Me in the Zoo"). Facebook began live streaming in the year 2015. The service was followed by Periscope in the year 2015, as well as Instagram in 2016.

Benefits of live streaming

Live Streaming has an energy.

• Super-interactive Viewers can not only view live streams, but they are usually able to talk about their experiences, answer questions, or provide feedback in various ways.
  
• Completely unfinished Aside from edited videos that content creators could be forced to enhance, live streaming can't accomplish this (at minimum, at least yet). Live streams are natural and can be more entertaining.
  
• It's less time-consuming: There may be prep and setup but live streaming tends to be more labor-intensive than, for instance making an edited video, which could require scripting, reshooting editing, or scripting.
  
• Costs of production are lower : Often it's a lower lift to start and to begin to launch.
  
• Repurposing It is possible to cut and modify the live stream to various purposes and formats following the fact, as well as making a video or a video.
  
• Live streaming might feel more pressing. Although it's possible that someone will upload a video post occasion, watching a live event makes you feel special and helps increase uptake.
  

What do you require to live stream

It's a great review of the video those who are starting to learn about Live streaming!

But, it's also an outline of live streaming options available to the creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The cool thing regarding live streaming today is that you don't require any extravagant devices. Smartphones today have everything you require for running live streaming.

Here are some options of video options:

• Smartphones with video cameras Most phones are capable of creating at least HD video. Some modern phones shoot 4K. Take note that your phone's back and front camera might have different specs. But, they're both most likely to work for a live stream. It is easiest to stream direct from your phone.
  
• Webcam: Certain software users choose to utilize the internal webcam of their computers or an external Webcam. It is a good choice for streaming live using computers or laptops.
  
• Professional camera: The best skilled streamers generally use professional cameras, such as DSLRs to stream live. These cameras can be linked to phones or computers and send higher-quality video, as well as giving you the option of choosing the lens that is most suitable for your appearance and style.
  

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

• The microphone built into your computer or phone (not recommended) Microphones on phones and computers are far from your mouth when you're viewing a live stream, they typically are audio recorders which don't have high-quality audio. You should pick one of the options below.
  
• Wireless or Bluetooth headsets put your microphone in your mouth, improving the quality of your sound and decreasing background sound. Any headset is usually better than the microphone that is built in the phone.
  
• Lapel microphones The lapel microphone clips to the collar of your shirt. It listens for the sound close to your mouth. This creates the sound more high-quality. They come wired and wireless along with some high-end microphones have features such as noise cancellation.
  
• Shotgun microphone The shotgun microphone is placed away from the camera (often it is clipped onto the top or the back of the camera) and records in the direction of voice.
  
• Condenser microphone for your desktop  Many streamers make use of Condenser microphones for desktops, for instance, the Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti, which plug directly into your computer and captures audio out of your lips.
  

Here are a few more tips for live streaming to boost your skills.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

Streaming software doesn't have to be used as you are able to live stream directly on major platforms. It is helpful for people who are looking to:

• For sharing an image on screen of a computer. This could be used as in a slideshow, or used for games.
  
• to use multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• To add overlays, images, logos cards Chat boxes, overlays.
  
• Mixing in various audio formats (e.g. music).
  
• For streaming to several platforms simultaneously (e.g. YouTube + Facebook plus LinkedIn). ).
  

As an example We discussed the streaming platform StreamYard in our blog article about Zoom Alternatives. It is able to do all of these.

3. A streaming platform that allows live stream

The reason is simple. It's essential to use a streaming platform that supports streaming such as YouTube and Twitch.

It's possible to try it ! Mighty allows you to stream live via your mobile or Mighty app in addition to have your own app with branding to stream your content from. You can easily monetize it by charging for streams or even a subscription with streaming built-in to.

Live streaming benefits for business

If you're the owner of a company and want to increase your business's size, it is important to understand the advantages of live streaming. Live streams may not be the same polished and perfect as the videos that you insert into them, but live streaming is something distinctive. It establishes a connection between your customers and yourself which feels more genuine and authentic. This is a major strength for your business. Furthermore, live streaming holds the potential of being really thrilling and surprising (in the most positive way) ).

These are additional advantages from live streaming for businesses:

• Event organizers can host events without having to have space or location Live streaming lets businesses hold virtual gatherings and discussions without needing to be at the same space.
  
• Provide educational opportunities. Live streams can be an excellent way of adding worth, specifically through the process of instructing! Live streams can be used by organizations (especially in a webinar format) in order to inform their customers and increase branding recognition.
  
• Audience can watch from anywhere anyone in the world can watch live streams with the internet and a device. This brings your audience closer, and it makes it easy for them to get in touch with the broadcaster.
  
• Make money from tickets and events sales: Business can build top digital services such as live streams that generate revenue from ticket sales, or offering them for free.
  

You shouldn't make use of your live stream only to make sales. Provide your customers with value providing them with facts which will motivate, inspire your clients, make them feel valued, and engage them. This is the only way you can help live streaming be beneficial for your company.

Live streaming is our favorite and we've added live stream functionality to our various plans.

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Live streaming demonstrations

There are many massive, historical live streams. This includes:

• Michael Jackson's funeral is among the most-watched live streams currently (2009).
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed their Mars Curiosity landing. You can still view NASA live streamings on space.
  
• In 2014, users on Twitch played Pokemon alongside commands via chat. Later, it was discovered that 1.16 million users played and 55 million watched.
  

These are fantastic! Live streaming has the power to unite people. We even host the live stream of our own personal event, called People Magic Summit, with some of the most influential community leaders and creators (this occasion featured guest speakers like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry, along with Amanda Goetz). Replays can be watched on our website!

Here are some additional common examples of what live streams might look like:

• The Mighty Network host announces a every week on the live stream on Mondays.
  
• Live performances are broadcast on IGTV or TikTok and hosts an intimate show for the viewers.
  
• Gamer that plays Roblox or Fortnight and broadcasts to viewers.
  
• The college provides the online class that is taught via the live stream.
  
• A thought leader interviews one of his followers via LinkedIn live on the internet regarding a book's upcoming release.
  

Take a look: 11 of the top Community Engagement Strategies

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