What is live streaming exactly? (Definition & Examples) |

Nov 1, 2024

The popularity of live streaming (or livestreaming) has become so commonplace that 30percent of web viewers stream live every week. It's possible to stream and make live streams using numerous devices and apps It's also more simple than ever to start.

In this piece will provide a step-by-step guide on how to do live streaming.

  • This article will explain live streaming in detail (including a description of the technical issues).
  • We'll stream live stats and other landmarks.
  • In this article we'll talk about the advantages and practical applications of live streaming.
  • The following are the essentials you'll need for your live stream.


What exactly is live streaming?


Quick live streaming definition


The term "live streaming" refers to the act of broadcasting your audience a video stream in live-time. Live streaming in the past was restricted to companies that could afford broadcasting live to their audiences. Since the past few years, technology for live streaming has been a major hit on the internet as increasing people are using live streaming from home without needing an expensive television studio.


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What is live streaming... technical


Coding
    The camera's input is technically images that are raw. Problem is, the files are way too large to stream efficiently. Therefore, an encoder (software or hardware) converts the video in real-time into codecs (ie. h.264). The result is that the file size is small enough for streaming and ensures that any device can recognize it.


Compression
    The video can be split into I-frames, P-frames, in addition to B-frames. I-frames are like the standard JPEG image. They comprise an entire image frame with all the details.


P-frames and B frames work different. They are only able to capture a portion of the video that's altered in motion vectors through recording the motion vectors. This is why it's simpler to compress the video and faster to play back. In the case of a YouTube video where the person speaking speaks in front of an unchanging background that is, the most of the backgrounds pixels are not likely to change.


   

  • P-frames (Predictive frames) are utilized to capture the changes within the body of the face of the speaker, in addition to body movements through reviewing prior frames.
  • B-frames may be better than other frames, as they are able to use references to prior and future frames, resulting in an overall image.


Internet speed
    Live streaming requires an ongoing flow of data. This is known as the bitrate. It is the amount of data a device can stream in a second.


   

  • HD720 (HD) video takes between 4 to 4.5 milliseconds
  • 1080p needs 4-6 megabits
  • 4k is required to reach 15-25 speeds


If you are employing live streaming the upload speed must be in sync with the data streaming.


Video players don't offer the same speed. Video players' quality are diminished when connections are slow or if they buffer (downloading about 2-30 seconds ahead of time) so as to make the stream of video smooth. Additionally, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies the video at a constant rate to servers nearer to the viewers since it requires information for travel across larger distances.


Latency


The video might not be live. If it's the case, there's a small delay. This is known as delay latency.


Live Statistics streaming


   


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The method of live streaming that made it feasible (Timeline)


There's no complete overview in this article however, here's a timeline of the technological advancements that have enabled live streaming.


In the 1990s, we saw the introduction of technologies that enabled "packets" from media sources to stream. They were afterwards processed prior to a complete download.
    1993-1993: 1993-1993: MPEG-1 compression standard comes out which allows streaming of videos in real-time.
    1995 Starlight: In 1995, the Starlight company Starlight invented the first ever stream of satellite-based video.
     1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1995 RealPlayer debuts, and is the first streaming media player. After that, it became available for Windows 98 installation.
    1996, 1996: The Real-time Transport Protocol is developed and is the basis for a framework that allows you for transmitting audio and video over networks.
    1998- Starlight presented the first Web conference products.
    1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show, which is hugely popular transforms into one of the very first live stream programs that could attract 1.5 million viewers.
    2001 and 2001, Flash Player adds video capabilities that allow embeddable videos to play.
    2007 - The debut of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch) with Justin Kan with cameras throughout the entire day. The channel later expanded to several channels, which let the public stream.
    2009 - - Both Ustream as well as live stream were launched
    The year 2011 was the year in which YouTube introduced live streaming into the services it offers. It was introduced in the year 2005 (fun information: the original video was entitled "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook launched live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, as well as Instagram in 2016.


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Live streaming can bring many benefits.


Live streaming is one method of generating the power.


   

  • Super-interactive Viewers aren't only able to view in real-time however, they are also able to communicate, ask questions and provide feedback in various ways.
  • Poorly constructed: Contrary editing videos, in which the person who created content may be compelled to improve to the video, live streams aren't able to accomplish this (at at least, not at the moment). At the end of the day, live streaming seems more natural and much more engaging.
  • It's more efficient: There is some pre-production and set-up, but live streams are generally shorter than the effort required to create the video that is produced, and might require editing, scripting or re-shooting and more.
  • Lower costs of production It is usually easier to begin and launch.
  • Repurposing user is able to chop and alter the live stream to suit various reasons and formats following the event. It can also be used to create a video out of the stream.
  • It's a sense of urgency. Live streaming gives you the feeling of being a bit more vital. No matter if someone uploads a video following the ceremony, a live stream can make you feel more special and increase the number of viewers.


What are the requirements to stream live?





You can get a fantastic outline of live streaming in this video if you're starting to get familiar with live streaming!


Let's provide the basics of live streaming that is available for producers. .


To live stream, you need:


1. AV source


One of the best things about live streaming is the fact that there is no need for expensive gear. Modern smartphones have all the features you require to run a live stream.


Here are some possible videos you can look into:


   

  • Video on smartphones A majority of smartphones have the ability to create HD videos. Some smartphones shoot 4K. Be aware that the camera of your phone in both the front and back could have different specifications. Both are likely to suffice to stream live. It's easiest to stream directly via your smartphone.
  • Webcam: A few streaming software creators choose to use webcams built inside their desktop computers, and also using an external Webcam. It is utilized for live streaming. This is performed with a laptop or desktop.
  • Professional cameras: Proficient streamers typically utilize professional cameras, such as DSLRs to live stream. The cameras are able to connect to your phone or laptop and provide higher-quality video, in addition to allowing users to select the lens which best suit your style and personal style.


It's also necessary to have audio! There are many options available


   

  • A microphone is integrated inside your smartphone or computer (not advised) The phone and computer's microphones will be away from your mouth during the live streaming They also have audio recorders that are not that high-end. Choose from the following options.
  • Wireless or Bluetooth headphones bring the microphone close to your mouth, enhancing audio quality and reducing background noise. A headset that is compatible with any device will be better than using the microphone built into your device.
  • Lapel microphone Lapel microphones are clipped to the collar or shirt of yours and captures sound close to your mouth, making it possible to listen to superior audio. These microphones are wireless and wired along with some more expensive microphones with extra features, such as noise cancellation.
  • shotgun microphone The microphone of the shotgun is located a few feet away from your face (often is placed in the uppermost part of your screen) and records the voice directions.
  • Condenser microphone for your computer desktop Many streaming platforms today use desktop condenser mics, like Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your computer and receives audio directly from your lips.


Here are more stream live tricks that will help you improve the quality of your stream.


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2. Software to stream (optional)


The usage of streaming software isn't necessary because you can live stream on a variety of platforms. The streaming software may help users who wish to:


   

  • Sharing a screen with a computer, either in a slideshow format or as part of games.
  • In order to utilize multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
  • To add overlays, graphics, logos for overlays, images chat boxes or cards.
  • To mix in different audio streams (e.g. music).
  • To stream content across multiple platforms at the same time (e.g. Facebook and YouTube YouTube, or LinkedIn). ).


For an example of this we have discussed the streaming services StreamYard on our blog in a post on Zoom Alternatives. The service can perform many of these things.


3. Live streaming platforms


It's pretty simple. You must use an online streaming platform that can accommodate streaming. Like, YouTube and Twitch.


Try it out ! Mighty permits you to live stream on your phone or through the Mighty application, or you can even develop an application which you could personalize to stream live from. It's also simple to earn profits from it, or perhaps charge per stream or even set up the possibility of a streaming subscription that you can integrate to.


Live streaming can be a boon for companies


If you're a proprietor of a company or the head of a company, then you must know the benefits that live streaming can bring to the company. If you select live streams, then the one you select won't be as polished or perfect like the promotional video that you created, but live streaming can be something distinctive. It creates a feeling of connection between your customers and yourself that's unscripted and authentic that is a major benefit of your business. Additionally, live streaming offers the ability to be spontaneous and unpredictably (in an excellent manner ).


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There are many other advantages of live streaming to firms:


   

  • Create events without having spaces or the space. Live streams allow companies to host virtual events and meetings with no need to be in the same space.
  • Create educational opportunities Live streaming is an ideal way to increase educational benefits particularly through the learning process! Live streaming can be utilized by companies (especially using the webinar format) to let customers know about their services and boost their brand's visibility.
  • The audience can stream live anywhere in the world. capable of watching the live stream via an internet connection and a device. This brings them closer making it easier for people to interact with each other.
  • Make money from the event and ticket sales: Companies can create high-quality digital services like live streams to generate revenue, either by selling tickets or offering them for free.


Utilize your live stream for promoting sales. Give your clients something they can value, and also teach them skills that inspire, stimulate them, and inspire them to take part in the event. This is why live streaming will benefit your company.


Live streaming is among our top choices, and that's why we've added live streaming capability to all of our plans.


     Get started with your trial for free


Live streaming examples


There are massive older live stream streams. Examples include:


   

  • Michael Jackson's funeral was among the live streams followed by the highest number of viewers in the year (2009).
  • In 2012, NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. You can still observe NASA live stream in the channel for space.
  • The year 2014 saw a surge in gamers who were on Twitch engaged in Pokemon as well as receiving commands from chat. They were said to have 1.16 million, while 55 million watched.


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Wow! Live streaming is a powerful tool to unite individuals. We even host live streams of our very own People Magic Summit, with prominent community leaders and creators (this year's attendees included celebrities like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry along with Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed on our website!


Here are a few more examples of a generic idea of what live streaming may look like.


   

  • The Mighty Network host announces a every week on their live stream on Mondays.
  • Live shows are broadcast live on IGTV together with TikTok and provide a personal show for viewers.
  • Gamer participates in Roblox and Fortnight in broadcasting the game's results to viewers.
  • The colleges offer the online class that is taught on the web via live streaming.
  • An influential person talks with one of LinkedIn users LinkedIn live online regarding the forthcoming publication of a forthcoming book.


It is now possible to go to: 11 of the Most Effective Social Engagement Strategies



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