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

The live streaming (or livestreaming) has become so common that 30% of web users watch a live stream every week. You can watch or create live streams with many various devices and apps It's now easier to get started than ever before.

In this post this article, we'll explain everything you need to know regarding live stream.

• This article will explain what live streaming means (including an explanation of the technical aspects).        
  
• We'll provide live streaming stats and milestones.        
  
• The discussion will focus on advantages and practical instances for live stream.        
  
• And we'll share what 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 via video in real-time. The past, live streaming was limited to media outlets which had the ability to stream live video to their viewers. However, in recent years, live streaming technology has exploded on the web as more users are consuming and creating the live stream at home, without the need of a costly television studio.

What is live streaming... technically

Coding
Technically speaking, the camera is able to input digital raw images. But these are too big to stream effectively. So an encoder (software or hardware) converts the video at real-time and converts it into codecs (ie. h.264). The result is that the file size gets smaller enough to stream and standardizes the way that devices can understand it.

Compression
The video is split into I-frames and P-frames as well as B-frames. I-frames work a bit similar to a standard JPEG image-they contain a complete image frame that includes all details.

B-frames and P-frames operate slightly differently. They only capture the part of the video which changes in motion vectors by capturing them. This results in much smaller, simpler to compress, and faster for playback. In a YouTube video in which a person talks against an unchanging background, the majority of the background's pixels won't change.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) are used to record the movements and modifications in the face of the speaker and body movements through reviewing prior frames.        
  
• B-frames are also more efficient, because they have the ability to refer to both prior AND future frames to create an entire picture.      
  

Internet speed
Naturally, live streaming is also dependent on a constant stream of data. This is known as bit rate, the amount of data your device will be able to stream in a second.

• 720 (HD) video requires 4 to 4.5 Mbps        
  
• 1080p is required to download 4-6 megabits        
  
• 4k requires 15-25 Mbps        
  

When doing live streams it is essential that your upload speed to match the data the stream transmits.

Viewers don't require the identical speed. The quality of video players is reduced if connections are slow or they buffer (downloading about 2-30 seconds in advance) in order to make streaming smooth. Additionally, we utilize Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your files in real-time to a server which is closer to your viewer, since it takes information time 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 term this delay latency.

Live Streaming statistics

• 30 percent of internet users watch a live stream weekly.      
  
• Most often live streamed media includes breaking news (34%) and live sports (29%).      
  
• 91.7 percent of all internet Internet users worldwide watch live streaming services every month.      
  
• 52% of TikTok customers would like to view live streaming.      
  
• Smart TVs are the most popular spot for watching live streaming (35.3% of all streamed video).      
  
• 28% of all online videos streamed on the internet are streamed live.      
  
• Live streaming that was the longest of all time was over 624 hours, by the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.        
  
• The streaming record with the highest number of viewers is held by the Spanish Ibai streamer-with 3.44 million Twitch viewers for the channel La Velada del Ano (3).      
  

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

It's impossible to cover all aspects in this article, but here's an overview chronology of technological developments that allow live streaming.

The 1990s saw the advent of technology that allowed "packets" from media sources to stream and be rendered prior to downloading a complete file.
1993 - The MPEG-1 standard of compression is introduced, enabling practical video streaming
1995- The company Starlight created the first streaming video system using satellites.
1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 1995 RealPlayer launches, becoming the first mainstream stream media player. Later, it was added as an option in Windows 98 installation.
1996 - Real-time Transport Protocol is created, which creates the framework to send videos and audio across networks.
1998- Starlight unveiled the first web conference products.
1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show becomes one of the first major live stream shows, attracting an estimated 1.5 million viewers.
2002 - Flash Player adds video capabilities, making embeddable video content possible.
2007 - Launch of Justin.tv (later changed its name to Twitch), which included Justin Kan wearing a camera 24/7. It would grow into multiple channels that allowed viewers to stream.
2009 - Both Ustream and Live stream were launched
2011 The year 2011 was the year that YouTube introduced live streaming into its offering. It was launched in 2005 (fun information: the very first video was named "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook added live streaming in 2015, Periscope in 2015, and Instagram in the year 2016.

The benefits of live streaming

Live Streaming is a method of delivering energy.

• Super-interactive  Viewers cannot only view in real-time however, they are also able to communicate, ask questions and give feedback in other ways.      
  
• Absolutely imperfect: Unlike edited video, where a content creator might consider themselves obligated to refine but live streaming isn't able to do this (at at least, not currently). This means that live streams are organic, and more engaging.    
  
• Less time-consuming: There might some preparation and set-up for live streams, but they are generally less time-consuming than say, working hard on creating a produced video-which could need writing, editing, or re-shooting, etc.    
  
• Costs of production are lower  Most of the time it's a lower lift to start and then launch.      
  
• Repurposing  The user could cut and modify your live stream for various purposes and formats following the actual event, or by creating a recorded version of it.      
  
• It's a sense of urgency. Live streaming feels a little more urgent. Although it's possible that someone publishes their video later, catching a live event feels really special and boosts participation.    
  

What you need to live stream

It's a great overview in this video, if you're getting started with stream live!

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

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

One of the best things about live streaming today is there is no need for fancy devices. Modern smartphones have everything you need to run live streams.

Here are some possible video options:

• Smartphone video: All smartphones can produce at least HD videos, while some modern phones shoot 4K. Do remember that your phone's front and back camera might be different quality. But either is probably fine to stream live. It's the easiest way to stream from your phone.    
  
• Webcam: A few streaming software users choose to utilize either an internal computer webcam or an external webcam. This would be for live streaming done via laptops or computers.    
  
• Professional camera: The most seasoned streamers typically employ professional cameras such as DSLRs to live stream. They can be connected to a laptop or phone and will send you a better quality video, as well as letting you choose the lenses that most suit your look and feel.    
  

And you'll need sound! These are some suggestions:

• Mic built into your computer or phone (not suggested) Phone and microphones on computers are too far away from your mouth when you are watching a live stream, and often have audio recorders that are not of high-quality. It's better to choose among the alternatives below.    
  
• The Bluetooth and wired headphones place the microphone next to your mouth, enhancing the quality of your sound and decreasing background sound. Every headset will be an improvement over your device's built-in microphone.    
  
• Lapel mic The lapel microphone clips to the collar of your shirt and picks up the sound closer to your mouth. This makes the sound more high-quality. The mics are wireless and wired as well as some of the higher-end microphones come with features such as noise cancellation.    
  
• Shotgun microphone  A shotgun mic sits away from your face (often is attached to the highest of the camera) and pics up the direction of your vocal.      
  
• Condenser microphone for desktop  The majority of streamers today are employing desktop condenser mics such as those of the Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your computer and captures audio from your mouth.      
  

Here are some additional Live streaming tips to improve your streaming game.

2. Streaming software (optional)

Streaming software isn't always necessary, since you can live stream directly on major platforms. But streaming software might be a good idea for people who want:

• to share the screen of a computer, be it in a slideshow format or as part of gaming.        
  
• to use multiple cameras (ie. different angles).    
  
• To add overlays, logos, graphics cards or chat box.        
  
• To mix in different audio sources (e.g. music).    
  
• To stream to multiple platforms at the same time (e.g. Facebook + YouTube + LinkedIn ).    
  

To illustrate this We discussed the platform StreamYardin our post about Zoom Alternatives. It is a great platform for the above.

3. A platform for live streaming

It's pretty simple. You need a streaming platform, like YouTube or Twitch.

Or come try ! Mighty makes it super easy to live stream using your smartphone or Mighty application. You could even create an app that you can brand and stream your live streams from. You can easily monetize it by charging for streams or create a membership with streaming integrated into.

Live streaming is a benefit for businesses

If you run a business, you need to realize the benefits of live streaming. The live stream you choose to use won't appear as perfect or polished as that promotional video that you worked on, but live streaming offers something unique. We've mentioned it before it establishes a connection between you and your viewers that is unscripted and real, which is a huge benefit for your business. In addition, live streaming holds the ability to be truly spontaneous and surprising (in the best way) ).

Here are some of the other advantages of live streaming for a business:

• Event organizers can host events without the need for any space or location Live streams allow businesses to organize virtual meetings and events without needing to all gather in the same place.    
  
• Provide educational opportunities. A live stream can be the perfect way to add value, especially through teaching! Businesses can use live streams (especially in a webinar format) to inform customers about their products and create brand awareness.    
  
• Audience can watch from anywhere Anywhere around the globe can watch a live stream with the internet and device. The live stream brings your viewers closer, and it makes it much easier to connect with them.    
  
• Make money from events and tickets: Businesses can create high-end digital goods such as live streaming as sources of revenues, generating revenue from selling tickets and giving them away.    
  

Don't use your live stream to sell. Give your customers something of value, educate them and inspire them to engage them. This is what makes live streaming work for your company.

Live streaming is our favorite so we've added live streaming capability to all of our plans.

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Live streaming example

There are some massive old live streams. These include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial service has been one of the most-watched live streams of its time (2009).      
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. There are still regular NASA live streamings on space.    
  
• In 2014, gamers on Twitch engaged in Pokemon together with commands from the chat. The number of players was estimated to be 1.16 million players played, while 55 million watched.    
  

And these are awesome! Live streaming can be a powerful tool to unite people. In fact, we even have our own live stream called People Magic Summit, with top creators and community leaders (this year's guests included people like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry, and Amanda Goetz). It is possible to relive sessions on our website!

Here are a few general examples of what live streaming could look like:

• A Mighty Network host announces a daily challenge via a live stream each Monday.        
  
• A performer goes live on IGTV or TikTok and plays an intimate concert for viewers.        
  
• A gamer is a player who plays Roblox and Fortnight and streams to viewers.        
  
• A college offers an online virtual class which is delivered via live streaming.      
  
• A thought leader interviews an individual on LinkedIn live about an upcoming book release.        
  

Now Read: 11 of the Top Community Engagement Strategies