What exactly is live streaming? (Definition & Examples) |
Live stream streaming (or livestreaming) is now so popular that 30% of internet users watch a live stream each week. It is possible to watch and create live streams with many different apps and devices, and it's easier to get started than ever before.
In this article We'll show you the basics you should learn about live streaming.
- This article will explain the concept of live streaming (including a technical explanation).
- We'll present real-time streaming data and important milestones.
- We'll talk about advantages and practical instances of live streaming.
- And we'll share how to build your personal streaming live.
Turn a livestream into profit. Check out the platform which has one of the largest communities with a total value of $1 million.
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What exactly is live streaming?
Quick live streaming definition
Live streaming is the practice of presenting to your audience live video streaming in real time. The past, live streaming was only available to the media that had the technology to broadcast live to their audiences.
But in the past couple of years, live streaming technology has revolutionized the internet increasing the number of users are making and enjoying this live experience right in their own homes, with no need for expensive television studios.
What is live streaming... technologically
Coding
Technically, your camera outputs raw digital images. But these are too big to stream efficiently. Therefore, 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 standardizes the format so that any device could read it.
Compression
The video can be split into what are called I-frames or P-frames. They are also known as B-frames. I-frames are a lot like a traditional JPEG image, they contain an entire frame of the image with all its specifics.
P-frames and B-frames work a bit differently. They only capture the part of the video that changes by tracking motion vectors. This results in much smaller, simpler to compress, and faster to replay. As an example, in a YouTube video in which a person talks in front of a static background, most of the background's pixels won't alter.
- P-frames (Predictive frames) are used to record the movement and variations in the face of the speaker and body movements by looking at the previous frames.
- B-frames are even better than B-frames, as they can reference both previous and subsequent frames, resulting in an entire picture.
Internet speed
Of course, live streaming requires a continuous flux of information. We call this bit rate. It is the amount of data your device can stream each second.
- 720 (HD) video will require 4 to 4.5 4 Mbps
- 1080p is required to download 4-6 minutes
- 4k requires 15-25 Mbps
In the case of live streams it is essential that your upload speed to be in line with the information that your stream sends.
Your viewers don't actually need the identical speed. Video players decrease quality when the connection speed is low, or buffer (downloading about 2-30 seconds in advance) in order to make streaming smooth. Also, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your file in real time to a server that's close to the viewer as it needs information to travel longer distances.
Latency
There is no way to guarantee that a video will be live. It's almost always a few seconds delay. We call this latency.
Live Statistics streaming
- 30% of internet viewers watch a live stream weekly.
- One of the most frequently live streamed media is breaking news (34%) and live sports (29 percent).
- 91.7 percent of internet viewers around the world watch live streaming services each month.
- 52 percent Of TikTok users would like to stream live video.
- Smart TVs can be the top place for watching live streaming (35.3 percent of the streaming content).
- 28 percent of the online videos streamed online live streamed.
- The longest live stream of all time ran for more than 624 hours provided by Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
- The live streaming record for most viewers is held by the Spanish streaming channel Ibai, with 3.44 million Twitch users on the channel La Velada del Ano (3).
The way live streaming made it feasible (Timeline)
We won't cover everything however, here's a brief list of some technological advancements that allow live streaming.
The 1990s saw the advent of technology that allowed "packets" from media sources to stream and be rendered before downloading a complete file.
1993 - 1993: The MPEG-1 standard for compression is published that allows for practical streaming of video
1995 - The firm Starlight built the first video streaming system using satellites.
1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 - RealPlayer launches, becoming the first streaming media player. It was later included as an option for Windows 98 installation.
1996 - Real-time Transport Protocol is created, creating the framework to send videos and audio across networks.
1998- Starlight introduced the first Web conferencing products.
1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show becomes one of the first major live stream shows, with an estimated 1.5 million viewers.
2002 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities, making embeddable video content a possibility.
2007 - Launch of Justin.tv (later it was rebranded to Twitch) with Justin Kan wearing a camera throughout the day. It was later expanded to multiple channels that allowed the public to broadcast.
2009- Both Ustream as well as Live stream are launched
2011 2012 YouTube introduced live streaming into its offering. It was launched in 2005 (fun fact: the first video was named "Me at the Zoo). Facebook added live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, as well as Instagram in 2016.
Benefits of live streaming
Live Streaming has an vitality.
- Super-interactive viewers can not only watch in real time However, they also have the ability to chat, ask questions, as well as give feedback in various ways.
- Completely unfinished Aside from edited videos in which the creator of content might be compelled to improve but live streaming isn't able to accomplish this (at the very least, not at this point). Therefore, live streams are organic, and more engaging.
- It's less time-consuming: There may some preparation and set-up however, live streaming is often less work as opposed to, for instance making an edited video, which may require writing, reshooting, editing, etc.
- Lower production costs Commonly, it's less lifting to get started and launch.
- Recycling It is possible to could cut and modify your live stream for different purposes and formats after the actual event, or by making a video from it.
- The urgency of live streaming is a bit more pressing. 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 for live streaming
There's an awesome overview in this video if you're beginning to learn about live streaming!
In other words, this is an outline of live streaming options for creators. .
To live stream, you need:
1. AV source
One of the best things regarding live streaming in the present is it doesn't require any fancy equipment. Modern smartphones have everything you need to run live streaming.
Here are a few potential video options:
- Video on smartphones: The majority of phones are able to create HD video. Some newer ones shoot in 4k. Do remember that your phone's front and back camera might have different resolutions. However, both are likely to be adequate for a live stream. It's easiest to stream directly using your mobile.
- Webcam: Some computer streamers prefer using either the built-in webcam of their computer as well as using an external webcam. It is a good choice the case for live streaming on a desktop or laptop.
- Professional camera: More established streamers typically use professional cameras like DSLRs for live streaming. They are able to be tied to your phone or laptop and will send you a better quality video and letting you choose the lenses which best suit your style and style.
And you'll need sound! These are some suggestions:
- Mic built into your computer or phone (not recommended) Phone and computer microphones are close to your mouth when you are watching a live stream, and are often low-quality sound recorders. Better to select one of the options given below.
- Wireless or Bluetooth headphones put the microphone next to your mouth, increasing the quality of your sound and decreasing background disturbance. Every headset will be an improvement over your device's built-in microphone.
- Lapel microphone The lapel mic is attached to the collar of your shirt and picks up the sound closer to your mouth. This results in higher high-quality. They come wired and wireless as well as some of the higher-end microphones come with features such as noise canceling.
- Shotgun microphone The shotgun microphone is a distance from you (often it clips onto the top of the camera) and captures the direction of the voice.
- Condenser microphone for desktop use : More streamers these days are employing desktop condenser mics such as the Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your computer and receives sound directly out of the mouth of your user.
Here are a few more Live streaming advice for you to up your game.
2. Software for streaming (optional)
Streaming software isn't always necessary as you are able to live stream directly on large platforms. But streaming software might be a good idea for people looking to:
- to share an image on a computer screen. It could be part of a slideshow or for gaming.
- to use more than one camera (ie. different angles).
- to add overlays, graphics, logos, cards, or chat boxes.
- To mix in different audio streams (e.g. music).
- For streaming to several platforms at the same time (e.g. YouTube + Facebook plus LinkedIn). ).
For an example of this we discussed the platform StreamYardin our post about Zoom Alternatives. It does a lot of the above.
3. A platform for live streaming
It's pretty simple. You require a platform for streaming such as YouTube and Twitch.
Or come try ! Mighty makes it super easy to run a live stream via your mobile or Mighty application, or you could even create an app that you can brand and stream live from. And it's easy to monetize by charging for streams or create a membership with streaming integrated into.
Live streaming has benefits to businesses
If you run a business, you need to realize the power of live streaming. Live streams may not be as polished or perfect as that promotional video that you worked on, but live streaming offers something special.
Like we mentioned earlier, live streaming creates a sense of intimacy between your audience and you which is unscripted and real that is a major strength for your brand. Additionally, live streaming offers the potential of being truly spontaneous and surprising (in the best way possible). ).
Here are some additional benefits of live streaming to companies:
- Event organizers can host events without the need for any space or location: Live streams let businesses host virtual events and conversations without the need to gather everyone within the same location.
- Provide educational opportunities. Live streams can be a way to add value by teaching! Live streams can be used by businesses (especially in a webinar format) to inform customers about their products and build brand awareness.
- Viewers can view the live stream from any location Anywhere around the globe can watch a live stream with an internet connection and a gadget. The live stream brings your viewers closer to them and allows you to connect with them.
- Make money from ticket sales and other events: Businesses can create high-end digital goods such as live streams to generate income, by selling tickets or gating them.
And don't just use your live stream to sell. Offer your clients value, teach them things, inspire them, engage them. It's the only way to make live streaming beneficial to your company.
We love live streaming so we've added live streaming capabilities in all our plans.
Live streaming demonstrations
There are numerous huge old live streams. These include:
- Michael Jackson's funeral has been one of the most watched live streams at the time (2009).
- The year 2012 was the last time NASA live streamed Mars Curiosity landing. You can still watch regular NASA live streamings on space.
- The 2014 gaming season saw users on Twitch engaged in Pokemon together with commands from the chat. It was later estimated that 1.16 million people played while 55 million watched.
These are amazing! Live streaming is a great way to connect people. In fact, we even have an own 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). Replay sessions can be viewed here!
Here are some general examples of what a live stream could look like:
- A Mighty Network host announces a every week on their live stream each Monday.
- A musician goes live on IGTV as well as TikTok and plays the audience to a small-scale concert.
- A gamer plays Roblox or Fortnight and streams to viewers.
- Colleges offer an online online course delivered via live streaming.
- A thought leader talks to an individual on LinkedIn live on the internet about an imminent book release.
Check it out: 11 of the Most Effective Social Engagement Methodologies for Community