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

Live streaming (or livestreaming) has become so well-known that 30 percent of Internet users watch a live stream every week. We can both watch and create live streams by using numerous apps and devices and is now simpler than ever prior to starting.

In this post We'll show you everything you need to be aware of concerning live streaming.

• This article will explain the concept of live streaming (including instructions on the technical details).
  
• We'll provide live streaming statistics as well as the milestones.
  
• The discussion will focus on the benefits of HTML0 and some of the instances live streaming can offer.      
  
• We'll also show you essentials you'll need to create your own live stream.
  

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What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming is the practice of broadcasting to a public via video in real-time. In the past, live streaming was limited to only media companies that had the ability to stream live to their viewers.

But in the past few years live streaming has exploded onto the internet increasing the number of people are making and watching the live stream at their own homes, without the need for expensive TV studios.

What is the definition of live streaming... technological

Encoding
    Technically speaking, your camera takes raw digital pictures. But these are too big for streaming efficiently. Thus, an encoder (software or hardware) converts the video in real-time to codecs (ie. h.264). As a result, the size of files decreases enough to stream. This also standardizes the format to ensure that every device can be able to recognize the format.

Compression
    The video is split into what's known as I-frames and P-frames as well as B-frames. I-frames are a lot similar to a normal JPEG image. They contain the entire frame of the image, with all its details.

B-frames and P-frames function in a different way. They are only capturing the portion of the video that changes due to tracking motion vectors. The video is much smaller and easier to compress and more efficient for replay. As an example, in the case of a YouTube video where a speaker is speaking against a backdrop that's static and the majority of the background pixels don't change.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) are able to encode only the movements and variations in the appearance of the speaker, as well as movements of the body through analyzing prior frames.
  
• B-frames are even more effective because they are able to reference the previous frame and any subsequent ones and create a complete picture.
  

Internet speed
    Live streaming is also dependent on a constant flow of information. This is known as bit rate, which is the amount of data you device will stream each second.

• 720 (HD) video is required to have 2 to 4 percent of Mbps
  
• 1080p requires 4 to 6 Mbps
  
• 4k requires 15-25 Mbps
  

For live streams, the speed of your upload needs to be in line with the information your stream sends.

Viewers don't require the identical speed. The quality of video players is reduced if connections are slow or if they buffer (downloading two to three seconds earlier) in order to make streaming smooth. Also, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your files instantly onto a server closer to your viewers, as the information is required to go farther distances.

Latency

There is no way to guarantee that a video is real-time. In the minimum, there is two seconds of delay. It is referred to as delay.

Live Streaming Statistics

• 30percent of internet viewers watch a live stream every week.
  
• The most of the time, live streaming media are live breaking stories (34 percent) as well as live sports (29 percent).
  
• 91.7 per cent of internet's viewers across the globe watch live streaming services throughout the month.
  
• 52% Of TikTok users prefer viewing live stream.
  
• Smart TVs are the most popular place for live streaming (35.3 percent of live streamed content).
  
• 28 percent live streamed video clips consumed online live streamed.
  
• Live streaming that was the longest ever ran for more than 624 hours at the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• Record-breaking live streaming and the highest number of viewers is set by Spanish streaming service Ibai, which has 3.44 million Twitch users in the channel La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live streaming was the initial stage to allow it (Timeline)

It's difficult to discuss all aspects in this article Here's a brief timeline of the tech developments which permit live streaming.

1990s - Tech allowed for "packets" made up of data files to be streamed and rendered prior to downloading a complete file.
    1993-93: 1993-93: MPEG-1 standard for compression has been launched that will allow for the use of streaming of video
    1995 - The company Starlight invented the first streaming video system that relied on satellites.
     1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1995 RealPlayer launches, becoming the first major stream media player. Later, it was added as an option in Windows 98 installation.
    1996 - Real-time Transport Protocol is created, creating a framework for sending audio & video over networks.
    1998 1998 Starlight announced the first web product for conferencing.
    1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show emerges as one of the first major live streamed shows. the estimated 1.5 million viewers.
    2002 2001 Flash Player adds video capabilities which allow embedding video.
    2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later it was rebranded as Twitch) featuring Justin Kan, who was an on-camera operator all day, every day. The site was to expand to encompass a variety of channels which allowed viewers to broadcast.
    2009- Both Ustream and Live stream were launched
    2011. 2011 was the year that YouTube added live streaming to its offerings. It first launched live streaming in the year 2005 (fun information: the very first YouTube video was called "Me at Zoo" Zoo). Facebook introduced live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, and Instagram in 2016.

Live streaming benefits

Live Streaming is an exciting activity.

• Super-interactive viewers aren't limited to viewing in real-time however they usually can talk, ask questions and also provide feedback in a variety of methods.
  
• Completely flawed In contrast to edited video, where the creators of content may feel compelled to improve it the quality of their content, live streams can't do this (at the very least it's not currently). It's because live streaming is natural, and more enjoyable.
  
• The process is less laborious: There might be set up and prepared, however live streaming is usually more work-intensive than, say, the work required to make an edited film, which could require scripting, reshooting editing, etc.
  
• Costs of production are lower  It's usually less of a lift when getting going and then launching.
  
• Recycling The user can cut and adapt your live stream for different formats and purposes following the event and recording a version of it.
  
• There's an urgency. Live streaming is more significant. It's also possible that someone uploads a video after the event, catching an event live feels distinct and can increase the number of viewers.
  

What is it that you need for streaming live?

The best overview is on this video for those who are starting to get started with live streaming!

This is an overview of live streaming available to the creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The cool thing regarding live streaming in the present is that it doesn't require for fancy equipment. Modern smartphones have all the essential features required to handle live streaming.

Here are some possible video options:

• Smartphone video: All smartphones have the ability to create at minimum HD videos, while some newer ones shoot in 4k. It is important to know that the back and front camera may differ in terms of the quality. Both cameras are likely to stream live. It's the most convenient way to stream live from your smartphone.
  
• Webcam: Some computer streamers prefer using either an integrated computer webcam, as well as an external one. This is the case when streaming live using the desktop or laptop.
  
• Cameras that are professional: most skilled streamers generally use professional cameras, such as DSLRs for live streaming. They can be connected to your laptop or mobile and can send a higher-quality video and allow users to choose the camera that best fits your style and style.
  

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

• The microphones built into computers and phones (not recommended) The microphones in phones and computer systems are usually too far from the mouth of a person when they are streaming live and are often poor quality sound recorders. You should pick from the choices listed below.
  
• Headphones: Bluetooth or wired headphones bring the microphone closer to your mouth, increasing the quality of your audio while also reducing the background noise. The type of headset you utilize is generally an upgrade over the microphone built into your phone.
  
• Lapel microphone The mic can be affixed to your collar or shirt, and it listens to the sound that is close to your mouth, resulting in better high-quality. It is wired or wireless in addition to many of the more expensive microphones include features like noise cancellation.
  
• Shotgun mic The mic for the shotgun is located away from your face (often it clips onto the camera's top) and can capture a in-line voice that is directional from the voice of yours.
  
• Condenser microphone designed for desktop use  Many streamers are making use of condenser microphones for desktops, for example, Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your PC and listens to sound straight through the mouth of the user.
  

Here are some additional Tips for Live streaming that will help boost your streaming game.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

Streaming software may not be required as you can stream live directly to platforms. It might be an option for those who want for:

• to share an image on a computer screen. It could be part in a slideshow format or as part of gaming.
  
• In order to utilize several cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• To overlay images with chat boxes and logos or cards.
  
• Mix in audio streams (e.g. music).
  
• For streaming across multiple platforms at the same time (e.g. Facebook + YouTube plus LinkedIn). ).
  

To illustrate this We discussed the StreamYard platform in our article on Zoom Alternatives. It is a great option for all of the above.

3. A live streaming platform

The reason is pretty straightforward. It is necessary to have a platform that allows streaming, like YouTube along with Twitch.

Try it out ! Mighty is a breeze to stream live from your smartphone or through the Mighty application, or you might even have your own branded app to stream live on. It's easy to make money from it or charge per stream or create an annual subscription that includes streaming in.

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Live streaming has benefits for businesses.

If you are a proprietor of a company that you want to expand and expand, you should be aware of the potential that live streaming has. Live streams may not look more polished or professional than the promo video you labored to create, but live streaming is more distinctive.

Like we mentioned earlier, it creates a connection between your audience and you that feels a lot more unscripted and real and can be a huge benefit to your organization. In addition live streaming offers the possibility of being unpredictable and unexpected (in the best way possible). ).

Below are some other benefits from live streaming for businesses:

• You can host events without having to have place or space: Live streams allow companies to host virtual meetings and discussions without having to be in the same place.
  
• Create educational opportunities. Live streams are a way to provide value via the education process! Companies can make use of live streams (especially in a webinar format) to educate customers and increase brand recognition.
  
• The viewers can stream live from wherever: Anyone around the world is able to watch the live stream using a device and internet connection. This brings people closer together and allows them to get them to.
  
• Profit from events and ticket sales. Business owners can create the most effective digital solutions like live streams to generate income through ticket sales or by gating them.
  

Don't use your live stream as a way to make sales. Offer your customers something they can value by providing them with content that inspires, motivates them and help them feel appreciated, as well as make them feel valued and engaged. That's what makes live streaming a great option for businesses.

We love live streaming and that's why we've included live streaming to all our plans.

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Live streaming demonstrations

There are numerous huge historical live streams. Things like:

• Michael Jackson's funeral was among of the live streams that were viewed by the most people at the time (2009).
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to view NASA live streamed space activities.
  
• The 2014 gaming season witnessed users on Twitch playing Pokemon alongside commands received from the chat. It was later estimated that 1.16 million users played and 55 million watched.
  

These are amazing! Live streaming can be a powerful tool to connect people. We even have our own streaming channel called People Magic Summit, with prominent creators and community people leaders (this stream featured celebrities like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry, as well as Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed here!

Here are some other examples of what live streams could appear like:

• A Mighty Network host announces a each week via their live stream every Monday.
  
• A performer goes live via IGTV or TikTok and performs the audience to a modest-sized concert.
  
• A gamer plays Roblox and Fortnight and streams it to viewers.
  
• Colleges can offer a online course delivered via live streaming.
  
• An thought-leader speaks with one of users on LinkedIn live about an upcoming book launch.
  

Take a look: 11 of the Top Communities Engagement Strategy

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