What Is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

The live streaming (or livestreaming) is now so popular that a third of all internet viewers watch live streams every week. You can watch live streams and make them across a variety of devices and platforms. And it's simpler to begin more than ever.

In this article, we'll teach you how to know about live streaming.

• We'll explain the concept of live streaming (including the technical aspects).
  
• We'll present live streaming figures and other important milestones.
  
• The discussion will concentrate on the advantages and examples that live stream is a viable option.      
  
• HTML0. And we'll share how you can create your personal streaming live.
  

Turn a livestream into profit. Try the platform with at least $1 million of communities.

     Get Your Free Trial

((toc))

What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming refers to the process of presenting to your audience live video streaming in real-time. It was in the past was restricted to only media firms that had the capacity to live stream video to their customers.

In the past couple of years, the live streaming has revolutionized the internet and today increasing numbers of users are enjoying the live streaming experience from their homes with no need for an expensive studio for TV.

What exactly is live streaming... technologically

Coding
    Technically, your camera inputs images that are digitally raw. However, they are too large to stream efficiently. So encoders (software or hardware) minimizes the size in real-time, converting it by converting it into codecs (ie. h.264). This decreases the size of the files enough to stream, and also standardizes the method by which devices are able to recognize it.

Compression
    The video is divided into what's known as I-frames, or P-frames. These are also referred to as B-frames. I-frames function a little similar to a standard JPEG image. They contain a full image frame, which includes every detail.

P-frames and B frames operate different. They simply capture the part of the movie that is altered in motion vectors through the tracking. It is a smaller video file, which is simpler to compress, and more efficient to playback. If you play a video on YouTube where the person is talking with a static background the majority of the background's pixels do not alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) only need to encode variations and movements in the face of the person speaking and the body's movements when looking at the previous frames.
  
• B-frames can be even more efficient, because they may refer to both prior and later frames, creating on the whole picture.
  

Internet speed
    Live streaming depends on the continuous stream of data. We call this bit rate, which is the amount of data you device will stream every second.

• HD720 (HD) video requires between 2-4 Mbps
  
• 1080p is compatible with four to six Internet connections with a speed of 4 to 6 an Mbps
  
• 4k is required to reach 15-25 Mbps
  

Live streaming is a must. It is vital to upload at a speed to keep up with the volume of data that the stream sends.

Your viewers don't actually need the same speed. Videos lose quality when a connection is slow, or buffer (downloading up to 3 seconds later) to make the streaming smooth. We also use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies the file at a real-time speed to a server that is near to the user because it requires data to travel over longer distances.

Latency

No video is truly live. It is a minimum that there's a two second delay. The term used to describe this is delay latency.

Live Statisticians streaming live

• 30% of Internet viewers stream live each week.
  
• The most frequently streamed live video is breaking information (34 percent) along with live sporting events (29 percent).
  
• 91.7 percent of internet's viewers around the world stream live every month.
  
• 52 percent of TikTok customers would like to view live-streamed content.
  
• Smart TVs are by far the most popular spot to stream live streamed video (35.3 percent of all live streamed videos).
  
• 28% of all online videos were streamed live online.
  
• The longest live stream ever performed took 624 hours, according to Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• Record-breaking live streaming for most viewers was established by Spanish streamer Ibai with 3.44 million viewers on Twitch on the streaming channel La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live streaming was the first method to make it practical (Timeline)

It's not a complete list however, here's a brief overview of the technological advancements that permit live streaming.

In the early 1990s, technology enabled "packets" that contained media files to stream, and be rendered prior to a full download.
    1993 1993: 1993: The MPEG-1 standard for compression is introduced that allows for practical streaming of video
    1995 - Starlight, a company Starlight created the first video streaming from satellites.
     1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 The year 1995 RealPlayer debuts, and becomes the first streaming player to be a major player. The program was later added as an option on Windows 98 installation.
    1996 - The Real-time Transport Protocol is created to create a platform for the transmission of audio and video across networks.
    1998 - Starlight introduced the first Web product to facilitate conferencing.
    1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show is one of the first major live stream show, with the estimated 1.5 million viewers.
    2002 2001 Flash Player adds video capabilities making embedding video an option.
    2007 saw the launch of Justin.tv (later rebranded as Twitch) that featured Justin Kan posing with cameras all day. It was later expanded into several channels that allowed viewers to stream.
    2009- Both Ustream and Live stream launched in 2009.
    2011 - 2012 YouTube is adding live streaming to its offering. It had launched in 2005 (fun detail: the initial video was called "Me in the Zoo"). Facebook added live streaming in 2015, Periscope in 2015, as well as Instagram in 2016.

Live streaming benefits

Live streaming has a lot of value.

• Super-interactive  Viewers can't only view live However, they can also use the technology to communicate, ask questions and provide feedback in various methods.
  
• Incomplete: Contrary to edited video, which the creator of content might feel obligated to polish the video however live streams aren't able to do this (at minimum, at least currently). So, live streams are natural which makes them more enjoyable.
  
• The process is less laborious: There could be prep and setup However, live streams are generally shorter than making a produced video-which could require scripting, re-shooting or editing or another editing.
  
• Lower costs for production Commonly, it's a lower lift for getting started and launching.
  
• Repurposing The user could edit and alter the live stream to different purposes and formats after the event. This includes making a video or a video.
  
• There's an urgency: Live streaming may feel more significant. However, even if someone posts a recording following an event, being able to view live streaming is an absolute delight and can increase participation.
  

What do you require to live stream

It's a great overview of this video for those who are beginning to learn about live streaming!

If not, here's an overview of live streaming options for producers. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

One of the great things with live streaming is the fact that you have no need for expensive equipment. Modern smartphones have all the necessary features for managing live streams.

Here are some options to choose a video:

• Smartphone video: Most smartphones have the ability to create at least HD videos. However, some smartphones shoot in 4K. Make sure to check that your cameras on the back and front of your phone might be different quality. Both are probably appropriate for live streaming. It's the easiest way to stream live from your phone.
  
• Webcam: Certain software applications allow users to use the built-in webcam on their laptop or computer, or the external camera. This is for live streaming done on a desktop or laptop.
  
• Professional cameras: Established streamers generally use professional cameras, such as DSLRs for live streaming. These cameras can be linked to your laptop or phone and will send you a better quality video as well as giving users the choice of selecting the lens that you prefer and the feel.
  

Sound is essential! There are many options available:

• Mics built into computers or phones (not suggested) Phone and computer mics are too far from the mouth during the live stream. They are usually poor quality sound recorders. You should pick one of the choices listed below.
  
• The Bluetooth or wired headphones put the microphone close to your mouth, increasing the quality of your sound as well as reducing background noise. Any headset is usually better than your phone's microphone.
  
• Lapel microphone: The lapel microphone attaches to the collar or shirt and captures audio closer to the mouth giving you better sound quality. It is wired, as well as wireless, and some of the best microphones have features such as noise cancellation.
  
• Shotgun microphone The shotgun microphone is located in a distance of your face (often it is clipped to the upper part on the lens) and pics up the direction that your voice is going.
  
• Desktop condenser mic Most streamers are currently using desktop condenser microphones like Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into the computer, listens to sound directly from your mouth.
  

Here are a few more live streaming tips which will help you enhance your performance.

2. Software to stream (optional)

Streaming software isn't always necessary because you can stream live to all the main platforms. However, streaming software could be an ideal option for those who are looking for:

• sharing the screen of computers, whether by way of a slideshow, or as part of gaming.
  
• to use multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• For overlays to images, chat boxes, logos or cards.
  
• To mix different audio sources (e.g. music).
  
• To stream to multiple platforms at the same time (e.g. Facebook + YouTube + LinkedIn ).
  

To illustrate this, we looked at the streaming platform StreamYard within our recent blog article about Zoom Alternatives. It does a lot of the same things.

3. A live streaming platform

The reason is simple. You require a platform for streaming, like YouTube and Twitch.

Try it ! Mighty lets you live stream on your phone or app on Mighty, or it could be that you have an app that you can brand and stream on. You can easily monetize it and charge per stream or create a membership with streaming embedded to.

     Take Your Free Trial

Live streaming can be beneficial for businesses.

If you are a manager of a business, it is essential to understand the advantages that live streaming can bring to your business. Although live streams might not be like the polished or perfect version of the promotional videos you have put into to make, but live streamers offer something unique.

As we've mentioned, it helps create an intimate connection between you and your audience which is unscripted and real, which is a huge positive for your business. Additionally, live streaming holds the chance of being spontaneous and surprising (in a good manner ).

Here are a few extra benefits of live streaming to firms:

• Event planners are able to host events with no need of space or place: Live streaming lets businesses organize virtual meetings and discussion without the need for being in the same location.
  
• Make educational possibilities: Live streams can be valuable in providing benefit, specifically through the teaching process! Businesses can use live streams (especially with the form of webinars) to help educate their customers and build brand awareness.
  
• Live viewers can watch the stream from any location anyone in the world is able to view the live stream online using a device and internet connectivity. The live stream can bring viewers closer to you and allows you to reach your viewers.
  
• Profit from tickets and other sales Event organizers could develop premium digital products like live streaming as sources of revenues, by selling tickets, and having the capability to monetize them.
  

Don't just take advantage of your live streaming as an opportunity to make money. Make your clients feel valued and provide them with knowledge that will inspire, motivate your audience, and make your customers involved. It's the only way to bring value to live streaming for your company.

We're amazed by live streaming, so we've included live streaming functionality in all our plans.

     Start your Free Trial

Live streaming demonstrations

There are numerous huge historical live streams. These include:

• Michael Jackson's funeral was among the live streams followed by the highest number of viewers at the time (2009).
  
• 2012 was the final time NASA live streamed Mars' Curiosity landing. It is still possible to watch a regular NASA live stream live streams on space.
  
• This year's gaming seasons witnessed players on Twitch played Pokemon along with commands given to them by chat. Later, it was estimated that 1.16 million people played, and 55 million watched.
  

They're awesome! Live streaming is a powerful tool to unite individuals. We also host live streams of our own People Magic Summit, with prominent people and leaders in the community (this year's guests included people like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry along with Amanda Goetz). It is possible to rewatch the sessions on our website!

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

• A Mighty Network host announces a every week during their live stream on Mondays.
  
• Live music is played by a musician via IGTV and TikTok and performs a mini concert to the viewers.
  
• Gamer play Roblox and Fortnight and broadcasts it to the public.
  
• Colleges offer an online online course which is delivered through live streaming.
  
• An influential thought leader speaks with an individual via LinkedIn live regarding an upcoming book launch.
  

Find it here: 11 of the most effective strategies for community engagement.

This post was posted on here