What is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

The live streaming (or livestreaming) has grown so widespread that 30 percent of Internet viewers watch live streams every week. You can watch or make live streams using a variety of different devices and applications It's now easier than ever before to begin.

In this article We'll show you everything you need to learn about live streaming.

• We'll explain what live streaming means (including a technical explanation).        
  
• Here are some live streaming stats and landmarks.        
  
• The discussion will focus on the advantages of HTML0 and some instances for live stream.        
  
• and we'll explain the steps you'll require to make your own live stream.        
  

What is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming is the act of showing your viewers via video in real-time. The past, live streaming was restricted to only media companies which had the ability of broadcasting live to their audience. However, in recent years, technology for live streaming has lit up the internet as more users are creating and enjoying that live experience from their homes--no need for a costly television studio.

What is live streaming... technically

Coding
Technically, your camera outputs digital raw images. But these are too big to stream effectively. An encoder (software or hardware) converts the video in real-time into codecs (ie. h.264). This reduces the size of the file enough to stream and standardizes the way that devices can be able to read it.

Compression
The video is divided into I-frames, P-frames, and B-frames. I-frames work a bit similar to a standard JPEG image-they contain a complete image frame with all the particulars.

B-frames and P-frames operate slightly differently. They just capture the parts of the video that changes in motion vectors by capturing them. It is a smaller file, easier to compress, and faster to playback. As an example, in an YouTube video where someone talks against something static, the majority of the background's pixels won't alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) are used to record the movements and modifications in the speaker's face and movement of the body by taking a look at the previous frames.        
  
• B-frames can be even more effective, since they can reference both previous frames as well as future ones to make the full image.      
  

Internet speed
Of course, live streaming is also dependent on a constant flow of information. It is referred to as the bit rate, how much information your device is able to be able to stream in a second.

• 720 (HD) video requires 2-4 Mbps        
  
• 1080p requires 4 to 6 speed        
  
• 4k needs 15-25 Mbps        
  

In the case of live streaming it is essential that your upload speed to be in line with the information the stream transmits.

Viewers don't require the same speed. Video players decrease quality when the connection speed is low, or even buffer (downloading 2-30 seconds ahead) for making the stream smooth. Additionally, we utilize Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your files in real-time to a server nearer to the player, as it needs information to travel longer distances.

    Latency

There is no way to guarantee that a video will be live. At the very least, there is two seconds of delay. We refer to this as latency.

Live Streaming statistics

• 30 percent of internet users watch a live stream weekly.      
  
• The most commonly live streamed content is breaking news (34%) and live sports (29 percentage).      
  
• 91.7 percent of internet users globally watch live streaming services throughout the month.      
  
• 52 percent of TikTok subscribers prefer to view live streaming.      
  
• Smart TVs are by far the most sought-after place to watch live streaming (35.3 percent of the streamed content).      
  
• 28 percent of the video content consumed on the internet are streamed live.      
  
• The most long live streaming in history was over 624 hours, from the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.        
  
• The live streaming record for the most viewers ever is held by Spanish streamer, Ibai-with 3.44 millions Twitch users in the channel La Velada del Ano (3).      
  

How live streaming became possible (Timeline)

The list isn't exhaustive in this article, but here's an overview chronology of technological developments that make live streaming possible.

In the 1990s, technology allowed "packets" of media to be streamed and rendered before a complete download.
1993 - 1993 - The MPEG-1 standard for compression is published to allow for the streaming of videos in real-time.
1995 - The company Starlight built the first streaming video system using satellites.
1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 - RealPlayer launches, becoming the first mainstream stream media player. It was later included as an option in Windows 98 installation.
1996: The Real-time Transportation Protocol is invented, creating a framework for sending audio & video over networks.
19981998 Starlight unveiled the first web conferencing products.
1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show, which was a huge success, becomes one the first major live stream event, with an estimated 1.5 million people watching.
2002 2001 Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable video feasible.
2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later rebranded as Twitch) with Justin Kan wearing a camera all day long. The site would expand to include several channels, allowing viewers to stream.
2009 - Both Ustream as well as Live stream are launched
2011 - YouTube has added live streaming to its services. The service was first introduced in 2005 (fun information: the very first video was named "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook added live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, and Instagram in 2016.

Benefits of live streaming

Live streaming has vitality.

• Super-interactive : Viewers are not limited to watching in real time However, they also have the ability to communicate, ask questions and provide feedback in different ways.      
  
• Absolutely imperfect In contrast to edited videos, which content creators may be compelled to improve, live streaming can't really do this (at least not yet). This means that live streams feel natural, and more engaging.    
  
• Less time-consuming: There might be prep and setup for live streams, but they are typically less labor-intensive than say making a produced video-which could need editing, scripting, re-shooting and so on.    
  
• Lower production costs  Commonly, it's a less lift for getting started and launching.      
  
• The repurposing  The user can cut and adapt the live stream to different formats and purposes after the event, and also hosting a recording or a video.      
  
• There's an urgency: Live streaming feels a little more urgent. Although it's possible that someone posts a recording after the event, watching live is a real treat and increases participation.    
  

What are you required for live streaming

There's an awesome overview in this video, if you're beginning to learn about stream live!

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

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The best part with live streaming is that it doesn't require any fancy technology. The majority of modern phones come with all the necessary features to manage a live stream.

Here are a few possibilities for video choices:

• Smartphone video: All phones can create at least HD videos, while some more recent models shoot in 4K. Make sure to note that your smartphone's camera on the front and back may be of different specs. However, both are likely to be adequate to stream live. It's easier to stream direct from your phone.    
  
• Webcam: Some computer streamers choose to use 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 using a laptop or desktop.    
  
• Professional camera: More established streamers often employ professional cameras such as DSLRs for live streams. These cameras can be linked 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 style.    
  

Sound is essential! Here are some options:

• The built-in microphone on your phone or computer (not recommended) Phone and computer microphones are distant from your mouth in a live stream, and are often poor quality sound recorders. Better to select one of the options given below.    
  
• Wireless or Bluetooth headphones get that microphone right near your mouth, enhancing sound quality and reducing background sound. Every headset will be more effective than the device's built-in mic.    
  
• Lapel mic Lapel microphones are clipped to the collar of your shirt and picks up sound closer towards your mouth, allowing for better quality. They come wired and wireless with some high-quality microphones come with features such as noise cancellation.    
  
• Shotgun microphone : A shotgun mic sits away from you (often is attached to the highest of a camera) and records an omnidirectional voice signal from your voice.      
  
• Condenser microphone for desktop : More streamers these days are making use of desktop condenser microphones, such as those of the Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into the computer and picks up sound right from your mouth.      
  

Here are some more live streaming tips for you to improve your gameplay.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

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

• To share the screen of a computer, be it of a slideshow or for gaming.        
  
• In order to utilize multiple cameras (ie. different angles).    
  
• To add overlays, logos, graphics, cards, or chatboxes.        
  
• Mix in audio sources (e.g. music).    
  
• For streaming to several platforms simultaneously (e.g. YouTube + Facebook + LinkedIn ).    
  

For an example of this, we talked about the streaming platform StreamYard in our blog post on Zoom Alternatives. It does a lot of these things.

3. A live streaming platform

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

You can try it ! Mighty is a breeze to stream live via your mobile or Mighty app, or you can even get your own app with a branded name to stream live from. It's also easy to make money from it, charge for individual streams or even create a membership using streaming built-in.

Live streaming is a benefit for business

If you own a business it is essential to understand the potential of live streaming. The live stream you choose to use won't be as polished or perfect like the promotional videos you labored over, but live streaming offers something distinctive. We've mentioned it before it builds a sense of intimacy between you and your viewers that is unscripted and real, which is a huge benefit for your business. Plus, live streaming has the potential to be really unexpected and spontaneous (in a good way ).

Here are some of the other benefits of live streaming to a business:

• Host events without needing space or place: Live streams let businesses host virtual events and conversations without needing to all gather within the same location.    
  
• Make educational possibilities: A live stream can be a way to give value, especially through instructing! Live streams can be used by businesses (especially in a webinar format) to inform customers about their products and increase brand recognition.    
  
• The audience can stream live from wherever anyone around the globe can watch a live stream with the internet and device. The live stream brings your viewers closer to them and allows you to connect with them.    
  
• Earn from ticketing and events: Businesses can create high-end digital goods such as live streams to generate revenue, selling tickets and gating them.    
  

And don't just use your live stream to sell. Provide your customers with something of value, educate them and inspire them to make them feel valued, and engage them. That's what will truly make live streaming beneficial to your company.

Live streaming is our favorite, and that's why we've added live streaming functionality to our various plans.

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Live streaming example

There are some huge old live streams. Examples include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial service has been among of the most-watched live streams at the period (2009).      
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed Mars Curiosity landing. You can still watch regular NASA live stream on space.    
  
• In 2014 gamers on Twitch engaged in Pokemon along with commands given by the chat. It was later estimated that 1.16 million users played and 55 million were watching.    
  

And these are awesome! Live streaming is a great way to connect people. In fact, we even have our own live stream: People Magic Summit, with the top community leaders and creators (this event featured guests like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed here!

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

• A Mighty Network host announces a every week on their live stream each Monday.        
  
• A performer goes live via IGTV or TikTok and plays an intimate concert for viewers.        
  
• Gamer who plays Roblox as well as Fortnight and streams the game to viewers.        
  
• Colleges offer an online virtual course that's taught via a live stream.      
  
• A thought leader interviews one of the users on LinkedIn live regarding an upcoming book launch.        
  

Check it out: 11 of the Best Strategies for Community Engagement