What is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |
Live streaming (or livestreaming) is now so popular that 30 percent of Internet users stream live every week. It is possible to watch and create live streams on many various devices and apps, and it's easier than ever before to begin.
In this article this article, we'll explain what you need to know concerning live streaming.
- We'll explain the concept of live streaming (including technical details).
- We'll present live streaming stats and landmarks.
- In this article, we'll discuss the advantages of HTML0 and some examples for live stream.
- And we'll share what you'll need to create your own streaming live.
Turn a livestream into profit. Check out the platform which has at least $1 million of communities.
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What is live streaming?
Quick live streaming definition
Live streaming is the practice of presenting to your audience on video in real-time. In the past, this was restricted to only media companies which had the ability to stream live video to their audiences.
In the past couple of years, live streaming technology has lit up the internet increasing the number of users are making and enjoying this live experience right in their own homes, with no need for an expensive TV studio.
What exactly is live streaming... technically
Encoding
Technically, your camera outputs raw digital pictures. They are however too large for streaming 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 format so that any device could understand it.
Compression
The video can be split into I-frames or P-frames. They are also known as B-frames. I-frames work a bit like a traditional JPEG image. They contain a full image frame with all the details.
P-frames and B frames work slightly differently. They only capture the part of the video that changes through tracking motion vectors. This results in much smaller, simpler to compress and quicker to replay. As an example, in an YouTube video, where a speaker is speaking against a static background, most of the background pixels don't alter.
- P-frames (Predictive frames) are used to record the movements and modifications in the speaker's face and body movements by looking at the previous frames.
- B-frames are also better than B-frames, as they can reference both previous and future frames in order to produce the full image.
Internet speed
Of course, live streaming requires a continuous stream of data. This is known as bit rate, the amount of information your device is able to be able to stream in a second.
- HD720 (HD) video requires 2-4 4 Mbps
- 1080p is required to download 4 to 6 minutes
- 4k is a requirement of 15-25 Mbps
In the case of a live stream, your upload speed needs to match the data that your stream sends.
Viewers don't require the identical speed. Video players decrease quality when a connection is slow, 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 files in real-time to a server nearer to your viewers, since it takes information time to travel longer distances.
Latency
There is no way to guarantee that a video will be live. There's always at least a couple seconds of delay-we term this delay latency.
Live Streaming statistics
- 30 percent of Internet people watch a live stream weekly.
- The most often streamed live content is breaking news (34%) and live sports (29 percentage).
- 91.7% of internet viewers globally view live streaming each month.
- 52 percent Of TikTok customers want to stream live video.
- Smart televisions have become by far the most popular location for watching live streaming (35.3% of all streamed content).
- 28 percent of the online videos streamed online are live streamed.
- Live streaming that was the longest ever ran for more than 624 hours by the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
- The streaming record for the most viewers ever is held by the Spanish streamer Ibai with 3.44 million Twitch streamers in 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, but here's a quick chronology of technological developments which allow live streaming.
In the 1990s, technology allowed "packets" from media sources to stream and be rendered prior to a full download.
1993 - 1993: The MPEG-1 compression standards are published that allows for practical streaming of video
1995 - Starlight, a company Starlight built the first video streaming from satellites.
1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 The year 1995 RealPlayer debuts, and becomes the first stream media player. It was later included as an option on Windows 98 installation.
1996 - Real-time Transport Protocol is created, creating a framework for sending video and audio over networks.
1998 - Starlight unveiled the first web conference products.
1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show, which was a huge success, becomes one the first live streaming events, with an estimated 1.5 million people watching.
2002 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable videos possible.
2007 - Launch of Justin.tv (later rebranded as Twitch) that featured Justin Kan, who was a cameraman throughout the day. It was later expanded to multiple channels that allowed people to stream.
2009- Both Ustream and Live stream were launched
2011 2012 YouTube 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 2015, Periscope in 2015, and Instagram in 2016.
Live streaming benefits
Live Streaming has an energy.
- Super interactive : Viewers are not limited to watching in real-time, but they can usually talk, ask questions and give feedback in other ways.
- Absolutely imperfect: Unlike edited video, where a content creator might feel obligated to polish but live streaming isn't able to achieve this (at the very least, not at this point). As a result, live streams feel natural, and much more entertaining.
- The time is less consuming: There could some preparation and set-up however, live streaming is generally less time-consuming than, say making a produced video-which could need scripting, re-shooting, editing and so on.
- Lower production costs : Often it's a lower lift to get started and launch.
- The repurposing : You could cut and modify your live stream for different purposes and formats after the fact, as well as creating a recorded version or a video.
- It's a sense of urgency. Live streaming can feel a little more urgent. If it's a person who posts a recording after an event, being able to watch live feels really special and boosts the number of people who watch it.
What are you required for live streaming
The best overview is of this video for those who are beginning to learn about live streaming!
In other words, this is an overview of live streaming available to creators. .
To live stream, you need:
1. AV source
One of the best things about live streaming today is there is no need for extravagant equipment. The majority of modern phones come with everything you need to run live streams.
Here are a few potential video options:
- Video on smartphones: The majority of phones can create at least HD video. Some more recent models shoot in 4k. Be aware that the phone's rear and front camera may have different resolutions. However, both are likely to be adequate to stream live. It's easier to stream direct from your phone.
- Webcam: A few streaming software users choose to utilize either a built-in computer webcam, or else using an external webcam. This would be used for live streaming that is done using a laptop or desktop.
- Professional camera: More established streamers often utilize professional cameras, such as DSLRs for live streaming. These can be tethered to a laptop or phone and will send you a better quality video and letting you choose the lenses which best suit your style and experience.
You'll also need sound! There are a few options available:
- The built-in microphone on your phone or computer (not recommended) The phone or computer mics sit too distant from your mouth when you are watching a live stream, and often have low-quality sound recorders. Better to select from the choices given below.
- Wireless or Bluetooth headphones get that microphone right close to your mouth, increasing sound quality and reducing background sound. The headset you choose to use is typically better than your phone's built-in mic.
- Lapel microphone: A lapel mic clips to your shirt or collar and picks up the sound closer to your mouth, resulting in better high-quality. They come wired and wireless with some high-quality microphones have features such as noise canceling.
- Shotgun mic The shotgun microphone is a distance from your face (often clips to the top of the camera) and pics up an directional voice from your vocal.
- Desktop condenser mic The majority of streamers are now employing desktop condenser mics such as the Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your PC and captures audio out of your mouth.
Here are some more Live streaming tricks for you to boost your game.
2. Streaming software (optional)
Streaming software doesn't have to be required, since you can live stream directly on major platforms. However, streaming software could be a good idea for people who want:
- To share the screen of a computer, be it as a slideshow, or even for gaming.
- In order to utilize multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
- to add overlays, images, logos, chat boxes or cards.
- To mix in different audio source (e.g. music).
- To stream to multiple platforms at once (e.g. Facebook + YouTube + LinkedIn ).
For an example of this we discussed the platform StreamYardin our post on Zoom Alternatives. It does a lot of the above.
3. A live streaming platform
The explanation is fairly straightforward. You need a streaming platform that supports streaming, such as YouTube and Twitch.
Try it out ! Mighty is a breeze to live stream from your phone or the Mighty app, or you may even have your own branded app to stream live from. And it's easy to monetize or charge per stream or set up a subscription with streaming built-in.
Live streaming is a benefit to businesses
If you're a proprietor of a company it is essential to understand the potential of live streaming. Your live streams won't be as polished or perfect as the promo video you labored over, but live streaming has something more special.
Like we mentioned earlier, live streaming creates a sense of intimacy between you and your viewers that feels a lot more authentic and unscripted, which is a huge strength for your brand. Plus, live streaming has the potential to be really spontaneous and surprising (in a good way ).
Here are some of the other live streaming benefits for companies:
- Host events without needing any space or location: Live streams let businesses hold virtual gatherings and discussions without the need to gather everyone in a single city.
- Create educational opportunities: Live streaming could be an opportunity to give value, especially via the teaching process! Companies can make use of live streams (especially when they are in the form of a webinar) to help educate their customers and create brand awareness.
- Audience can watch from anywhere Anywhere anywhere in the world is able to watch the live stream using a device and internet connection. The live stream brings your viewers closer, and it makes it much easier for them to get in touch with you.
- Profit from events and ticket sales: Businesses can create top digital services such as live streams to generate revenue, selling tickets and gating them.
Do not just make use of your live stream as a way to make money. Give your customers something of value, educate them that will inspire, motivate them, and get them involved. This is what makes live streaming beneficial to your business.
We love live streaming, and that's why we've added live streaming functionality in all our plans.
Live streaming example
There are numerous huge, historic live streams. Things like:
- Michael Jackson's funeral was one of the most watched live streams in its era (2009).
- The year 2012 was the last time NASA live streamed Mars Curiosity landing. You can still watch regular NASA live stream on space.
- In 2014, gamers on Twitch were playing Pokemon together with commands from the chat. It was later estimated that 1.16 million players played, while 55 million watched.
And these are awesome! Live streaming is a great way to connect people. In fact, we host our own live stream, People Magic Summit, with the top community leaders and creators (this year's attendees included celebrities such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed here!
Here are a few general examples of what a live stream might look like:
- The Mighty Network host announces a daily challenge via a live stream on Mondays.
- A musician 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 the game to viewers.
- The college provides the virtual course which is taught via live streams.
- A thought-leader interviews an individual on LinkedIn live on the internet about an imminent book launch.
You can now read: 11 of the Top Community Engagement Strategies