What Is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

Live streaming (or livestreaming) has grown so widespread that 30% of web viewers watch live streams weekly. You can watch or create live streams with many different apps and devices, and it's easier than ever before to begin.

In this post, we'll introduce you to what you need to know concerning live streaming.

• This article will explain what live streaming is (including an explanation of the technical aspects).        
  
• Here are some live streaming statistics and important milestones.        
  
• The discussion will focus on advantages and practical examples that live streams can provide.        
  
• We'll also explain what you'll need in order to build your personal streaming live.        
  

What exactly is live stream?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming refers to the process of presenting to your audience live video streaming in real time. The past, live streaming was restricted to only media companies that had the technology to broadcast live to their viewers. In the last few years, technology for live streaming has lit up the internet and increasing numbers of users are creating and enjoying that live experience from their homes--no need for the expense of a television studio.

What is live streaming... technical

Encoding
Technically speaking, the camera is able to input digital raw images. However, they are too large for streaming effectively. Therefore, an encoder (software or hardware) reduces the video's size in real time to codecs (ie. h.264). This makes the files small enough for streaming and makes the format so that any device could read it.

Compression
The video can be split into what are called I-frames and P-frames as well as B-frames. I-frames work a bit like a traditional JPEG image, they contain an entire image frame with all the details.

P-frames and B-frames work in a different way. They only capture the part of the video which changes by tracking motion vectors. This results in much smaller, simpler to compress, and more efficient to replay. In an YouTube video, where a speaker is speaking with a static background, most of the background pixels don't alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) only need to encode the motion and changes in the face of the speaker and movement of the body by taking a look at the previous frames.        
  
• B-frames are also more effective, since they have the ability to refer to both prior frames as well as future ones to make the full image.      
  

Internet speed
Live streaming is also dependent on a constant flow of information. This is known as bit rate. It is the amount of data your device will be able to stream in a second.

• 720 (HD) video requires 4 to 4.5 speeds        
  
• 1080p requires 4 to 6 megabits        
  
• 4k is a requirement of 15-25 Mbps        
  

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

Your viewers don't actually need the identical speed. The quality of video players is reduced if connections are slow or buffer (downloading 2-30 seconds ahead) for making the stream smooth. Also, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your file in real time to a server that's closer to your viewer, because it requires information to travel longer distances.

    Latency

The video may not be truly live. At the very least, there is a few seconds delay. We term this delay latency.

Live Statistics streaming

• 30 percent of internet users view a live stream weekly.      
  
• Most often live streamed media includes breaking news (34 percent) as well as live sports (29 percent).      
  
• 91.7 percent of all internet viewers globally stream live each month.      
  
• 52% Of TikTok customers would like to watch live content.      
  
• Smart TVs are the top spot to watch live streamed content (35.3% of all streaming content).      
  
• 28 A majority of online videos consumed on the internet are streamed live.      
  
• The most long live streaming ever was over 624 hours, by the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.        
  
• The live streaming record with the highest number of viewers was set by Spanish streaming channel Ibai, with 3.44 millions Twitch users in the channel La Velada del Ano (3).      
  

The way live streaming made it feasible (Timeline)

It's impossible to cover all aspects in this article, but here's an overview timeline of the tech developments that allow live streaming.

In the 1990s, technology allowed "packets" of media to be streamed, and then rendered prior to a full download.
1993 - 1993 - The MPEG-1 compression standard is released that allows for practical streaming of video
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. Later, it was added as an option in Windows 98 installation.
1996 - Real-time Transport Protocol is created, which creates a framework for sending audio & video over networks.
1998- Starlight announced the first web conference products.
1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show becomes one of the first major live stream event, with around 1.5 million spectators.
2002 2001 Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable video feasible.
2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later changed its name to Twitch) with Justin Kan wearing a camera all day long. The site would expand to include numerous channels that would allow people to stream.
2009- Both Ustream and Live stream launched
2011 2012 YouTube has added live streaming into its offering. It was launched in 2005 (fun information: the very first video was titled "Me at the Zoo). Facebook introduced live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, as well as Instagram in 2016.

Benefits of live streaming

Live Streaming is a method of delivering energy.

• Super-interactive : Viewers can not only watch in real-time However, they also have the ability to chat, ask questions, and provide feedback in different ways.      
  
• Perfectly imperfect Aside from edited video where a content creator might feel obligated to polish but live streaming isn't able to achieve this (at least not yet). This means that 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, etc.    
  
• Lower production costs  Most of the time it's less lifting for getting started and launching.      
  
• The repurposing  It is possible to can modify and cut your live stream for different purposes and formats after the fact, as well as creating a recorded version or a video.      
  
• There's an urgency: Live streaming is a bit more pressing. Although it's possible that someone posts a recording after the event, watching live feels really special and boosts uptake.    
  

What are you required in order to stream live

It's a great overview of this video for those who are starting to get started with live streaming!

In other words, here's an overview of live streaming options for creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

One of the best things with live streaming is that you probably don't need any expensive equipment. Modern smartphones have everything you need to run live streams.

Here are some possibilities for video choices:

• Video on smartphones: The majority of phones can create at least HD videos, while some newer ones shoot in 4k. Do remember that your phone's back and front camera could be of different qualities. Both are probably suitable for a live stream. It's the easiest way to stream using your mobile.    
  
• Webcam: Certain computer streamers choose to use either an internal computer webcam as well as an external webcam. This is for live streaming done using a laptop or desktop.    
  
• Professional camera: More established streamers often use professional cameras like DSLRs to stream live. These cameras can be linked to a laptop or phone and provide a superior quality video as well as letting you choose the lenses which best suit your style and feel.    
  

And you'll need sound! There are a few options available:

• Mic built into your computer or phone (not advised): Your phone and microphones on computers are too far away from your mouth in the live stream and are often poor quality sound recorders. It's better to choose among the alternatives listed below.    
  
• The Bluetooth and wired headphones put the microphone next to your mouth, increasing audio quality while reducing background disturbance. Every headset will be better than your phone's microphone built into the device.    
  
• Lapel mic: A lapel mic clips to your shirt or collar and picks up the sound closer to your mouth. This makes for better quality. They come wired and wireless, and some higher quality mics include features like noise cancellation.    
  
• Shotgun microphone  A shotgun mic sits away from your face (often is attached to the highest of a camera) and records directional sound from the voice.      
  
• Condenser mic for your desktop : More streamers these days are employing desktop condenser mics such as those of the Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into the computer and picks up sound right from the mouth of your user.      
  

Here are a few more Live streaming tricks for you to boost your game.

2. Streaming software (optional)

Streaming software doesn't have to be required because you can live stream directly on major platforms. But streaming software might be an ideal option for those looking to:

• For sharing a computer screen, either in a slideshow format or as part of gaming.        
  
• In order to utilize multiple cameras (ie. different angles).    
  
• To add overlays, logos, graphics, cards, or chatboxes.        
  
• To mix in different audio source (e.g. music).    
  
• To stream to multiple platforms simultaneously (e.g. Facebook + YouTube plus LinkedIn). ).    
  

For an example of this We discussed the platform StreamYardin our post about Zoom Alternatives. It is a great platform for these kinds of things.

3. A platform for live streaming

This is pretty self-explanatory. You require a platform for streaming, like YouTube or Twitch.

You can try it ! Mighty makes it super easy to stream live using your smartphone or Mighty application. You may even have your own app with a branded name to stream live from. It's also easy to make money from it by charging for streams or even create a membership using streaming integrated into.

Live streaming benefits for businesses

If you're a proprietor of a company, you need to realize the potential of live streaming. The live stream you choose to use won't look as polished and perfect as that promotional video you labored over, but live streaming is something unique. As we said above it establishes a connection between your audience and you which is genuine and authentic this is a major benefit for your business. In addition, live streaming holds the ability to be truly exciting and unexpected (in an excellent way). ).

Here are some other live streaming benefits for businesses:

• Event organizers can host events without the need for space or place Live streams enable businesses to organize virtual meetings and events without having to be within the same location.    
  
• Provide educational opportunities. Live streams can be an opportunity to provide the value of education, particularly through instructing! Businesses can use live streams (especially in a webinar format) to inform customers about their products and create brand awareness.    
  
• Audience can watch from anywhere: Anyone anywhere in the world is able to watch an online live stream by using an internet connection and a gadget. The live stream brings your viewers closer, and it makes it much easier to reach them.    
  
• Earn from ticketing and events Event organizers can develop top digital services such as live streams to generate revenue, selling tickets and the ability to grate them.    
  

And don't just use your live stream as a way to make money. Offer your clients worth, provide them with information, inspire them, make them feel valued, and engage them. This is what makes live streaming beneficial to your business.

We are awestruck by live streaming so we've included live streaming capabilities to all of our plans.

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Live streaming example

There are some massive, historic live streams. These include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial service was one of the live streams that were watched by the most people at the time (2009).      
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. There are still regular NASA live stream on space.    
  
• The 2014 gaming season saw users on Twitch were playing Pokemon alongside commands received from the chat. Later, it was discovered that 1.16 million users played and 55 million watched.    
  

And these are awesome! Live streaming can be a powerful tool to bring humans together. In fact, we host an own stream, People Magic Summit, with prominent creators and community leaders (this year's attendees included celebrities like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry as well as Amanda Goetz). It is possible to relive sessions on our website!

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

• The Mighty Network host announces a weekly challenge on a live stream each Monday.        
  
• Live music is performed by a musician via IGTV or TikTok and plays an intimate concert for viewers.        
  
• A gamer plays Roblox or Fortnight and streams to viewers.        
  
• The college provides the virtual class which is taught over a live stream.      
  
• A thought leader talks to an individual on LinkedIn live regarding an upcoming publication of a book.        
  

You can now read: 11 of the Top Social Engagement Strategies