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

Nov 1, 2024

Live streaming (or livestreaming) is now so widespread that 30% of all web viewers watch live streams each week. It is possible to watch and stream live on a variety of various platforms and devices. It's simpler than ever.

In this article in this article, we'll provide you with the essential information you must know about live streaming.

  • This article will help clarify what is meant by live streaming (including explanations of technical elements).
  • We'll provide real-time streaming statistics along with important landmarks.
  • In this presentation we'll go over the benefits as well as instances of live streaming.
  • In this article, we'll explain how to set up your own live stream.


What exactly is live streaming?


Quick live streaming definition


Live streaming describes the practice of showing your viewers live video streaming in real time. In the past, live streaming was restricted to media that could broadcast live to their viewers. In the last couple of years, live streaming has been an integral part of the web, as increasing numbers of users create and watching live streams from their homes, with no requirement of a large TV studio.


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What is the definition of live streaming... technically


Coding
    In terms of technicality, the camera creates raw digital pictures. They are however too big to stream effectively. So encoders (software or hardware) transforms the video, in live-time to codescs (ie. h.264). This decreases the size of stream so that it is appropriate for streaming, and also makes it so all devices are able to understand the stream.


Compression
    The video can be split into I-frames and P-frames and B-frames. I-frames function a little like the typical JPEG image. They contain an entire image frame which contains all the details.


P-frames and B frames operate differently. They capture only portions of footage modified in motion vectors. This results in a less and simpler compression and faster replay. In the case of the YouTube video, in which speakers speak in front of a static backdrop, the majority of backgrounds pixels don't change.


   

  • P-frames (Predictive frames) can encode only movement as well as changes to the body of the speaker's face and the body's movement by looking at prior frames.
  • B-frames have even greater impact, since they can reference the previous frames and future frames in order to make the full image.


Internet speed
    Live streaming needs a constant stream of data. This is known as bit rate. This is how many bits of data you device is able to transmit every second.


   

  • HD (720) video demands between 2-4 Mbps. (HD) video needs between 2-4 of Mbps
  • 1080p is needed to download 4 to 6 megabits
  • 4k requires 15-25 Mbps


If you're using live streaming, the upload speed must match the information the stream transmits.


Viewers do not need the same speed. Quality of the video player decreases in slow connections or when they buffer (downloading around 2-30 minutes in advance) in order to make streaming seamless. We also use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies files at a rapid rate to a server which is nearer to your viewers, as it is essential for the information to be transferred longer distances.


Latency


There is no real live video. The video must always have a one second delay. It's referred to as latency.


Live Stats streaming


   


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Live stream was the first step to permit it (Timeline)


The list doesn't cover everything However, it's a short timeline of developments in technology that permit live streaming.


The early 1990s saw technology enabled "packets" that contained media documents to be processed and streamed prior to downloading the entire file.
    1993 - 1993 - The MPEG-1 standard for compression is released to allow for practical streaming of video
    1995: The company Starlight invented the first streaming video service using satellites.
     1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1995 RealPlayer debuts, and becomes the first streaming player. It was later included in Windows 98. Windows 98 installation.
    1996, 1996 the Real-time Transport Protocol is created, which creates an infrastructure for the transfer of video and audio across networks.
    1998-1998 Starlight launched the Web web conferencing's first services.
    1999 - Victoria's Secret Fashion event is one of the very first live stream event, featuring approximately 1.5 million viewers.
    2002 - Flash Player adds video capabilities that allow embeddable videos to be played.
    2007 - The debut of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch) that included Justin Kan as a cameraman all day long. Later, the channel was expanded to encompass a range of channels, which permitted the public to broadcast.
    2009 The two streams, Ustream as well as Live stream launched in
    2011. 2011 was the year when YouTube started incorporating live streaming to its offerings. The service was first introduced in 2005 (fun facts: the first video was named "Me in the Zoo"). Facebook launched live streaming in the year 2015 and Periscope during the year of 2015 and Instagram in 2016.


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Live streaming benefits


Live streaming is a way of generating energy.


   

  • Super-interactive viewers don't just observe in real-time they can also be in a position to interact, ask questions and offer feedback in different ways.
  • Unfinished in contrast to edited videos and creators of content who might need modify their content, live streams cannot accomplish this (at the very least, not currently). This means that live streams feel more natural and more fun.
  • It's not as demanding. There may be the need to set up and prepare but live streaming is generally considered to be more efficient in comparison to the procedure that requires a lot of effort in creating a produced video that may require scripting, re-shooting, editing and more.
  • The cost of creating HTML0 are much lower The majority of the time the cost is lower for the initial launch and later for.
  • Repurposing  This allows you to edit and modify the live stream to suit different formats and objectives after the event itself, and even create videos or creating a video.
  • The feeling is one of the urgency. Live streaming can make you feel slightly more urgent. If you're a person who posts a recording after an event, being able to stream live video is an absolute pleasure and can increase the amount of people who participate.


What you need for live streaming





It's a great overview in this video for people who are beginning to learn about Live streaming!


So, let's give an overview on live streaming that is open to producers. .


To live stream, you need:


1. AV source


The great thing about live streaming today is there's no requirement to purchase costly equipment. Most modern smartphones include all the necessary features to stream live streaming.


Here are some ideas for videos:


   

  • Smartphone videos: Many smartphones can create HD video. Certain models are capable of shooting in 4K. It is essential to understand the back camera and front cameras might have distinct specs. They are both likely to be ideal for a live stream. It's easier to stream directly through your phone.
  • The Webcam. Some streaming artists opt to make use of the built-in webcam of their laptop, or an external webcam. It is possible to stream live using a laptop or desktop.
  • Professional cameras: Established streamers often use professional cameras like DSLRs for live streaming. They can be connected to your phone or laptop and offer superior quality video in addition to allowing you to pick the lens most suitable to your personal style and design.


Additionally, you must have the sound! There are a variety of options available:


   

  • The microphone built into your computer or phone (not recommended) You phone as well as computer microphones are close to your mouth when you're viewing live streams and usually use audio recorders, but they don't have high-quality audio. Pick from the available options below.
  • Wireless or Bluetooth headsets put the microphone close to your mouth, enhancing the sound quality while reducing background noise. The headset you choose to choose is usually more effective than the microphone built into your headset.
  • Lapel microphones These microphones can be fixed on the collar of the shirt. The microphone detects sounds close to the mouth. They provide better quality. This is also wired as wireless, and the higher priced mics include options like noise cancellation.
  • shotgun mic  shotgun mic is placed away from your face (often located at the very upper part in the frame) and captures your voice's direction.
  • Condenser microphone on desktops. The majority of streaming platforms are currently using Condenser microphones for desktops, such as Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into the computer, gets sound straight from your mouth.


Here's some more streaming live tips to boost the performance of your stream.


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2. Software for streaming (optional)


Streaming software may not be required since you can stream live from a variety of platforms. But, it can be beneficial for people who wish to:


   

  • To share the display of computers regardless of whether it's a slide show or a game.
  • To make use of more than one camera (ie. different angles).
  • To add overlays, logos, graphics chatboxes, overlays, cards or other graphics.
  • To mix in different audio streams (e.g. music).
  • To stream content on multiple platforms simultaneously (e.g. Facebook + YouTube plus LinkedIn). ).


In this context, we talked about the streaming service StreamYard in our latest blog post on Zoom Alternatives. It can do everything mentioned above.


3. Live streaming platforms


It's quite simple. You need a platform to streaming such as YouTube as well as Twitch.


Try it ! Mighty makes it super easy to live stream on your mobile device or via using the Mighty app. There may be an application that you've designed to stream live streams on. You can easily monetize it by charging per stream, or set up an online streaming service that comes with streaming included.


Live streaming is beneficial for business


If you are a manager of a business and want to grow, then you must understand the potential of live streaming. Although live streaming may not look like the polished and flawless versions of your promotional video you put your effort on, but live stream is unique in its own way. It helps create a connection between you and your clients that is more genuine and authentic and can be hugely beneficial to your company. Furthermore live streaming has the potential to be intriguing and exciting (in the most effective way) ).


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These are additional benefits that live streaming could bring for companies:


   

  • Event organizers can host events without the physical location or venue. Live streams enable companies to hold online meetings and events, without having to be within the same space.
  • Create educational opportunities. Live streams can be the perfect opportunity to offer benefit in the form of instruction! Live streams can be used by businesses (especially when they are in the form of a webinar) to let customers know about their offerings and to increase the recognition of their brand.
  • Live streaming is available to viewers anywhere across the globe. live streaming via the web and mobile devices. The live stream brings the viewers closer to them, and allows them get in touch with them.
  • Make money from ticket sales and events organizations can develop top-quality electronic goods like live streams to make money through the sale of tickets, or by having the capability to transfer tickets.


Don't utilize your live stream only to increase sales. Provide your customers with value to help them learn and encourage the audience to be involved. That's what makes live streaming advantageous to your business.


We are fans of live streaming. This is why we've integrated live streaming within all of our plans.


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Live streaming demonstrations


There are some massive historical live streams. These include:


   

  • Michael Jackson's funeral is one of the most seen live stream streams at its present (2009).
  • In 2012 NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity launch. It is still a regular feature of NASA live streams live stream of space.
  • In 2014, the gaming year was a time when gamers on Twitch playing Pokemon as well as commands being received via chat. The following year, it was estimated that 1.16 million players played, while 55 million watched.


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They are simply incredible! Live streaming is a great way to connect people. You can even watch live streams of our very personal, People Magic Summit, with top creators and community people leaders (this year's attendees included celebrities including Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). You can rewatch sessions here!


Here are a few examples of what live streaming might appear:


   

  • The Mighty Network host announces a every day challenge via live streaming each Monday.
  • Performers live stream via IGTV and TikTok and will perform an intimate concert for viewers.
  • Gamer games include Roblox and Fortnight and streams for viewers.
  • Colleges are able to offer students an online online class in which students are taught through streaming.
  • A well-known thought leader speaks with a person on LinkedIn live via the web about a book's imminent release.


You can now read: 11 of the most effective strategies for community Engagement



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