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

The live streaming (or livestreaming) has grown so widespread that 30% of internet viewers watch live streams each week. It is possible to watch and make live streams using a variety of various devices and apps It's now easier to get started than ever before.

In this article We'll show you what you need to learn concerning live streaming.

• This article will explain what live streaming means (including a technical explanation).        
  
• We'll share some real-time streaming data and milestones.        
  
• We'll talk about the benefits and examples of live streaming.        
  
• and we'll explain the steps you'll need to create your personal live stream.        
  

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 limited to media outlets that had the technology of broadcasting live to their audience. However, in recent years, the live streaming technology has been a major feature on the internet as more users are creating and enjoying that live experience at home, without the need of an expensive television studio.

What is live streaming... technologically

Encoding
Technically, your camera outputs the raw digital image. They are however too big to stream effectively. Therefore, an encoder (software or hardware) converts the video in real-time to codecs (ie. h.264). This reduces the size of the file enough for streaming and makes it so any device can understand it.

Compression
The video can be split into what are called I-frames and P-frames as well as B-frames. I-frames function a little similar to a standard JPEG image, they contain an entire image frame with all the details.

P-frames and B-frames work a bit differently. They are only capturing the portion of the video which changes by tracking motion vectors. This results in much smaller, simpler to compress and quicker for replay. In the case of a YouTube video, where a speaker is speaking against a static background, most of the background pixels don't alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) can only encode the motion and changes in the body of the speaker's face as well as body movements through looking at prior frames.        
  
• B-frames are even more effective, since they can reference both previous frames as well as future ones to make the entire image.      
  

Internet speed
Live streaming requires a continuous flow of information. This is known as bit rate, how much information your device is able to stream every second.

• 720 (HD) video requires 2-4 Mbps        
  
• 1080p is required to download 4-6 megabits        
  
• 4k is a requirement of 15-25 Mbps        
  

In the case of live streaming the upload speed has to match the data that your stream sends.

Your viewers don't actually need the identical speed. Video players reduce quality if the connection speed is low, or buffer (downloading 2-30 seconds ahead) for making the stream smooth. Additionally, we utilize Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your file in real time to a server which is closer to your viewer, because it requires information to travel further distances.

    Latency

No video is truly live. There's always at least a few seconds delay. We refer to this as latency.

Live Statistics streaming

• 30 percent of internet viewers view a live stream every week.      
  
• One of the most commonly live streamed content are breaking news (34%) and live sports (29%).      
  
• 91.7 percent of internet Internet users around the world watch live streaming services every month.      
  
• 52 percent of TikTok users want to stream live video.      
  
• Smart TVs are by far the most sought-after location to stream live streaming (35.3 percent of the streamed content).      
  
• 28 A majority of video content consumed online live streamed.      
  
• The longest live stream of all time ran for more than 624 hours from the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.        
  
• The live streaming record for the most viewers ever was set by Spanish streamer, Ibai-with 3.44 millions Twitch users on the channel La Velada del Ano (3).      
  

Live streaming was the first step to make it possible (Timeline)

The list isn't exhaustive, but here's a quick chronology of technological developments which allow live streaming.

In the 1990s, technology allowed "packets" that contained media files to be streamed and rendered prior to downloading a complete file.
1993 - The MPEG-1 compression standard is released, enabling practical video streaming
1995- The company Starlight developed the first video streaming from satellites.
1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 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 created, which creates a framework for sending videos and audio across networks.
19981998 Starlight unveiled the first web conferencing products.
1999 - Victoria's Secret fashion show is one of the first major live stream events, with around 1.5 million viewers.
2002 - Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable video possible.
2007 - Launch of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch), which included Justin Kan, who was a cameraman all day long. It was later expanded to numerous channels that would allow the public to broadcast.
2009 - Both Ustream and Live stream launched
2011 The year 2011 was the year that YouTube has added live streaming to its offerings. The service was first introduced in 2005 (fun fact: the first video was named "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook began live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, as well as Instagram in 2016.

Live streaming benefits

Live Streaming is a method of delivering vitality.

• Super interactive : Viewers cannot only view in real time However, they also have the ability to talk, ask questions and give feedback in other ways.      
  
• Perfectly imperfect: Unlike edited video, which content creators may be compelled to improve the content, live streams can't do this (at at least, not currently). As a result, live streams feel natural, and are more enjoyable.    
  
• It's less time-consuming: There may need to be setup and preparation however, live streaming is generally less time-consuming as opposed to, for instance, working hard on creating a produced video-which could need scripting, re-shooting, editing and so on.    
  
• Costs of production are lower  Most of the time it's a lower lift for getting started and launching.      
  
• Repurposing : You can cut and adapt your live stream for various purposes and formats following the actual event, or by making a video or a video.      
  
• It's a sense of urgency. Live streaming feels a little more pressing. If it's a person who posts a recording after an event, being able to watch live is a real treat and increases participation.    
  

What you need for live streaming

It's a great overview in this video if you're getting started with Live streaming!

But otherwise, here's an overview of live streaming available to creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The cool thing regarding live streaming in the present is there is no need for fancy devices. The majority of modern phones come with everything needed to operate a live stream.

Here are some possibilities for video choices:

• Smartphone video: Most phones are able to create HD video. Some newer ones shoot in 4k. Make sure to note that your phone's back and front camera might be different quality. Both are probably suitable for a live stream. It's easier to stream direct via your smartphone.    
  
• Webcam: Certain streaming software users choose to utilize either the built-in webcam of their computer, or else an external webcam. This would be for live streaming done on a desktop or laptop.    
  
• Professional cameras: Established streamers often use professional cameras like DSLRs to stream live. These can be tethered to your phone or laptop and will send you a better quality video, as well as permitting you to select the lenses which best suit your style and style.    
  

You'll also need sound! There are a few options available:

• The built-in microphone on your phone or computer (not advised): Your phone and microphones on computers are too close to your mouth when you are watching the live stream and often have audio recorders that are not of high-quality. You should pick among the alternatives listed below.    
  
• Wireless or Bluetooth headphones put the microphone close to your mouth, enhancing sound quality and reducing background noise. The headset you choose to use is typically more effective than the device's built-in mic.    
  
• Lapel microphone Lapel microphones are clipped to the collar of your shirt and picks up sounds closer to your mouth. This makes more quality. It is wired as well as wireless as well as some of the higher-end mics have features such as noise canceling.    
  
• Shotgun microphone : A shotgun mic sits away from your face (often clips to the top of the camera) and records the direction of your vocal.      
  
• Condenser microphone for desktop  The majority of streamers these days are employing desktop condenser mics such as Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your PC and receives sound directly out of your mouth.      
  

Here are a few more stream live advice to boost your streaming game.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

Streaming software isn't always necessary as you are able to live stream directly on major platforms. However, streaming software could be beneficial for those who want:

• For sharing the screen of a computer, be it of a slideshow or for gaming.        
  
• In order to utilize more than one camera (ie. different angles).    
  
• to add overlays, graphics, logos cards or chatboxes.        
  
• To mix in different audio sources (e.g. music).    
  
• In order to stream on multiple platforms at once (e.g. Facebook + YouTube plus LinkedIn). ).    
  

As an example, we talked about the streaming platform StreamYard in our blog post on Zoom Alternatives. It can do a variety of the above.

3. A platform for live streaming

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

Try it out ! Mighty makes it super easy to live stream via your mobile or Mighty application. You may even have your own branded app to stream your live streams from. You can easily monetize it or charge per stream or set up a subscription with streaming built-in.

Live streaming benefits for business

If you own a business and want to grow, then you must understand the power in live streaming. Your live streams won't look as polished and perfect as that promotional video that you worked on, but live streaming offers something unique. Like we mentioned above it establishes a connection between your customers and yourself that feels a lot more genuine and authentic and is an enormous advantage for your company. In addition, live streaming holds potential to be exciting and unexpected (in the best way) ).

Here are the additional advantages of live streaming for companies:

• Host events without needing the space or space Live streams allow businesses to organize virtual meetings and events without having to be within the same location.    
  
• Provide educational opportunities. A live stream can be a way to give value, especially through instructing! Companies can make use of live streams (especially in a webinar format) to educate customers and create brand awareness.    
  
• The audience can stream live from wherever anyone in the world can catch the live stream using the internet and device. The live stream brings your viewers closer to them and allows you for them to get in touch with you.    
  
• Earn from ticketing and events: Businesses can create high-end digital goods such as live streams to generate income, by selling tickets or the ability to grate them.    
  

And don't just use your live stream for selling. Offer your clients value, teach them things and inspire them to get them involved. This is what makes live streaming beneficial to your company.

We love live streaming so we've included live streaming capabilities in all 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 watched live streams in its moment (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 chat. It was later estimated that 1.16 million people played while 55 million watched.    
  

These are amazing! Live streaming has the power to unite people. In fact, we even have the live streams of our very own, People Magic Summit, with top creators and community leaders (this year's guests included people like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). You can rewatch sessions here!

Here are some general examples of what live streaming could look like:

• The Mighty Network host announces a daily challenge via a live stream each Monday.        
  
• A performer goes live via IGTV or TikTok and performs an intimate concert for viewers.        
  
• A gamer plays Roblox and Fortnight and streams to viewers.        
  
• Colleges offer an online virtual class that is taught via a live stream.      
  
• A thought leader interviews an individual on LinkedIn live about an upcoming book release.        
  

You can now read: 11 of the Most Effective Strategies for Community Engagement