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

Nov 12, 2024

Live streaming (or livestreaming) has become so common that 30% of all internet users stream live each week. It's possible to stream and create live streams with a range of gadgets and platforms, and it's now easier than ever to get started.

This article will show what you need to know and know about live streaming.

  • The article will explain live stream as a concept (including an explanation on the technical side of).
  • Live streaming will be presented as well as the historical significance of landmarks.
  • In this piece we'll talk about benefits as well as practical ways to stream live.
  • We'll also explain what you'll need to create your own streaming live.


Turn a livestream into profit. Take a look at the platform that is one of the biggest communities that has a combined sum of $1,000,000.


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What is live streaming?


Quick live streaming definition


Live streaming refers to the act of displaying the viewers live footage in real time. It was the case that live streaming was restricted to media that were capable of broadcasting live video to their viewers.


However, in recent years, live streaming technology has exploded across the internet, thereby growing the number of people creating and consuming this live experience right at your home, with no need for expensive TV studios.


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What is live streaming... technically


Coding
    In terms of technicality, the camera produces the raw digital image. However, these images are too large to be streamed efficiently. So encoders (software or hardware) converts the videos in real-time codecs (ie. h.264). This means that the size of the file is reduced to a size that allows streaming, and the format is modified so that every device will be capable of recognizing it.


Compression
    The video could be split into I-frames or P-frames. They can also be referred to as B-frames. I-frames look a lot like the standard JPEG image. They're full frames of the image, with all the details.


P-frames and B frames work slightly differently. They simply capture portions of the video which change in motion vectors by the following. This results in a less compact and easier to compress and faster to playback. For example, in an YouTube video where the person talking with an inert background the background's pixels will not change.


   

  • P-frames (Predictive frames) can be used to track changes and movements in the body of the speaker's face along with body movements through studying previous frames.
  • B-frames are also more efficient as they have the ability to refer back to previous frames as well as subsequent ones. They also provide a bigger picture.


Internet speed
    Naturally, live streaming relies on the continuous flow of data. This is known as the phrase "bit rate. It's how much data your device can deliver within the span of a second.


   

  • HD720 (HD) video is required to consume between 4 and 4% of the bandwidth
  • 1080p can take 4 to 6 minutes
  • The 4k standard requires between 15 and 25 Mbps


If you're live streaming then your upload speed should be in line with the amount of data your stream is sending.


Video players don't need the same amount of speed. Video players' quality is reduced if the connection speed is low or buffer (downloading around 2-30 minutes in advance) in order to make the streaming smooth. Also, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies immediately to servers nearer to your viewers because the information has to be transmitted over larger distances.


Latency


There's no way to guarantee that a movie is in fact live. The majority of the time, it's just one or two seconds late. This delay is referred to as latency.


Live Statisticians streaming live


   


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What made live streaming possible? (Timeline)


It's impossible to cover every aspect in this essay, however this is a brief overview of the latest developments in technology which allow live streaming to be made possible.


The 90s witnessed the development of technologies that enabled "packets" that contained media files that were able to stream and render before downloading a full document.
    1993 1993 1993 1993 MPEG-1 compression standard is published to permit the streaming of videos in real-time.
    1995 1996 Starlight the company Starlight invented the first video streaming service using satellites.
     1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1995 RealPlayer was launched becoming the first media player that streams. Later, the program is added as an option to Windows 98 installation.
    1996-96 - 1996-96 - Real-time Transport Protocol is developed and is a basis for the transmission of audio and videos via networks.
    1998 1999 Starlight launched the world's first Web conference product.
    1999 - The Victoria's Secret fashion show is one of the very first live stream events, with approximately 1.5 million viewers.
    2002, 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities that allow embedding video.
    2007 saw the launch of Justin.tv (later changed its names to Twitch) that included Justin Kan as a cameraman throughout the all hours of the day. The site would expand to include a number of channels, which let viewers broadcast.
    2009 The two streams, Ustream as well as Live stream, were created.
    2011 2011, was the year in which YouTube introduced live streaming to their platform. It first launched live streaming in 2005 (fun facts: the first video on the platform was "Me in the Zoo"). Facebook started live streaming in 2015. It launched Periscope was launched in the year 2015, and Periscope with Instagram in 2016.


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Live streaming benefits


Live streaming is one method of delivering vitality.


   

  • Super-interactive Viewers are not required to be restricted to viewing in real time, but they usually can talk about their experiences, make inquiries and offer feedback in a variety of ways.
  • Absolutely imperfect, in contrast editing video which the creator of content might feel that they have a duty to refine but live streaming can't do this (at at the very minimum it's not currently). This is why live streams are natural and are much more enjoyable.
  • It's not as time-consuming. There could be setup and preparation, however live streaming is generally much quicker than creating your own video to make. The creation of a script, editing, re-shooting and so on.
  • Lower production cost Most of the time, there's lesser lift at the beginning, and after that, it's time to launch.
  • Recycling It's possible that you can cut or modify live streams for different formats or purposes following the actual event, or by hosting a recording or video.
  • It's a sense of urgency. Live streaming can feel more urgent. If the individual decides to release their video following the incident, being able to view it live will give the viewer a sense of pride. Also, it increases the number of people who view the film.


What do you need to be aware of for live streaming?





The video provides a great outline of the video, especially particularly for those starting their online streaming journey!


Additionally, it provides an overview of live streaming that can be accessed by creators. .


To live stream, you need:


1. AV source


One of the greatest benefits of live streaming the moment is that it does not require the purchase of expensive technology. The majority of modern phones come with everything needed to stream live.


Here are a few possible video choices:


   

  • Videos on smartphones The majority of smartphones have the capacity to record HD video. Newer models capture in 4K. Be aware that the cameras in the front and back may differ in terms of their resolution. However, both cameras are most likely to work for streaming live. It is much easier to stream direct using your mobile.
  • Webcam: Certain streamers prefer either using an internal computer webcam or using the external camera. This can be a great option for live streaming done with a laptop or a desktop.
  • Professional cameras: The top streamers with experience typically use professional cameras such as DSLRs to live stream. These can be tethered to your phone or laptop and can provide higher-quality video while allowing you to choose the best lens to fits your personal style and needs.


You'll also need sound! Here are some options:


   

  • Microphone built into your PC or phone (not advised) Mics for phones and computers are too far from your mouth when broadcasting and are generally not equipped with the highest quality microphones for recording sound. It is recommended to choose any of the choices listed below.
  • Bluetooth or wireless headphones. Bluetooth headphones put the microphone near your mouth, increasing the sound quality and decreasing background disturbance. Whatever device you choose to wear is typically better than the microphone integrated into the device.
  • Lapel microphone: The mic is positioned to the collar of your shirt and listens for the sound closer to your mouth. The result is a higher-quality sound. Wired models and wireless versions are available with some high-quality microphones that include features like noise cancellation.
  • Shotgun microphone The shotgun microphone can be placed away off from the face (often attached with the top of your camera) and records a directional voice from the person speaking.
  • Condenser microphones designed for desktops A lot of streamers are employing the condenser microphones on desktops such as The Blue Yeti, which is directly connected to the PC and gets sound straight through the microphone of the user's mouth.


Here's additional live streaming advice to help you develop your streaming skills.


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2. Software to stream (optional)


Streaming software does not have to be purchased, as you are able to live stream to all major platforms. This is beneficial to those who want:


   

  • Sharing images on the screen of a computer. This can be utilized as slideshows, or to play games.
  • In order to utilize multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
  • Add graphic overlays, logos, images, chat boxes or cards.
  • Mix audio in from a variety of source (e.g. music).
  • For streaming to several different platforms simultaneously (e.g. YouTube + Facebook + LinkedIn ).


In this regard, we talked about our discussion of StreamYard technique in our piece on Zoom Alternatives. It can be used to accomplish many of these jobs.


3. Live streaming platforms


It's quite simple. It's essential to use a streaming platform, like YouTube and Twitch.


Test it! Mighty makes it super easy to live stream using your smartphone or Mighty application, or you may even have an app which you are able to use to live stream from. You can easily monetize it through charging per stream or even creating the basis of a membership through integrating streaming to the.


     Get Your Free Trial


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Live streaming has benefits for businesses.


If you're the owner of a business you must be aware of the advantages of live streams. Live streams may not be the same polished and perfect as the video promo you created, but live streaming is a distinct distinctness.


We have already mentioned that it establishes a bond between your viewers and you that is authentic and real and is an enormous advantage for your business. Furthermore, live streaming gives an opportunity to be unplanned and unexpected (in the most effective way). ).


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Here are some benefits of using live streaming to improve businesses:


   

  • It is possible to organize events without a venue or location Live streaming permits businesses to hold virtual meetings and debates without having to live in a particular city.
  • Learn more about the possibilities for education Live streaming is an excellent way of adding value via teaching! Live streams can be used by businesses (especially when they are in the form of a webinar) to inform their clients and build brand awareness.
  • Live streaming is available to viewers anyplace in the world stream live via the web and a device. It brings them closer and makes it easier for your viewers to communicate with you and your company.
  • Earn money from ticket sales as well as events. planners could develop premium digital items such as live streaming as sources of income, by selling tickets or handing them out.


You should not make the most of your live stream solely to make sales. Provide your customers with something valuable, inform them, and encourage your clients to feel appreciated, and to feel appreciated and actively engaged. It's the only way to help live streaming to work for you and your company.


We're awestruck by live streaming that's why we've incorporated live stream capabilities to all of our plans.


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Live streaming demonstrations


There are numerous historical live streams. These include:


   

  • Michael Jackson's memorial service was one of the live stream streams seen by the largest number of viewers in the era of (2009).
  • In 2012, NASA Live streamed Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to view NASA live streamings on space.
  • In 2014, Twitch users Twitch engaged in Pokemon as well as were given commands by chatters. The total number of gamers was estimated to be 1.16 million players, and 55 million viewed.


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They're awesome! Live streaming is a fantastic way to bring human beings to one another. It's even possible to broadcast live streams of our own People Magic Summit, with prominent people and leaders in the community (this year's attendees included celebrities such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed here!


Below are some others possibilities of how the live stream could be:


   

  • The Mighty Network host announces a every day challenge on live streams every Monday.
  • Live music broadcasts live on IGTV as well as TikTok and then performs in small-scale concerts for the audience.
  • Gamer plays in Roblox along with Fortnight, as well as streams to the public.
  • The college provides an online class that is taught via a live stream.
  • An influential person talks with one of the LinkedIn users LinkedIn live, discussing an forthcoming publication of the book.


Have a look at: 11 of the Best Communities Engagement Strategy



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