What Is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

Live streaming (or livestreaming) has grown so widespread that 30% of internet users live stream every week. It is possible to watch or make live streams on a range of platforms and devices, and it's much easier as never before.

In this article, we'll introduce you to all you should be aware of regarding live streaming.

• We'll explain live streaming in detail (including an explanation of the technical aspects).
  
• We'll share some live streaming figures and other important milestones.
  
• The discussion will focus on the advantages and practical examples that live streaming can offer.
  
• And we'll share the things you'll need for creating your own live stream.
  

What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming is the practice of broadcasting to an audience live on video, in real-time. Live streaming in the past was only available to media companies with the capability of streaming live video to their viewers. Since the past few years, live streaming technology has been a major hit on the internet and increasing numbers of users are creating and enjoying that live experience at home, without the the expense of a television studio.

What exactly is live streaming... technological

Coding
    Technically, the camera is able to output the raw digital image. However, these images aren't big enough for streaming effectively. Encoders (software or hardware) converts the video in real time into codecs (ie. h.264). This decreases the size of the file enough to stream, and also standardizes the file so that every device would be able to read it.

Compression
    The video is divided into what is known as I-frames or P-frames. These are also referred to as B-frames. I-frames are a little similar as a normal JPEG image-they contain a complete image frame that includes all specifics.

B-frames and P-frames operate differently. They are only capturing part of the footage that changes due to tracking motion vectors. This makes it an easier compression file and also more effective to play. When it comes to YouTube videos, YouTube video, in which a speaker is talking in front of a background that is static, most all of the pixels in the background aren't likely to be affected by.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) cannot encode movements and variations in the face of the speaker and body movements through reviewing prior frames.
  
• B-frames are even more efficient as they are able to reference the past and future frames, resulting in an entire picture.
  

Internet speed
    Naturally, live streaming demands a constant flow of information. This is known as the bit rate. It is the quantity of data your device can be capable of streaming in a second.

• 720 (HD) video requires between 2-4 speeds
  
• 1080p is needed to download at 4-6 speeds
  
• 4k needs 15-25 Mbps
  

In the case of live streaming, the upload speed needs to match the streams data transmission.

Viewers don't require the same speeds. Video players reduce quality if connections are slow and can even buffer (downloading about three to two seconds earlier) so that the video stream is smooth. We also use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your files in real-time to a server near to the user as it needs information to cover further distances.

Latency

The video may not be actually live. It is always at minimum two seconds delay. This is known as the latency.

Live Streaming Statistics

• 30percent of Internet viewers are able to watch streaming live every week.
  
• Some of the most frequently streamed live video is breaking news (34 percent) and the live stream of sports (29 percent).
  
• 91.7 percentage of Internet users across the globe watch live streams throughout the month.
  
• 52% of TikTok users want to stream live video.
  
• Smart televisions are the preferred location for live streaming content (35.3% of all streaming content).
  
• 28 The majority of video streams that are streamed on the internet can be streamed live.
  
• Live streaming, which was the longest duration took more than 624 days by the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• Record-breaking live stream with the most viewers was established by Spanish Ibai streamer with 3.44 millions Twitch users for the channel La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live streaming is the initial step in making it feasible (Timeline)

It's difficult to include every aspect, but this is a brief overview of technological advancements which allow live streaming.

In the 1990s, technology allowed "packets" with media files to stream to be rendered prior to a complete download.
    1993 - 1993: The MPEG-1 standards for compression has been made public, making it possible to use video streaming
    1995: The company Starlight invented the first online streaming video system that relies on satellites.
     1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 In 1995, RealPlayer was launched. This made it the very first stream-based mainstream media player. In the following years, it is added as a choice within Windows 98 installation.
    1996 1996: The Real-time Transportation Protocol is invented in 1996, establishing the foundation for sending audio and videos over networks.
    19981998 Starlight unveiled the first web software for conferencing.
    1999 - Victoria's Secret Fashion show is among the first major live stream show, and has the possibility of 1.5 million viewers.
    2002 - 2002 Flash Player adds video capabilities which make embeddable video content feasible.
    2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch) which featured Justin Kan as the cameraman for all hours of the day. Later, it was expanded to numerous channels that allowed the general public to stream.
    2009: Both Ustream as well as Live stream are launched
    2011 2012 YouTube has introduced live streaming to its services. It was first introduced in 2005 (fun fact: the first YouTube video was titled "Me at the Zoo). Facebook introduced live streaming in 2015, followed by Periscope in 2015, and Instagram at the time of 2016.

Live streaming benefits

Live streaming is a powerful tool.

• Super-interactive Viewers aren't only able to watch in real time, but they can usually talk, ask questions and give feedback in other ways.
  
• Incomplete, aside from edited videos that content creators could feel the need to polish, live streaming isn't able to do that (at minimum, in the moment). As a result, live streams are organic as well as more entertaining.
  
• It's less time-consuming: There could be preparation and setting up for live streams however, they're generally less work than, say the work required to make edited videos, which may require writing, editing or reshooting.
  
• Lower production costs : Often it's a lower lift to begin and launch.
  
• The repurposing The user can modify and cut live streams to various purposes and formats after the event itself, or even host a video of the event.
  
• Live streaming is a bit more urgent. If it's a person who uploads their video after the event, the ability to view it live is truly a treat, which increases the number of people who view it.
  

What are the requirements to stream live?

The video gives a fantastic overview this video, for anyone who is starting to get started with stream live!

However, below is the outline for live streaming for creators .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The cool thing regarding live streaming is there's no requirement for extravagant technology. Most modern smartphones have all the essential capabilities to handle live streaming.

Here are some options of video options:

• Smartphones with video cameras Most phones can create at least HD videos. Some more recent models shoot at 4k. Make sure to note that your phone's back and front camera could be of different qualities. Both are probably suitable for a live stream. It's simpler to stream direct from your phone.
  
• Webcam: Some computer streamers prefer using either the built-in webcam of their laptop or the external camera. It is a good choice when it comes to live streaming using a laptop or desktop.
  
• Professional camera: Experienced streamers usually utilize professional cameras, such as DSLRs for live streaming. They are able to be connected to your phone or laptop and will send you a better quality video, and let you select the lenses which best suit your personal style and preferences.
  

Sound is crucial! These are some suggestions:

• The microphone built into your phone or computer (not recommended) Your phone's or computer's microphones are too far away from your mouth during the live stream, and they are usually audio recorders which aren't that high-quality. You should choose one of the choices below.
  
• The Bluetooth or wired headphones put this microphone near to your mouth, increasing the quality of your audio and reducing background disturbance. The headphones you choose to use are usually more effective than the built-in microphone of your device.
  
• Lapel microphone: The lapel microphone clips to your collar or shirt, and transmits the sound closer to your mouth. This gives you better quality. The microphones are wired and wireless in addition to many of the top-end models include features like noise cancellation.
  
• shotgun mic The shotgun microphone is set away from your face (often it is attached to the camera's top) and records directional sound of your voice.
  
• Condenser mic for your computer desktop Many streaming sites today make use of condenser microphones for desktops, such as Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your computer and picks up sound right directly from the mouth of the user.
  

Here are some more tips for stream live which will enhance your gameplay.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

The usage of streaming software isn't necessarily necessary since you are able to live stream directly to major platforms. But, it could be an ideal alternative for people who want to:

• to share the screen of a computer, be it for a slideshow, or even to play games.
  
• In order to use several cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• As overlays for graphics, logos cards or chat boxes.
  
• Mix in the audio source (e.g. music).
  
• for streaming on multiple platforms at once (e.g. Facebook + YouTube plus LinkedIn). ).
  

In order to illustrate this, we reviewed the streaming service StreamYard in our blog post about Zoom Alternatives. It accomplishes a lot of the above.

3. Live streaming platforms

It's quite straightforward. You need a streaming platform, like YouTube as well as Twitch.

Try it out ! Mighty lets you run a live stream from your smartphone or through it's Mighty application. You can even get your own branded app to live stream from. It's also easy to make money by charging per stream, or even create memberships with streaming integrated in.

Live streaming has benefits to businesses

If you own a company and want to grow, then you must understand the advantages of live streaming. The live stream you select to use won't look like the polished and flawless version of your promotional video that you worked on, but live streaming can be a distinct thing. It helps create a bond between you and your clients that's authentic and real it is a huge strength for your brand. In addition, live streaming holds potential to be thrilling and surprising (in the best manner ).

Here are some other advantages of live streaming for businesses:

• Event planners can hold events without having to use an area or space. streams let businesses hold meetings and virtual discussions without needing to all gather at the same location.
  
• Create educational opportunities: Live streams are the ideal method to enhance to the benefits of education, specifically via the process of education! Businesses can use live streams (especially when they are being offered as webinar) in order to inform their customers and build brand visibility.
  
• The live stream is accessible to viewers from any location. stream from any place anyone in the world is able to watch live streams via the internet and device. This brings people closer and it makes it simpler for them to get contact with the viewers.
  
• Profit from event tickets. Businesses can develop top digital products such as live streams that can generate income, by selling tickets or offering them for free.
  

Do not use your live streaming as a method to make profits. Give your customers something of value, educate your customers and encourage people to take part. This is the only way you can make live streaming work for your company.

We're big fans of live streaming and that's why we've added live streaming capability in all our plans.

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Live streaming demonstrations

There are some huge historical live streams. Examples include:

• Michael Jackson's funeral was one of the live streams that were watched by the most people in its moment (2009).
  
• In 2012 NASA streamed live on the Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to watch NASA live streams in the internet.
  
• In 2014, gamers on Twitch played Pokemon along with commands sent through the chat. Later, it was discovered that 1.16 million people played, and watched.
  

This is amazing! Live streaming can be an effective tool for bringing together people. Indeed, we even stream live from our own People Magic Summit, with the top community leaders and creators (this year's attendees included such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry as well as Amanda Goetz). You can rewatch sessions here!

Here are some general examples of how would a live stream appear at:

• The Mighty Network host announces a every week during their live stream on Mondays.
  
• A live musician performs on IGTV or TikTok and plays an intimate concert for the viewers.
  
• A gamer is a player who is a Roblox player as well as Fortnight and streams to viewers.
  
• Colleges offer an online course which is delivered via live streams.
  
• A thought leader talks to one of the users on LinkedIn live about the upcoming release of a book.
  

You can now go to: 11 of the best strategies for Community Engagement

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