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

The live streaming (or livestreaming) has become so common that more than 30% of all web viewers watch live streams each week. It is possible to watch or make live streams using a variety of devices and apps It's now simpler to start more than ever.

In this post this article, we'll explain everything that you must know about live streaming.

• This article will clarify how live streaming works (including an explanation of the technical issues).
  
• Live streaming statistics and milestones.
  
• The discussion will focus on benefits and examples to stream live.
  
• We'll also explain what you'll need to create your personal streaming live.
  

What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming is the practice of broadcasting to viewers via video in real-time. In the past, live streaming was limited to media outlets that could stream live video to their audience. However, in recent years the live streaming platform has exploded on the web because more people are using and streaming live from their homes, with no necessity of an expensive television studio.

What is live streaming... technical

Coding
    In terms of technical specifications, the camera is able to input digital raw images. However, they are too large for the camera to effectively stream. Therefore, an encoder (software or hardware) converts the video at the speed of light and then converts it to codecs (ie. h.264). The result is that the file becomes smaller to stream, and makes it standard so that devices recognize it.

Compression
    The video can be split into P-frames and I-frames as well as B-frames. I-frames are a little similar to a standard JPEG image. They are a full frame of images that contains all details.

B-frames and P-frames operate slightly different. They capture only the portion of the film that is changing in motion vectors by capturing these. It results in a much smaller and simpler compression as well as faster playback. When you watch a YouTube video where a speaker speaks against an unchanging background, the majority of the backgrounds pixels will not alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) can be recorded to document the changes within the context of movement of the body or speaker by reviewing prior frames.
  
• B-frames also work better as they possess the ability to refer to the past and future frames in order to make an overall image.
  

Internet speed
    Live streaming is also dependent upon a continuous flow of data. This is called bit rate. This is how much data the device is able to stream in a second.

• 720 (HD) video requires 4 to 4.5 4 to 4.5 Mbps
  
• 1080p is the minimum required for downloading 4 to 6 megabits
  
• 4k needs 15-25 Mbps
  

If you are streaming live, it is essential that your upload speed to match what the stream is transmitting.

Viewers don't require the identical speed. Video players' quality is reduced if connections are poor or they are buffering (downloading around 2-30 minutes prior to the start of each session) for the purpose of making streaming smooth. We also use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your videos in real-time the server that is close to your viewer, since it takes information time to travel over longer distances.

Latency

The video may not be actually live. At the very least, there's only a few seconds of delay. We refer to this as delay the latency.

Live Streaming stats

• 30 percent of web users view live streams each week.
  
• The most of the time, live streaming media include breaking news (34%) as well as live sports (29 percent).
  
• 91.7 per cent of all web Internet users around the world stream live services on a monthly basis.
  
• 52 A majority of TikTok customers wish to see live streams.
  
• Smart TVs have become among the most popular platform to watch live streamed video (35.3 percent of the streamed videos).
  
• 28percent of streaming videos streaming on the internet are live streams.
  
• The live streaming which was the longest in duration was more than 624 hours, by the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• The streaming record with the most viewers is set by the Spanish Ibai streamer-with 3.44 million Twitch users for the channel La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live stream was the initial step to make it feasible (Timeline)

It's not possible to cover all aspects in this article, but here's an overview timeline of developments in technology which allow live streaming.

The 90s witnessed the introduction of technology that allowed "packets" from media sources to stream and be rendered before downloading the complete download.
    1993 - 1993 - The MPEG-1 standard of compression is created, making it possible to use the streaming of video in a practical manner.
    1995- Starlight, a Starlight company Starlight developed the first online video system that relies on satellites.
     1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1995 RealPlayer launches, becoming the first streaming media player. It was later added as an option to Windows 98 installation.
    1996 - Real-time Transport Protocol is created, which provides the infrastructure to transmit audio and videos across networks.
    1998- Starlight unveiled the first web products for conferences.
    1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show is one of the first significant live stream shows, attracting around 1.5 million fans.
    2002 2001 Flash Player adds video capabilities that make embedding video content a possibility.
    2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later changed its title to Twitch) that included Justin Kan, who was an camera all hours of the day. It would grow into several channels, allowing viewers to stream.
    2009 The two streams, Ustream as well as Live stream both launched
    The year 2011 was the year in which YouTube introduced live streaming into its offerings. It first launched live streaming in 2005 (fun fact: the first video was named "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook introduced live streaming in 2015, Periscope in 2015, as well as Instagram in 2016.

Benefits of live streaming

Live Streaming is a method of delivering power.

• Super-interactive Viewers cannot only view in real-time however, they are also able to be able to communicate, ask questions, and provide feedback in different ways.
  
• Absolutely imperfect: Unlike edited video, where a creator of content might feel bound to refine their content, but live streaming isn't able to do this (at at least, not currently). This means that live streams are organic, as well as more entertaining.
  
• It is less time-consuming to do some preparation and set-up for live streams, but they're generally much less labor-intensive than say, working hard to create a video that could need writing, editing, or re-shooting, etc.
  
• The costs of producing HTML0 are less The majority of the time the lift is lower to start and then launch.
  
• Repurposing It is possible to edit and alter your live stream to meet various needs and formats following the actual moment, or create an audio version.
  
• There's an urgency. Live streaming makes you feel a little more immediate. Even though it's possible for someone to publishes their video later however, watching live events feels really special and boosts engagement.
  

What you need to live stream?

The video is a fantastic overview this video, especially if you're getting started with stream live!

But otherwise, here's an outline of live streaming for creators .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

One of the best things about live streaming today is the lack of need for fancy devices. Modern smartphones have everything you need to run live streaming.

Here are some possible videos to consider:

• Smartphone video: All smartphones can produce at least HD videos, while some smartphones shoot in 4K. Make sure to note that your smartphone's cameras on the front and back may be different quality. But either is probably fine for live streaming. This is the simplest way to stream from your phone.
  
• Webcam: A few streamers choose to make use of the internal webcam of their computers or an external camera. This would be to stream live on laptops or computer.
  
• Professional camera: The most experienced streamers usually use professional cameras such as DSLRs for live streaming. These cameras can be linked to phones or computers and will send you a superior quality video, in addition to letting you pick the lens that most suit your look and experience.
  

Also, you'll require sound! Here are some ideas:

• Mic built into your computer or mobile (not advised) Mics in phones and computers are far from your mouth when you are watching streaming live, and often have audio recorders that don't have high-quality audio. You should pick one of the choices given below.
  
• The Bluetooth and wired headphones position the microphone right next to your mouth. This improves the quality of your sound and decreasing background sound. Every headset will be better than your phone's built-in microphone.
  
• Lapel microphone: The microphone attaches to an affixed collar and listens for the sound close to the mouth. This makes the sound more premium. Wireless and wired as well as some of the higher-end microphones come with extra features, such as noise cancellation.
  
• Shotgun microphone The shotgun microphone is placed far of your face (often is attached to the highest part of your camera) and pics up the direction you speak in.
  
• Condenser microphone for desktop The majority of streamers today are employing microphones for desktops, such as those of the Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti, which plug directly into your PC and records audio directly from your mouth.
  

Here are a few additional Tips for Live Streaming to improve the quality of your live streaming.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

The use of streaming software isn't necessarily necessary because you can live stream directly on most platforms. However, streaming software could be a good idea for people looking to:

• to share the screen of computers, whether in a slideshow format or as part of gaming.
  
• to use multiple cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• For overlays graphic cards, logos, or chat box.
  
• Mixing in various audio formats (e.g. music).
  
• In order to stream on multiple platforms at the same time (e.g. Facebook + YouTube and LinkedIn ).
  

For illustration, we discussed the platform StreamYard in our article about Zoom Alternatives. It's a fantastic solution for this.

3. Live streaming platforms

It's quite simple. You'll need a streaming service, like YouTube and Twitch.

You can try it ! Mighty makes it super easy to live stream using your phone or Mighty app. You could even create an app that you can name and live stream your streams using. It is possible to easily make money through the charging of streams, or create a membership with streaming integrated to.

Live streaming is a benefit to businesses

If you own a company it is important to understand the benefits from live stream. The live stream you select to stream won't look exactly as polished and perfect as that promotional video that you put together, but live streaming offers something unique. As we've said before, it establishes a connection between your audience and you that's unscripted and authentic and is an enormous advantage for businesses. In addition live streaming has the potential to be unexpected and spontaneous (in the most effective way) ).

Here are some of the other advantages of live streaming for a business:

• Event planners can organize events without needing any space or location Live streams allow businesses to organize virtual events and meetings without needing to all gather in the same spot.
  
• Provide educational opportunities. Live streaming is the perfect way to add value to your business, particularly through the instructing! Businesses can use live streams (especially in a webinar format) to let customers know about their products and create branding awareness.
  
• The audience can stream live from virtually anywhere. Anywhere around the globe can stream live with the internet and device. The live stream can bring your viewers closer, making it simpler to communicate to them.
  
• Profit from live events and tickets: Businesses can develop high-end digital products like live streaming to be revenue sources, and generate revenue from selling tickets and giving them away.
  

Don't use your live stream as a way to market. Offer your clients something they can value, and educate them and inspire the audience to be more engaged. That's what makes live streaming beneficial for your business.

Live streaming is one of our top priorities, and we've added this capabilities to our plans.

     Get your Free Trial

Live streaming as an example

There are a few massive, older live stream streams. They include:

• Michael Jackson's funeral has been one of the most watched live stream that has ever been broadcast (2009).
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to watch NASA live streams on space.
  
• In 2014, users on Twitch were playing Pokemon in conjunction with commands given by the chat. The number of players is estimated at 1.16 million users played and 55 million viewed.
  

They're awesome! Live streaming is a powerful tool to unite individuals. In fact, we even have our own live stream called 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 replay the sessions via our website!

Here are a few basic examples of live streaming that might look like:

• A Mighty Network host announces a daily challenge via live streams every Monday.
  
• Live performances are broadcast via IGTV or TikTok and plays an intimate concert for viewers.
  
• A gamer is one who is a participant in Roblox and Fortnight and streams to viewers.
  
• A college offers an online virtual class that is taught via live streaming.
  
• A thought leader interviews an individual on LinkedIn live regarding an upcoming book release.
  

Click Here to Read: 11 of the Top Engagement Strategies for the Community Engagement Strategies

Article was posted on here