What Is Live Streaming? (Definition & Examples) |

Live stream streaming (or livestreaming) has grown so widespread that 30% of web users watch a live stream every week. It is possible to watch and create live streams with many various devices and apps and is now simpler than ever to start.

In this post, we'll introduce you to the basics you should be aware of regarding live stream.

• The following article will describe the concept of live streaming (including a technical explanation).        
  
• We'll provide live streaming statistics and landmarks.        
  
• We'll talk about the benefits and instances for live stream.        
  
• We'll also explain what you'll need to create your personal streaming live.        
  

What is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming refers to the process of presenting to your audience via video in real-time. In the past, this was restricted to only media companies which had the ability to stream live video to their viewers. However, in recent years, the live streaming technology has exploded on the web, and more and more users are creating and enjoying this live experience right from their homes--no need for an expensive television studio.

What is live streaming... technologically

Encoding
Technically speaking, the camera is able to input raw digital images. However, they are too large to stream effectively. An encoder (software or hardware) reduces the video's size in real-time to codecs (ie. h.264). The result is that the file size gets smaller enough to stream and standardizes the format so that any device could read it.

Compression
The video is split into what are called I-frames, P-frames, and B-frames. I-frames are a lot as a typical JPEG image-they contain a complete image frame with all the details.

B-frames and P-frames operate in a different way. They only capture the part of the video which changes by tracking motion vectors. It is much smaller, simpler to compress, and faster to playback. As an example, in an YouTube video where someone talks against something static, the majority of the background pixels don't change.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) can only encode the motion and changes in the body of the speaker's face as well as body movements by taking a look at the earlier frames.        
  
• B-frames can be even more efficient, because they can reference both previous AND future frames to create the full image.      
  

Internet speed
Live streaming also requires a constant flow of information. This is known as bit rate, the amount of data your device will be able to stream in a second.

• 720 (HD) video requires 4 to 4.5 Mbps        
  
• 1080p is required to download 4-6 Mbps        
  
• 4k is a requirement of 15-25 Mbps        
  

In the case of live streaming the upload speed has to be in line with the information your stream is sending.

Viewers don't require the identical speed. The quality of video players is reduced if a connection is slow, or they buffer (downloading 2-30 seconds ahead) to make the stream smooth. Also, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies the file at a real-time rate to a server which is nearer to the player, since it takes information time to travel longer distances.

    Latency

The video may not be truly live. There's always at least a couple seconds of delay-we term this delay latency.

Live Streaming statistics

• 30 percent of internet users view a live stream weekly.      
  
• One of the most often live streamed video are breaking news (34%) and live sports (29%).      
  
• 91.7% of the internet's viewers worldwide stream live each month.      
  
• 52 percent of TikTok subscribers would like to stream live video.      
  
• Smart TVs can be the most popular spot to watch live streaming (35.3% of all streaming content).      
  
• 28% of all online videos consumed on the internet are streamed live.      
  
• Live streaming that was the longest in history took over 624 hours from the Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.        
  
• The streaming record with the highest number of viewers is held by Spanish streamer, Ibai-with 3.44 millions viewers on Twitch for the channel La Velada del Ano (3).      
  

How live streaming became possible (Timeline)

We won't cover everything, but here's a quick timeline of the tech developments that make live streaming possible.

1990s - Tech allowed for "packets" that contained media files to be streamed, and then rendered prior to downloading a complete file.
1993 - The MPEG-1 standard for compression is published to allow for the streaming of videos in real-time.
1995- The company Starlight developed the first streaming of video using satellites.
1995- First internet radio: Radio HK.
1995 The year 1995 RealPlayer is launched, making it the first mainstream streaming media player. The program was later added as an option for Windows 98 installation.
1996: The Real-time Transportation Protocol is created, which creates an infrastructure for transmitting videos and audio across networks.
19981998 Starlight unveiled the first web conference products.
1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show, which was a huge success, becomes one the first live streaming shows, attracting the potential of 1.5 million viewers.
2002 - Flash Player adds video capabilities which makes embeddable video feasible.
2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later changed its name to Twitch), which included Justin Kan, who was a cameraman all day long. The site would expand to include numerous channels that would allow viewers to stream.
2009- Both Ustream and Live stream launched
2011 2012 YouTube has added live streaming to its services. The service was first introduced in 2005 (fun detail: the initial video was titled "Me at the Zoo"). Facebook added live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, and Instagram in 2016.

The benefits of live streaming

Live Streaming has an energy.

• Super-interactive  Viewers can not only watch live, but they can usually talk, ask questions and provide feedback in different ways.      
  
• Completely unfinished Aside from edited video which content creators may be compelled to improve but live streaming isn't able to achieve this (at at least, not currently). This means that live streams are organic, and are more enjoyable.    
  
• It's less time-consuming: There may be prep and setup however, live streaming is typically less labor-intensive as opposed to, for instance making an edited video, which may require scripting, re-shooting, editing, etc.    
  
• Lower production costs : Often it's a lower lift to get started and launch.      
  
• Repurposing  The user can cut and adapt your live stream for various purposes and formats following the fact, as well as making a video or a video.      
  
• The urgency of live streaming can feel a bit more pressing. Although it's possible that someone uploads a video after the event, catching a live event makes you feel special and helps increase uptake.    
  

What you need to live stream

It's a great overview of this video for those who are starting to get started with Live streaming!

However, it's an outline of live streaming options for creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The cool thing regarding live streaming in the present is you probably don't need any extravagant devices. Modern smartphones have everything you need to run live streams.

Here are a few possibilities for video choices:

• Video on smartphones: The majority of phones can create at least HD video. Some modern phones shoot 4K. Be aware that the phone's back and front camera could be of different qualities. However, both are likely to be adequate to live stream. It's easiest to stream directly from your phone.    
  
• Webcam: Certain streaming software users choose to utilize either an internal computer webcam as well as using an external webcam. It is a good choice for live streaming done via laptops or computers.    
  
• Professional camera: The most seasoned streamers typically employ professional cameras such as DSLRs for live streams. They can be connected to a laptop or phone and can send a higher-quality video, as well as giving you the option of choosing the lens that most suit your look and feel.    
  

And you'll need sound! There are a few options available:

• The built-in microphone on your phone or computer (not recommended) Phone and microphones on computers are too far away from your mouth when you are watching a live stream, they are usually audio recorders that are not of high-quality. It's better to choose from the choices given below.    
  
• Wireless or Bluetooth headphones get that microphone right close to your mouth, improving sound quality and reducing background sound. Any headset is usually better than your phone's microphone built into the device.    
  
• Lapel mic The lapel microphone clips to the collar of your shirt and picks up the sound closer to your mouth, making more quality. They come wired and wireless as well as some of the higher-end mics have features such as noise canceling.    
  
• Shotgun mic  The shotgun mic is set away from you (often it clips onto the top of the camera) and pics up the direction of the voice.      
  
• Condenser mic for your desktop : More streamers today are making use of desktop condenser microphones, such as those of the Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your computer and captures audio out of your lips.      
  

Here are a few more live streaming tricks to improve your game.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

Streaming software isn't always necessary as you are able to live stream directly to major platforms. It's beneficial for those seeking:

• For sharing an image on a computer screen. It could be part of a slideshow or for gaming.        
  
• to use multiple cameras (ie. different angles).    
  
• To add overlays, images, logos cards, chat boxes.        
  
• To mix in different audio sources (e.g. music).    
  
• To stream to multiple platforms at the same time (e.g. YouTube + Facebook 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

The explanation is fairly straightforward. It is necessary to have a streaming platform that supports streaming, such as YouTube or Twitch.

You can try it ! Mighty makes it super easy to stream live via your mobile or Mighty app, or you may even have your own app with a branded name to stream from. And it's easy to monetize by charging for streams or create a membership with streaming included in.

Live streaming benefits for business

If you're a proprietor of a company and want to grow, then you must understand the benefits in live streaming. Live streams may not be as polished or perfect like the promotional videos you put into it, however live streaming is something distinctive. Like we mentioned above it establishes a connection between your customers and yourself that feels a lot more genuine and authentic this is a major strength for your brand. Plus, live streaming has the potential to be really exciting and unexpected (in the best way) ).

Here are the additional benefits of live streaming to companies:

• Host events without needing any space or location: Live streams let businesses hold virtual gatherings and discussions without having to be within the same location.    
  
• Create educational opportunities: Live streams can be the perfect way to add value, especially through instructing! Live streams can be used by businesses (especially in a webinar format) to help educate their customers and increase brand recognition.    
  
• Audience can watch from anywhere: Anyone anywhere in the world is able to watch a live stream with an internet connection and a gadget. This brings your audience closer, and it makes it much easier for them to get in touch with you.    
  
• Profit from events and ticket sales: Businesses can create top digital services such as live streams to generate income, by selling tickets or giving them away.    
  

Do not just make use of your live stream to sell. Offer your clients worth, provide them with information that will inspire, motivate them, and make them feel valued, and engage them. It's the only way to make live streaming beneficial to your business.

Live streaming is our favorite so we've added live streaming functionality to our various plans.

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Live streaming demonstrations

There are some huge, historic live streams. These include:

• Michael Jackson's funeral is one of the most-watched live streams at the moment (2009).      
  
• In 2012 NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to watch NASA live streamings on space.    
  
• In 2014 gamers on Twitch played Pokemon together with commands from chat. Later, it was discovered that 1.16 million users played and 55 million watched.    
  

These are amazing! Live streaming has the power to bring humans together. We even host the live streams of our very own called People Magic Summit, with the top community leaders and creators (this event featured guests like Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry, and Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed here!

Here are a few more generic examples of what live streams could look like:

• The Mighty Network host announces a weekly challenge on a live stream every Monday.        
  
• A performer goes live on IGTV or TikTok and hosts an intimate concert for viewers.        
  
• Gamer who plays Roblox or Fortnight and broadcasts to viewers.        
  
• The college provides the virtual class that is taught via a live stream.      
  
• A thought leader interviews an individual on LinkedIn live on the internet about a forthcoming book launch.        
  

Check it out: 11 of the Top Community Engagement Strategies