The ABC’s of Live Streaming

Live streaming technology is a digital innovation which permits video capture and instantaneous transmission. Live streaming facilitates broadcasters to develop and stream refined content in less time.

With the introduction of live streaming, storage of video files is no longer required. Thus viewers need not have to download the videos before watching them. The first ever applications of live streaming technology include streaming of a baseball match and streaming of a video concert. It has grown in application after the evolution of high speed data services. 

Live streaming, a miraculous technovation 

Live streaming is a product of information Technology enabled services(ITES) . It has paved the way for innovative job opportunities such as digital marketer or technical journalism. People with penchant for photography like to click and share the photos online. Live streaming provides the facility of recording an entire video and post it as soon as possible to share it with the world. 

Videos streamed live can be viewed on traditional TV with additional devices like HDMI cables and screen mirroring options. Live streaming is a miraculous technology owing to its user-friendly features. It combines the benefits of cloud computing into IT because of which offline storage is not required. Thus, live streaming can be easily done using handheld devices with limited storage space. Although, live streaming appears as a user-friendly technology due to the tough competition among the digital experts. The intrinsics of live streaming are not very simple. 

Basics of live streaming technology 

Understanding the basics of live streaming technology requires cross-disciplinary knowledge. Live streaming technology combines the features of electronics, hardware, networking systems, telecommunications, and information technology (IT). In addition, one must be aware of regulations and protocols like Internet Protocol (IP) and Transfer Control Protocol (TCP). New features are constantly evolving in this interesting domain. Efforts are made to deliver the best audio-visual quality for the viewers worldwide at budget-friendly rates. 

• Procedure

A video is first captured using a webcam or any other device with an inbuilt camera like a smartphone.  Captured videos are first compressed and then encoded. In the compression process, large datasets are broken down into chunks. 

The encoding of compressed files is done using a streaming software. The video input is converted into digital format which can be easily played across various types of platforms. A capture card is required for encoding. This helps to transfer videos from camera to the live streaming setup.

Encoded videos files are sent to Content Delivery networks(CDN’s) and from there they are sent to viewer devices. This entire process takes place at an amazingly fast pace. 

Adaptive bitrate

In this version of streaming, the video quality is modified in compliance with network conditions. Thus overall video streaming over Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) networks works smoothly. When the viewer plays the content on his device, it plays finely regardless of the device and internet speed.

Multi Bitrate(MBR) is a type of streaming with the benefits of multiple nitrates. This facility helps users to encode and configure multiple streams at multiple speeds and broadcast them on a selected Content Delivery network(CDN).

Difference between video on demand (VOD) and live streaming

Video on demand(VOD) content refers to pre- recorded and edited before it is streamed online. Live streaming technology allows capturing and streaming in one go and the time lag is minimal. There is hardly any time for video editing. Thus, live streamers have to be very accurate in the process. 

Live streaming technologies have led to growth of AI enabled quick editing features. Any unintentional error in content is swiftly recognized and it’s deletion before streaming is quite feasible. 

Security concerns

Live streaming has made the word more and more interconnected. Viewers from all over the globe can watch live streamed videos and provide their feedback. However, this transparency can be a threat to security. Thus both live streamers and viewers must be cautious. No secretive information such as financial data must be shared online. Cybersecurity issues are a threat to live streaming technology. People need to set the protocols to prevent any undesirable incidents like hacking or phishing. 

Challenges in live streaming profession

The first challenge in live streaming is image clarity. One must know to take crisp and clear pictures. One must have solid practice in clicking photos and videos regularly. A practiced hand knows how to capture high resolution pictures most effortlessly. Secondly if a video captured using a mobile device is viewed on a laptop, the picture resolution might vary. Therefore, the livestreamer must be careful regarding such technical issues before jumping into uploading content live. Testing before actual uploading is required to ensure that everything goes smoothly. 

There is immense competition in the live streaming sector. Independent videographers are able to capture multiple frames simultaneously. Thus live streamers have to keep enriching their knowledge and creative techniques. There is little scope for dormancy in this highly active consumer friendly live streaming market. 

An independent live streamer has to establish one’s presence in the  market where there are many renowned broadcasters with high customer outreach. Thus one must have patience to keep networking with people and gradually building one’s online reputation. 

Live streaming technology is simple in application but it’s working mechanism is bit cryptic. Uncovering the science and technology behind live streaming technology can provide a competitive advantage. However it is tough to grasp the basics as it is deeply rooted in modern physics like study of semiconductors or optical fibres. It is always desirable to build a team of live streamers who are eager to keep learning more with every project. 

One might have worked hard but still not acquired customer attention. This factor is demoralising. Quite often, live streamers may considering switching to other roles with stable income growth opportunities. Others try to engage in stable career and continue live streaming in leisure time. One needs to have a risk taking attitude in live streaming due to its uncertainty aspects. 

How to set up a live streaming business 

A live streaming business can be set up with minimum investment. One needs to have a recording studio with adequate furniture,  fine lights, microphones, recording devices, computers etc. Those having PC’s need not throw it out but use it for multitasking instead. Using multiple devices comes with the additional task of maintenance. The positive aspect of using electronics devices is that they work smoothly when they are applied on a daily basis. Think about new ideas and keep a track of your creative ideas. 

Invest time into completing your projects. Try not to leave anything undone. 

You can gradually increase the equipment in your studio. For the beginning, it is better to put in some hard work and develop confidence as a live streamer. 

If you have a team of people, make a target and schedule a timeline for completing the schedules. Invite people to engage in brainstorming sessions. 

You can learn from the success stories of other live streamers. But do not imitate any formula, as that might not work in your case. 

Intensive research will help you design your own formula. Have trust in your ideas and keep learning from technological advances. 

Keep track of your progress, such as subscriptions, views, etc. Reply to comments in friendly and inviting tones. Consider every viewer as a prospective business partner. By listening to them, you can also invest in customized videos. Thus, you will be able to retain your customers on a long-term basis.