The latest technological advancements in live streaming

Live streaming has become such a commonplace part of our online environment that we sometimes forget how impressive it is. We can watch live footage from anywhere in the world without any delay, and in some cases, even interact with the person streaming. 

 

There have been many improvements in live streaming over the years. In this article, we’ll go over what live streaming is and then explain some of the latest technological advancements in live streaming.

 

What is live streaming?

 

Live streaming can be defined as a form of real-time communication that can have an interactive element. The streamer uses a camera with an internet connection to film themselves and play it live online. Most streams are also recorded so they can be watched at a later date.

 

The interactive element is typically in the form of a chat function on the streaming platform. People watching the live stream can comment, and if the streamer notices or chooses to respond to a comment, they can. This allows for those watching to feel like they have a more personal relationship with the streamer.

 

What is it used for?

 

Live streaming is a useful tool for students of any level who can’t attend class, for whatever reason. During the last few years, many schools experimented with holding classes entirely as live-streamed sessions. It’s more common, though, to see teachers live-streaming classes for students who have conditions that cause them to miss a significant amount of school. Live streaming is also used as an alternative educational method or to supplement homeschooling resources. 

 

One of the most enjoyable uses of live streaming is for major events. Before the days of live streaming, if you couldn’t get a ticket to see a concert or show, then you simply couldn’t see it. If you lived in an area with limited venues for entertainers, you either had to travel to attend an event or you missed out. 

 

Live streaming concerts, stand-up comedy shows, plays and more have made the arts and entertainment world accessible to much larger audiences. This is a benefit not only for people who live farther from entertainment centers but also for people with disabilities who struggle to attend performances. Increased access to the arts can never be a bad thing, so this has been an important development.

 

Online casinos have been one of the industries that have put live streaming to very good use. Live casino roulette tables in Ontario let players feel like they’re actually at a casino, because the dealer is live streamed to the players. There are also live versions of the other leading table games (poker and blackjack) and of games inspired by classic game shows and board games. 

 

Live streaming is also used in the gaming world. Live streaming video game play has made Twitch a successful platform and has made some gamers into minor celebrities. Live streaming is used as a sales tool for some small businesses and for multilevel marketing sales. Some influencers and Youtubers will livestream to have discussions with followers or to show their day-to-day routine.

 

Latest advances

 

Like with all popular digital services, some of the most important technological developments in live streaming are in the area of security. These advances are used to protect the data of both the streamer and the viewers who are watching. Due to the nature of live streaming, these measures need to be strong, without causing lag or other delays that will alienate viewers.

 

One of the reasons that live streaming is a popular option for influencers and other internet personalities is because it has the potential to be a strong earner. The leading live streaming platforms have improved their tipping system. These systems now allow viewers to send money to the streamer to get their comments or name mentioned. Some platforms will even have comments at a certain payment tier, displayed on the screen for all viewers to see.

 

Advances in protocols have made live streaming more accessible to businesses and for wider markets. The most impactful of these is the Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP). RTMP was created by Macromedia and is now being updated and developed by Adobe. RTMP works by establishing a server connection that decreases latency. For added security, businesses can use RTMPS, an encrypted version of the protocol. 

 

As live streaming has been embraced by content creators, businesses, educators and arts organizers, the need for more platforms to stream on has emerged. New streaming platforms can cater to a particular type of live streamer, which can then help viewers find similar content more easily.