What is Video Streaming?

Before we dive into the depths of live video streaming, let’s quickly run through what streaming is. Video streaming is the transmission of video from a broadcaster to a user-facing video player. In the context of 2021, video streaming refers specifically to transmitting and accessing video content over the internet.

While the basis of video streaming has remained the same, a couple of things have improved in recent years.

There are a couple of different ways to stream video:

1. Streaming – This type means that a video was shot and produced and then uploaded to a video hosting platform.

2. Live streaming – This type of streaming is when a video is recorded and broadcasted in real-time via live streaming platforms.

3. VOD – Video-on-demand streaming is when the user chooses what content they want to watch on-demand. This typically means that a video was shot and produced and then uploaded to a video hosting platform. Netflix and Hulu are two great examples.

What is Live Video Streaming?

Streaming live video online can be useful for a lot of things. Consider a sports game, a church service, or a corporate event. While the people in attendance will enjoy the event, there will be people who won’t be able to attend. Live streaming a feed of the event is a great way to get more attraction to the event. This is the core of live video streaming.

In order to stream over the internet, you will need a connection that is both reliable and strong.

Streaming live video over the internet uses cameras, audio, a switcher, and an encoder. A switcher adds the audio from a sound mixer into the final output signal. The encoding software can be a stand-alone appliance or built into a camera. It compresses the video to meet video and streaming standards. The streaming industry standard is H.264.

Why Stream Video Online?

Starting in 2015, young millennials (ages 14-25) began watching more videos online via digital devices than on television. 30% of people say they’d cut the cable cord if they knew they could stream all of their content online, with a high-quality picture.

In the words of Neil Patel, “Live video commands the attention of the business world.” 76.5% of small business owners get results with video marketing. In 2020, 92% of marketers say that video is an important part of their marketing strategy for businesses. This has grown from 78% in 2015.

Many businesses find that streaming live video can be very profitable. In fact, the video streaming market is predicted to be worth $70.5 billion by 2021. Live streaming is making up the majority of that growth.

This year, more than 64 million U.S. households use over-the-top (OTT) streaming services, which often include live video. Worldwide OTT revenue was $106 billion in 2020. By 2026, that number is projected to reach $210B, with an estimated increase of $23 billion to take place in 2021 alone.

To bring it back to today, experts predict that the number will rise to $210 billion by 2026.

Most OTT content is monetized via subscriptions similar to Netflix. However, advertising is another popular way to monetize live video. By the third quarter of 2015, year-over-year ad views had increased 113 % for live video. Since then, these numbers have continued to rise rapidly.

Who Uses Online Streaming?

All sorts of OTT media and entertainment businesses are getting involved in live streaming video. In the sports world, companies like DAZN have moved from filming in the stands to making billion-dollar deals with sports leagues.

Online video streaming has also become increasingly popular for:

1. Education

2. Government

3. Religion

4. Music and events

Using modern technology, you can reach a global audience instantly. Live video streaming is easier, more affordable, and requires less equipment compared to even a couple of years ago. Almost anyone can watch live from anywhere in the world with the only real barriers being language and time zones.

How to Stream Video Online

Let’s take a look at the 5 steps for how to stream live video online for your business.

• Make a Plan

Planning out your live stream and setting specific goals will help you stay focused throughout the entire process. Before moving forward, identify the purpose of your stream.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What am I trying to accomplish?

2. Who am I trying to reach?

3. What message will I share?

4. Is generating revenue my goal?

5. Where will my target audience be looking for my content?

6. What is my budget?

With your answers to these questions in mind, you can come up with an outline of what you want to achieve with your stream and how you will do it.

• Choosing a Live Streaming Solution

Next, you’ll need a live streaming solution. These are often referred to as “Online Video Platforms” (OVPs).

The dedicated online video streaming service you choose will provide a network of computer servers that will store your video on their disks. It also provides a robust network connection so that your viewers can access the videos quickly and easily without any network lag.

Professional video hosting solutions can offer complete live streaming solutions suitable for business use. These video hosting for business services include the ability to stream from multiple cameras, stream in HD, generate revenue, and embed live streams on your website or social media platforms.

Here at Dacast, we offer the following functionality to our users:

1. White-label video streaming solutions (custom branding) across the platform

2. Video monetization

3. Analytics

4. Video security and privacy settings

5. Video API access for customization and development

6. Player API and SDKs for mobile app creation

Hosting your videos on free platforms like YouTube is an option, but they come with heavy restrictions and limitations.

If you have greater streaming needs, professional video hosting platforms for business will be your answer. They provide speed, consistency, and security for every video uploaded to the platform. Not all of these features are available on free and public platforms like YouTube.