Background
The demand for live streaming services is growing. The data shows live video grew by 93% in 2019, with an average viewing time of 26.4 minutes per session. Most people view some sort of live stream every day and these videos hold the attention up to 20 times longer than pre-recorded on-demand content. But how does live streaming work? Can you record and stream at the same time? We have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from customers curious about putting live streams to work for their business.
How Does Live Streaming Work?
Streaming is the technical term for broadcasting video on the internet. Live streaming broadcasts that video in real-time as it’s being filmed, instead of scripting and pre-recording the event. Today you can watch live streaming on social media websites, such as Facebook and YouTube, as well as on other websites, such as news websites, video gamer websites, etc.
Usually, live streaming is one primary presenter with many external outgoing connections feeding simultaneously. In these instances, several technical pieces occur behind the scenes to make the live stream a reality.
Video capture is the first step of a live stream. This digital data is uploaded to the cloud.
Segmentation takes the video and cuts it into bite-size chunks called packets for transmission online.
Compression and encoding takes the digital data and removes any redundant visual details for faster transmission. Then it converts the compressed video feed into a digital format that most devices recognise.
CDN distribution and caching takes the compressed and encoded video and distributes it across the internet. A CDN (Content Delivery Network) is a distributed, linked network of computer servers (in other words, the internet), that captures (cache) the video content and distributes it to end-users.
Decoding and video playback allow the devices you’re viewing the live stream on to capture, decode, and decompress the video information. The device has a video player within the browser you’re using that recognises the video and plays it.
All of these steps are invisible to the viewer and happen in fractions of a second.
How does live streaming work? How does restreaming work? Can you record the live stream? Let’s help.
Can You Record a Live Stream?
Can live streaming be recorded? You can record a live-stream video session. While many live-stream events are available later on demand, you can still capture what you’re watching. A word of caution: Be careful how you use these videos and be sure to obey any copyright laws. Generally, recording video content that you didn’t produce isn’t the best idea. Usually, you’re okay if only using the copied video for personal use, but this is a tricky legal area you should read up on before proceeding.
For organizations, talk with your live streaming service. Malaika Media offers recordings of your live stream event so you can use it later for training, marketing or sales. Many companies record their live stream and offer it on demand—sometimes for a fee.
How Does Restreaming Work?
Restreaming is a way to reach multiple platform channels simultaneously with your live stream video. Anyone who creates a live stream and wants more viewers can use a restreaming platform to interact with potential customers on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, YouTube—and more.
If you work with a provider like Malaika Media, you won’t need special equipment to restream your broadcast.
Can You Record and Stream at the Same Time?
If you use a professional video conferencing company like Malaika Media, you can absolutely livestream and record simultaneously.
Having a recorded video file can be incredibly helpful to organisations. You can go back later on and edit the file to create all kinds of training and marketing materials.
Should I Consider Live Streaming for My Business?
Malaika Media wants to be your trusted livestreaming video service provider. Click here to contact us
Malaika Media solves the biggest challenges of modern video conferencing.
