12 Open-source Free Self-hosted Live-streaming Platforms and Apps
In this post, we’re going to delve into everything you need to know about video streaming technology. We’ll start by understanding how streaming video works in general, explore different types of live streaming technology, and highlight notable broadcasting tools and equipment. Finally, we’ll touch on some emerging streaming technologies for 2022 and beyond.
Over the past decade, live streaming over the internet has seen rapid evolution, with new technologies improving and simplifying the streaming experience for broadcasters and viewers alike.
Especially in the past year, the value of live streaming has become apparent in various aspects of life. It enables hosting virtual events and reaching audiences both locally and globally.
Our goal is to ensure you grasp how video streaming technology functions, empowering you to leverage it to achieve your business objectives. Whether you’re a broadcaster, marketer, educator, or entertainer, understanding video streaming technology is essential.
How Does Streaming Video Technology Work?
Behind every live stream, there’s a whole world of activity.
Streaming video online is a constantly evolving field, with technology continuously being refined to offer better experiences. Yet, the current tech available is incredibly robust, enabling seamless live video streaming.
Audiences worldwide can now participate in events without stepping out of their homes. This shift has transformed learning, business interactions, and even our entertainment consumption habits, all thanks to video streaming tech.
Delivering high-quality live video involves intricate processes behind the scenes. But before delving into the technical details, let’s trace the journey of a video from the moment it’s captured by a camera to when it appears on viewers’ screens.
Typically, an online video streaming setup follows this structure:
1. The camera captures RAW video
2. Video is sent to the encoder via capture card or another hookup
3. The encoder converts RAW video to a digital file
4. Video is ingested into the online video platform
5. The video is distributed from the online video platform to the video player via a content delivery network
6. The video player displays the stream on the viewer’s internet-enabled device
This setup may vary, depending on the specific tools you’re using. Those are the basics of how online video streaming works.
Different Types of Video Streaming Technology
Looking at the video streaming setup we outlined earlier, you’ll notice it’s quite complex. Various types of video streaming technology work together to ensure a smooth streaming experience.
The four primary types of streaming technology are streaming protocols, codecs, video players, and content delivery networks (CDNs). Each of these components collaborates to transmit video from its source to the viewer.
Now, let’s explore these video streaming technologies in detail and understand their roles in online video streaming:
1. Streaming Protocols
Streaming protocols are standardized procedures for transmitting media over the internet. They segment data into smaller chunks to optimize delivery over various internet connections.
Protocols are vital for broadcasting as they facilitate the transfer of content throughout the video streaming pipeline.
Several video streaming protocols are essential for live streaming. Here are a few commonly used ones:
HLS
HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol stands out as a cornerstone in today’s video streaming landscape. Initially developed by Apple, HLS was designed to seamlessly integrate with HTML5 video players. Its primary function is to deliver media content from the content delivery network (CDN) to the user’s playback device.
HLS can also serve for ingesting media from the encoder to the online video platform. However, as HLS encoders are not as widespread, it’s more common to pair HLS delivery with RTMP ingest for optimal performance and compatibility.
RTMP
The Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) remains a vital protocol used by broadcasters today. Initially designed to deliver content to Adobe’s Flash player, RTMP has evolved to serve a different purpose in streaming.
Today, RTMP is primarily used for RTMP ingest, transporting videos from the encoder to the online video platform or directly to the content delivery network (CDN).
RTMP offers advantages such as low-latency streaming and access to cost-effective RTMP encoders, making it a popular choice for live streaming workflows.
MPEG-DASH
MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) is an open-source streaming standard that shares similarities with HLS. However, it distinguishes itself by being the first standard to support adaptive bitrate streaming. This capability allows viewers to automatically receive a stream quality that matches their internet speed, reducing lagging and buffering for those with slower connections.
While MPEG-DASH is often categorized alongside streaming protocols, it actually operates using TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).
The support for MPEG-DASH is steadily increasing as more related technologies adopt it, enhancing its compatibility and making it a more robust option for streaming.
Overall, streaming protocols are crucial for ensuring the efficient and smooth transportation of video data over the internet, providing a better viewing experience for users.
2. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)
A content delivery network (CDN) consists of a series of strategically located servers across a geographic region, designed to deliver high-quality content to users far from the source of the stream.
Here’s how it works: the streaming CDN distributes the content to a network of servers. When users select their desired content through video players connected to the online video platform, the CDN redirects the request from the originating site’s server to the nearest CDN server, delivering the cached content.
By positioning servers closer to both the content source and the end users, CDNs enable faster content delivery.
Many broadcasters utilize CDNs through partnerships established by their chosen online video platform. For instance, Mslive collaborates with top-tier CDNs like Akamai and Limelight to ensure fast, high-quality streaming for viewers globally.
Check out our comparison of video CDNs for video streaming to explore the top options available on the market.
In summary, a content delivery network is a vital component of video streaming technology, ensuring smooth and efficient content delivery to viewers worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to start streaming online?
Online video streaming is crucial for businesses and organizations aiming to engage their current audiences and expand their reach to new viewers.
While some of the live streaming technology we’ve discussed might seem complex, most broadcasters only need to grasp the basics. When using a professional streaming solution like Mslive, much of the “behind the scenes” technology is automatically configured. However, understanding the general workings can help you make informed decisions throughout the process.
If you’re looking for a powerful online video platform to help you start streaming, Mslive might be the right choice. Our platform provides all the tools broadcasters need to host, manage, and deliver high-quality video content. Mslive offers features such as white-label streaming, global content delivery, video monetization, top-notch security, and more.
Get started with Mslive today and take your video streaming to the next level!
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