Best Video Delivery and Live-Streaming Methods for 2022

We can all agree on one fact the days of CD players and DVDs are dead as we hit this new decade. Though we still understand that there are still video producers who very much like to deliver videos on optical media, theater groups running recitals, and drama clubs having stage performances. But, considering the video industry as a whole, we cannot overlook the fact that everything has changed, and especially with social media the way we consume video content is completely different from what we did earlier. We can all cede that video delivery methods have changed significantly in the last decade. Beyond YouTube and Facebook, enterprise video-on-demand providers recognize that the internet video market has changed toward offering meaningful experiences for content creators.

Moreover, these days, bandwidth has improved to the point that even the most compressed video files are easily transferred over standard hosting plans or platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive. Plus, private cloud services can be used to send larger files. There are a handful of services worth discussing if you want to create a lasting impact on your customer and desire a more professional presentation and simplified end-viewer experience.

Broadcast Video Delivery Methods

A broadcast protocol is also known as the streaming protocol, which is a standard method known to deliver online media like audio and video. There are only a few broadcast streaming platforms majorly used, and here we are going to talk about top three.

1. HTTP Live Streaming Method

Developed by Apple, HTTP live streaming is also known as the HLS method that is widely used today as an online streaming protocol. HLS used HTTP servers and is a bitrate protocol. From performance to resolution, this streaming method has a lot to offer, and Apple is continuously adding features to improvise it. Though every technology has some drawbacks, despite offering powerful performance, HLS still has some latency issues.

Apple has been continuously working on this and has come up with low-latency HLS that enables a latency of less than 2 seconds. Unfortunately, this HLS protocol has not yet gained rage, but in the coming time, it will see an abrupt growth in popularity like HLS.

2. Secure Reliable Transport (SRT)

Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol is a prominent player in the live streaming platform.  Known for security, low latency, high performance, and reliability, this open-source platform is possibly the future of live streaming. Moreover, SRT supports all audio and video codecs.

Despite being an open source and compatible platform for live streaming, still, some other hardware and software streaming has not yet developed support for this platform.

3. Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH)

Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) or MPEG-DASH is another protocol that has gained immense popularity because of its cost-effectiveness. It uses HTTP web servers and has an adaptive bitrate (ABR) protocol. ABR is effectively known to reduce buffering and enhance the viewing experience, which means MPEG-DASH automatically detect changes in the internet speed.

However, MPEG-DASH is not yet compatible with iOS and Safari. And as Apple has its own streaming protocol HLS, it is possible to presume that iOS will not support MPEG-DASH in the future also.

Cloud-Based Video Delivery Methods

1. Dacast

Dacast is a user-friendly cloud-based streaming solution. The platform offers enterprise-level hosting and broadcasting capabilities to fulfill a wide range of corporate needs. The platform offers affordable cloud storage and streaming capabilities and can host live and on-demand videos. Dacast uses HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol for live streaming and has the ability to broadcast video to cloud storage. 

2. Brightcove

Brightcove is another popular cloud streaming service that provides on-demand and live video hosting. It enables customers to incorporate video cloud platforms into their communication solutions to improve marketing and revenue. The platform is compatible with the most common cloud apps and systems. Brightcove caters to major advertising and media firms and only provides price information upon request.

3. Vidyard

Vidyard is a video-sharing platform that allows you to broadcast professional recordings. This platform has a wide range of video production, customization, hosting, and analytics capabilities and it focuses on video SEO and advanced analytics while combining interaction and personalization.

4. Vimeo

Vimeo is a video-streaming and editing platform designed specifically for artists and content creators. Vimeo concentrates on tailoring the video editing experience, unlike any of its competitors, with a clean and creative front-facing style. Vimeo's free basic platform provides video hosting and live-streaming capabilities with limited uploads for users. Vimeo also provides Vimeo Livestream, a paid subscription option for enterprises with specialized marketing requirements.

5. Muvi

Muvi is another OTT-focused live-streaming platform that assists you in both launching white-label music and video streaming. Muvi helps businesses enhance their audience and revenue by providing video analytics and a range of monetization alternatives. It provides on-demand video streaming, music streaming, broadcasting, and live streaming, in a single platform.

6. Dailymotion

Dailymotion is another cloud-based video-sharing platform similar to YouTube that allows producers to upload videos and stream their content. Though Dailymotion's live streaming facilities aren't as polished because it's primarily a video-sharing network. But still, it is one of the popular cloud-based platforms available today.

7. IBM Cloud Video

IBM Cloud Video is a renowned provider of AI-driven live streams and on-demand video. Their cloud streaming technology allows you to host, encode, and distribute videos across numerous platforms. IBM Cloud allows users to connect in a variety of settings, ranging from corporate communications to virtual conferences. Leading companies like Sony and Airbnb are IBM's major customers.

8. Mixcloud

Mixcloud could be the place for you if you have ever experienced copyright concerns or takedown requests as a live streamer. It's a video and audio streaming network designed exclusively for DJs, artists, and podcasters, and it pays royalties for music used on the site. The platform is used by over 1 million artists, including Fatboy Slim and Carl Cox. It has a listenership of almost 20 million.

Now that we have covered some of the popular cloud-based software, we should also tap into the best and most popular offline live-streaming platforms – as both cloud and offline are the future of video streaming.

Offline Live Streaming Platforms

1. Wirecast

Wirecast is one of the best live streaming software available today. Built by Telestream, this software seamlessly allows live streaming to any Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) destination. Compatible with a broad range of devices, cameras, and operating systems, Wirecast also supports local recording streams. In addition, it allows live switching, audio delays, and picture-in-picture composition, along with other features. If you are looking for pre-recorded video with your broadcast, then Wirecast is your go-to tool.

2. FXhome

Broadcasters are always on the lookout for good post-production software that can make their video content stand out. FXhome provides post-production features, which are easy to understand and work on. This software is an ideal option for designing advanced visual effects for the next generation of creators. Moreover, it comes with unique features like animation, which makes this software stand out from the rest of the list.

3. VMix

VMix, created by StudioCoast is only available for Windows. It enables you to combine video and audio sources to create a production that can be recorded, streamed, and integrated with a variety of workflows. vMix has a slow-motion and immediate replay option and this offline tool is known as one of the best live streaming software alternatives for Windows PCs.

4. OpenShot

OpenShot is a free video editing software that allows you to broadcast and edit videos. It differs from some of the other streaming technologies as it entirely focuses on the visual aspects of videos. Because it is open-source, it can be tailored for a variety of purposes. Since it is free to use and easy to learn, this platform is a terrific option for live broadcasters and creative teams.

5. OBS Studio

OBS is a free and open-source broadcasting software that runs on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows and can be used interactively. It includes RTMP broadcasting, video and audio streaming, multiple source switching, cameras, chroma-key, and application windows. Its high-performance audio/video features make content creation considerably easier, and it has a plethora of specialized filters for adjusting colors on photographs and videos. 

The Future Of Video

Video content is thriving. Over 90% of customers say video content has helped them to make purchase decisions. Another stat from Crisp shows that over 92% of mobile users share videos with their friends and family. 

Today, marketing videos are an excellent approach to reach out to your target audience, showing them the importance, relevance, and adaptability of the products or services you have to offer. People are consuming more video content than ever, which makes video content a surefire way to stand out from the competition if carried out correctly.

Conclusion

By now you know, there are several live-streaming platforms (both offline and online) to choose from. Connect with us at support@pixeldino.com, and we'll show you which live-streaming services are ideal for you and your company!