Introduction
With the arise of new technological terms, a sort of misunderstanding has been created everywhere. Now, everyone can broadcast their event from anywhere across the world.
Since all types of live streaming happen on the internet does not mean they are actually the same. They are basically built for different purposes and for different occasions.
In this blog, we will be talking about live streaming and webcasting services one by one. We will also be looking at some of their similarities between them along with differences.
What is Live Streaming?
Live stream comes into the role when the content is not being recorded or downloaded at the user end. It is the capturing of the footage and streaming it on the internet with the help of live streaming services for events.
Live streaming can takes place through different types of mobile & desktop devices. One common requirement of a good internet connection is a must in order to stream smoothly.
Live stream tends to build more intimate connections with their viewers as the content published is fully raw and without any edits whatsoever.
Live streaming content can also be shared on leading social media platforms like – Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, etc. by the viewers. As far as the working of these services is concerned, these services use different encoders and adaptive bitrate rate methodologies to effectively transfer the content to the user end at the highest quality.
Benefits of Live Streaming Services
Here are some of the important benefits of live-streaming services –
- Physical events are typically constrained by the amount of space at a particular venue. However, if you live stream your event, you can invite as many people as you like to attend it.
- Live streaming providers make proper use of video and audio apart from live broadcasting. You have the choice to use a range of video and multimedia formats, such as images, text, and live chat.
What is a Webcast?
On the other hand, webcasting is termed as similar to the traditional ways of broadcasting and distributing content over the internet. For the transmission, it requires a special type of equipment that thus supports many formats.
On being compared with traditional broadcasting services, webcasting is much more affordable for companies because of the fact that it can be published anywhere online.
Additionally, these services consist of live or pre-recorded videos which can be watched later after the event is over in the form of on-demand content.
Webcasts are also referred to as live streams because of this. Because webcasts are basically broadcasts, participants cannot interact with one another or the host during them.
Benefits of Webcast Services
Here are some of the important benefits of webcast services –
- A webcast consists of far more than just visuals. Through tools like polls, chats, call to action, and even quizzes, spectators may actively participate in your event even while they are watching it on a screen.
- Viewers view live videos and slideshows. Embedding real-time Twitter feeds is possible. There are countless options.
- Increasing your reach using webcasts will put the entire world within your grasp. Make your event real-time available to your whole target audience.
- Nobody will ever again have to miss your event. What happens if they can’t see the live broadcast? Afterward, webcasts can also be viewed.
Major Difference Between Webcast & Live Streaming
- Larger audiences are ideal for webcasts. Due to a large number of watchers, there is little crowd engagement. But due to the enormous readership, it receives a significant amount of conversions.
- The easiest way for live streamers to engage with their audience is on a personal level. Fewer viewers allow for a greater, more intimate connection. It fosters a closer connection with its viewers, especially with its devoted fans.
- With Live Streaming service providers, you can play an RTMP feed in the conference room from anywhere. You may, for instance, stream signals from many cameras to our platform or convert offline conferences to the online setting.
- Webcasts are similar to broadcasts of live events since they adopt a more one-to-many approach.
- Although current live streaming software enables broadcasters to add interactivity like live chat and polling and add layers of protection with SSO, they typically offer nothing to explicitly engage virtual attendees.
Summing Up
It ultimately depends on the choice of the audience and which type of streaming service they would prefer to watch their content. Both streaming types are important in their own ways.
With the selection of the best live streaming services, you are emotionally attached to your audience with your raw & unpolished content. On the other hand, webcasts are those who are part of a large crowd.
Ultimately both of them are far unique and different from those in-person event platforms which require the physical presence of the audience to enjoy the show or event.
