Mobile Live Streaming: A Guide To Broadcast Videos From A Smartphone

Mobile Live Streaming: A Guide To Broadcast Videos From A Smartphone

As smartphones and related software continue to evolve in order to meet the demands of professional broadcasting, mobile live streaming is becoming more and more popular among digital media service providers. This approach to broadcasting is usually a lot more accessible since it is cost-effective and easy to manage. 

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about broadcasting live videos from your smartphone. We will analyze the benefits of this streaming setup and what kind of technology makes it possible. We will also share some general details on how to live stream from your smartphone.


Why Use Mobile Live Streaming?

The two main crucial aspects that make mobile streaming so appealing are its affordability and convenience. Streaming from your smartphone is a great way to cover occurrences and events that are happening outside of your workplace or studio. This type of broadcasting setup is extremely valuable for streaming local news, sports events, company fundraisers, music concerts, and more.

Some reality TV producers and news outlets have turned to recording and streaming on mobile devices amid the pandemic. While nothing can beat a professional setup inculcating TV-grade cameras and equipment, however, mobile streaming setups are often more accessible and handy in a lot of situations. 

The Technology Behind Mobile Video Streaming

The most crucial thing to point out when it comes to streaming live videos via phone is the mobile device itself. For instance, iPhone 12 Pro has a camera that supports 4K and HDR recording up to 60 fps. It also has features such as night mode, video zoom, support for stabilization, and other advanced recording tools.

On the other hand, the iPhone 6 that was released more than 6 years ago only supports 1080p HD recording at either 30 or 60 fps. Live video streaming is possible on this device, however, the quality of the stream will be not so professional.

The evolution of smartphones over the past few years has made high-quality live video streaming solutions much more attainable. 

Besides recording devices and the applications used for encoding, the technology behind live video streaming is nearly similar to the technology behind streaming from a camera. 

Your smartphone captures the video content which is then processed by a dedicated application. Such apps encode your videos and add any preset visual aspects or overlays that you have set up. The application sends the file to your online video platform through RTMP ingest. 

At last, the online video platform then transfers the file to the content delivery network and the servers deliver the file to HTML5 video players using the HLS streaming protocol.

Also Read: OTT Video Streaming: The Increased Demand For Personalized Viewing
How To Do Live Video Streaming Using A Smartphone?
 

1. Prepare for your stream: To successfully stream videos through mobile devices, you will need different sets of software, applications, and equipment. Identify the type of audience you would like to reach and evaluate where they would access your stream? Analyzing your intentions and goals will help you produce a successful live stream.
    
2. Select an online video platform: Regardless of where you are streaming to, we suggest that you choose a credible online video streaming platform and avail professional video streaming app development solutions. It will provide you with a host of features such as branding customization, security, monetization, tech support, and more.
    
3. Mobile streaming app: As recommended, the next step is video streaming mobile app development with RTMP encoding tools that work on your opted online video platform. For instance, if graphic overlays and texts are of high priority, get professional assistance and build an app that offers that.
    
4. Connect your streaming app and OVP: Once you have figured out both mobile app and online video platform, you must connect the two. Please note, that the setup will be unique to each combination of platforms and mobile devices. For more detailed support regarding live video streaming app development solutions, feel free to contact us. 
    
5. Formulate a detailed plan: It is always a good idea to have a well-planned video content strategy in hand before you get started. Write down your ideas or highlights in bullet points or scripts that you would like to cover.
    
6. Test your setup: To ensure that your entire setup is running smoothly, take some time to conduct a few trials. It is best to figure out the shortcomings and flaws in the content delivery before streaming it live online.
    
7. Start streaming: Once you are confident about seamlessly streaming your live content with the existing setup, it is time to get started!

Final Thoughts

Live video streaming from your phone is a great way to broadcast digital content without the hassle of investing colossal money on buying equipment and tools. It is relatively convenient and simple to stream as compared to filming with a professional setup.

If you are looking for OTT video delivery services or VOD app development solutions, feel free to drop us a line. Our video streaming experts and mobile app developers will get back to you within 24 hours.