Understanding The Functionalities of Video Streaming Protocols

Video Streaming Protocols & Their Functionalities

Video streaming has become an integral part of our everyday lives. While this technology may relatively be used so commonly and openly today, however, it has not always been so facile. A big aspect that has played a pivotal role in the rise of popularity of this particular content consumption technology and behavior has been the inception and availability of video streaming protocols. 

Essentially, video streaming protocols are specific standardized methods and rules that fragment video files into smaller pieces so they can be efficaciously delivered to the end-user for reassembling and viewing. In this blog, we will elucidate the importance of video streaming protocols and how they are taking the video streaming and OTT industry to new heights. 

An Overview of Video Streaming Protocols

When you get started with live video streaming services, you will probably come across an abundance of acronyms such as RTMP, SRT, HLS, and more that serve a multitude of purposes.

Many of these acronyms largely relate to different video streaming protocols that are available in the market today. Protocols are basically technical processes that streamline and facilitate the data transfer between one program to the other. In the context of video streaming, this implies the transfer of video files from and to the encoder, video streaming host, and ultimately the video player where users potentially view your stream.

Before we delve deeper, let us first understand ‘WHY’ video streaming protocols are actually needed. The answer is – a majority of digital videos are designed for two aspects: storage and playback. This leads to two crucial considerations, that is, universal playback and small file size. 

It is also pivotal to note that most videos are not designed for streaming, which means in order to stream those videos, they should be first converted into a streamable file. This inculcates breaking them down into smaller chunks. Next, these chunks then sequentially arrive and are used for playback as they are received. For instance, if you are live streaming any video, the source video comes right from the camera, otherwise, it comes from a file for VOD content. 

Moreover, streaming protocols can often get complex, for example – the adaptive bitrate protocols. This technology is used to deliver the best quality video that a user can support at any given time. 

Similarly, some protocols focus on minimizing latency or the delay between an event happening in real life and the time taken to live stream on the viewer’s screen. On the other hand, some protocols only function on specific systems while other video streaming protocols are designed to focus only on Digital Rights Management (DRM). 

Streaming Protocols vs Container Formats vs Codecs

Among others, one common ground for confusion in the video streaming landscape relates to the difference between a codec, a container format, and a streaming protocol.

To make you understand the concept better, the term ‘codec’ largely refers to video compression technology. For instance, different streaming codecs logically are used for distinct purposes. Apple ProRes is most commonly used for video editing purposes. For online videos, H.264 is the most widely utilized video codec.

Moreover, in the context of video streaming protocols, the term “format’ can also be confusing like the codec. In many use cases, format mainly refers to the container format of the digital media video file. Some of the most sought-after container formats include .mp4, .avi, and .m4v.

Preeminently, a container format functions like a “box” that generally contains an audio file, a video file, and metadata. Also, the container format is not as paramount a concept for live video streamers. 

In order to make it easier to comprehend the relationship between a container format, a codec, and a streaming protocol, let us make a quick comparison between all.

Imagine that you are a textile merchant and you are transporting bulk clothing (the clothing here signifies the video content).

• The streaming codec is basically equivalent to the machine that compresses the clothing into smaller bundles to save space.
• The container format can be compared with a boxcar that is used for packing the bundles inside.
• Finally, the streaming protocol is analogous to the railroad signals, tracks, and drivers who deliver it to the final destination.

What Are The Most Suitable Protocols For Video Streaming?

• Legacy Video Streaming Protocols

• RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol) / RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol)
• RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol)

• HTTP-Based Adaptive Protocols

• Low Latency HLS (HTTP Live Streaming)
• Apple HLS
• MPEG-DASH (Moving Picture Expert Group Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP)
• Microsoft Smooth Streaming
• Low Latency CMAF for DASH (Common Media Application Format for DASH)
• Adobe HDS (HTTP Dynamic Streaming)

• Prevalent Modern Protocols

• WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communications)
• SRT (Secure Reliable Transport)

Also Read: How AVOD Model is Taking The OTT Industry To New Heights

Which Factors To Consider Before Selecting a Video Streaming Protocol?

The choice of video streaming protocols depends on certain key factors that may be business-specific. You may want to make sure that you reach the maximum audience base possible and your live streaming should have negligible latency. Businesses also focus on the privacy and security of their streams. Factors could be many and so, we have enlisted some of the top aspects to consider before choosing any video streaming protocol.

• Compatibility
• Video codec requirements
• Whether a protocol is open-source or proprietary
• Scalability
• Latency
• Playback support
• Whether a protocol is adaptive-bitrate enabled
• The quality of experience of viewing the video content
• Type of usage, i.e first-mile contribution vs last-mile delivery
• Privacy & security
• Cost involved

Summing Up

As more and more users have embraced video streaming as a natural way to consume media content, the number of video streaming applications has increased swiftly to meet the ever-rising market demands. Today, there is a myriad of video streaming protocols available for businesses to choose from. Some of them include legacy protocols that are still in operation in different video streaming use cases while others are exponentially evolving, mainly through the open-source frameworks. Meanwhile, a few others are relatively new and will probably take some time to garner mainstream attention, however, they hold colossal potential for transforming the way video content will be consumed in the future. 

If you are looking for video streaming app development or OTT platform development services, feel free to drop us a line. Our team will help in selecting the best video streaming protocol in accordance with your business requirements and equip your applications with robust video streaming capabilities.