In this article, we will let you know about the range of upload speeds required for live streaming and the importance of low latency in video streaming. Broadcasters require particular devices like cameras, high-quality microphones, encoders, and reliable, faster internet connection for live streaming of video without any issues.
Before getting to know about upload speed, other terms have to be known, such as download speed and bandwidth. Uploading is the process of sending data from your device to the internet, such as live streaming, uploading images. Downloading is the process of receiving or ingesting data from the internet to devices such as downloading video or image, browsing, and loading a webpage. Bandwidth is referred to as capacity or volume of internet connection to transfer data between internet and device. Larger information requires larger bandwidth, whereas smaller information requires smaller bandwidth. Upload speed and Download speed are the paces of data transfer between your device and the internet. The speed (Bandwidth) is measured in megabytes per second.
The total time it takes to download or upload content depends on file size and network bandwidth (speed). Generally, uploading speeds are lower than downloading speed.
Uploading Speed Range
For live streaming, we highly recommend you for at least 3 Mbps for 480p, 6 Mbps for 720p, 13 Mbps for 1080p,16 Mbps for 1440p 41Mbps for 4K. Higher video quality results in a higher volume of data to be transferred, so we need higher upload speed. Minimum upload speeds are 600 kbps for 480p,1.25Mbps for 720p and 2.75 Mbps for 1080p. These are the minimum ranges below these values live streaming is not possible. Streaming live video content depends upon various factors such as encoding type, type of content being streamed, live streaming platform.
More frame rate per second means higher the bit rate. For live streaming, it is 30fps and 60fps. Higher upload speed is needed when live streaming with 60fps compared to 30fps. For 480p at 60fps, upload speed must be at least 5 Mbps, 720p at 60fps upload speed must be at least 7 Mbps, 1080p at 60fps upload speed must be at least 15 Mbps, 1440p at 60fps upload speed must be at least 22 Mbps,4k at 60fps upload must be at least 61 Mbps
Faster internet connection and good upload speed depend upon services provided by the internet service provider. Some of the factors are wired connection instead of wifi, resulting in more stability. There should be only one user as no other individual should use an internet connection, remove excess devices from an internet connection, close all other programs and applications when live streaming, and use the latest hardware and software. Upload speed slightly varies from one live streaming platform to another platform.
The importance of low latency in video streaming
Video streaming has become a huge attraction nowadays as many people spend time watching online. Live streaming events such as watching sports, vlog, news, and product launch particularly needs to be displayed to the viewers without much lag(low latency) as it does not create any issues. Delivering ultra-low latency streaming has become a very difficult task when the video is distributed through streaming platforms. Low latency Streaming is particularly needed for live video chat, conference meetings, and webinars as it does not create miscommunications.
Latency is lag or delay occurring during video streaming. Latency is the time taken to capture the video in real-time and then display it on the viewers’ screen. For example, if you are in a group video call where you wave your hands saying hi to your friends and your friends reply after 10 seconds for your wave, this shows that there is a latency of up to 10 seconds on your friend’s device.
Factors causing low latency
There are a lot of factors that influence latency from the camera video being recorded to the viewer’s screen, such as encoders, video player, CDN. Adaptive bitrate streaming, which enhances customer experience also increases latency.
Latency depends upon the type of encoders being used. Low latency video streaming requires streaming platforms to leverage the content delivery network, as it also depends on the viewer’s internet connection, maybe a cabled network connection or wifi connection and geographical location. The video player has to buffer for a smooth video experience without any lag.
Categories of latency
For video-on-demand content, latency is about 30-45 seconds, which is not at all a huge problem, whereas in video chat, it causes miscommunication. In traditional TV live broadcasting, latency is about 5 seconds.
Typical latency: 18-45 seconds suitable for one way streaming to a larger audience of live events and linear programming
Reduced latency: 5-18 seconds suitable for live streaming of sports events, news channel
Low latency: 1-5 seconds suitable for interactive activities such as game streaming and esports
Near real-time: less than 1 second suitable for two-way web conferencing, video call, device controlling activities such as a drone.
Low latency streaming is specifically needed for particular activities such as video chat, where there should be no mismatch and miscommunication. Viewers watching live events on second screen apps need to have a good customer experience as there are not much behind live tv broadcasting. Gamers playing games online as they expect less latency as their response should instantly reflect on the screen otherwise, it affects the gaming experience. Finally, auction and sports betting are very exciting because of their fast pace.
There are streaming protocols that help in delivering low latency video streaming, such as Real-time messaging protocol(RTMP), web real-time communication(webRTC), HTML live streaming(HLS), Dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP(DASH).
Conclusion
We hope that you got some information regarding the upload speed required for live streaming of video content and the importance of low latency in live streaming from this article. It varies from the type of video quality you are streaming. Higher the video quality, the higher the upload speed should be. Don’t hesitate to spend money on internet services if the video quality is not clear, viewers will not watch the live streaming as it might result in a huge loss for the business. Low latency video streaming is essential for any high-interaction, time-sensitive live streams, such as virtual classrooms, video conferencing, online meetings, virtual events, and webinars.
