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How to Stream Video Online: Live Streaming Best Practices for 2025

By Harmonie Duhamel | Posted on by Harmonie Duhamel | 28 min Read
How to Stream Video Online_ Live Streaming Best Practices Image

Video streaming is huge today. Online videos massively increase audience engagement with a reach of 92% worldwide. More broadly, the video streaming market is forecast to be worth $247 billion by 2027.

Live streaming in particular makes up much of this increase in online video streaming. Consequently, streaming platforms that provide live streams and live videos are increasingly popular. There’s never been a better time for broadcasters to use a live streaming platform to stream live events. But with increased popularity comes increased competition — you must know how to livestream successfully.

Fortunately, using the right streaming solutions, your streaming channels can reach your target audience. In this article, we cover successful livestreaming for your business. We cover why you should set up a live stream and stream live videos. We also detail many of the benefits. Furthermore, we provide you with live streaming tips and a step-by-step guide to how to stream online videos in 2025.

Table of Contents

  • What is Video Streaming?
  • What is Live Video Streaming?
  • Streaming Video Trends and Statistics
  • Why Stream Video Online?
  • Benefits of Live Online Streaming
  • Who Uses Online Streaming?
  • Cutting-Edge Technologies for Streaming
  • AI and Automation in Streaming
  • Advanced Live Streaming Features
  • In-Depth Technical Insights
  • Streaming Infrastructure
  • Trends and Case Studies
  • Accessibility and Inclusivity
  • How to Stream Video Online in 2025
  • Best Practices and Tips for Live Broadcasts in 2025
  • Success Stories From Businesses Streaming Video
  • Conclusion

What is Video Streaming?

Video streaming is watching a video online, allowing for a video file to be viewed without being downloaded.

Before we start discussing live practice best streaming tips, let’s explore what live streaming is. Video streaming is when a video is transmitted from the broadcaster who created a video to a user-facing video player. Unlike broadcasts radio broadcasts or television stations, video streaming is typically broadcast over the internet.

To most people, video streaming is simply accessing video content online.

As a broadcaster, there are different ways you can stream video online:

  • Streaming –  This typically means a video was shot, produced, and uploaded to a video hosting platform.
  • Live streaming – This type of streaming is when a video is recorded and broadcast in real-time via live streaming platforms.
  • VOD – Video-on-demand streaming is when the user chooses what content they want to watch on-demand. This typically means a video was shot, produced, and then uploaded to a video hosting platform. Netflix and Hulu are two great examples.

What is Live Video Streaming?

Live video streaming is when you are watching an event live as it unfolds in real-time through an internet broadcast. Live video streaming is the equivalent of live television, except that it occurs over the internet instead of through a traditional broadcaster.

There are many use cases where live video streaming is useful, such as:

  • Sporting events
  • Church service
  • Conferences
  • Summits
  • Trade shows
  • School events
  • Concerts
  • Plays
  • Product releases

These are all events that people can attend in person. However, by making these events virtual, more people can attend these events, allowing more people to participate and be a part of your events.

Live streaming is about allowing more people to be a part of what you are doing. For businesses, it is a great way to expand one’s reach and connect with more people.

While the people in attendance will enjoy the event, there will be people who won’t be able to attend. Live streaming a feed of the event is a great way to attract more people to the event. This is the core of live radio or television video streaming.

To stream over the internet, you will need a connection that is both reliable and strong.

Streaming live video over the internet uses cameras, audio, a switcher, and an encoder. A switcher adds the audio from a sound mixer into the final output signal. The encoding software can be a stand-alone appliance or built into a camera. It compresses the video to meet video and streaming standards. The streaming industry standard is H.264

Streaming Video Trends and Statistics

As you can see, viewers enjoy watching video content and video content pays off in more ways than one for your business. That is why it is important to learn how to stream video content.

Why Stream Video Online?

Starting in 2015, young millennials (ages 14-25) began watching more videos online via digital devices than on television. 30% of people say they’d cut the cable cord if they knew they could stream all of their content online, with a high-quality picture.

In the words of Neil Patel, “Live video commands the attention of the business world.” 76.5% of small business owners get results with video marketing. In 2020, 92% of marketers said that video is an important part of their marketing strategy for businesses. This has grown from 78% in 2015.

Many businesses find that streaming live video can be very profitable. Live streaming is making up the majority of that growth.

This year, more than 64 million U.S. households use over-the-top (OTT) streaming services, which often include live video. Worldwide OTT revenue was $106 billion in 2020. By 2026, that number is projected to reach $210 billion.

To bring it back to today, experts predict that the number will rise to $210 billion by 2026

Most OTT content is monetized via subscriptions similar to Netflix. However, advertising is another popular way to monetize live video. By the third quarter of 2015, year-over-year ad views had increased 113 % for live video. Since then, these numbers have continued to rise rapidly.

Learning how to send live video through the internet can provide extreme financial value for your business.

Benefits of Live Online Streaming

There are some major benefits of streaming live content for your business that just can’t be ignored.

Real-time engagement

One of the biggest benefits of live online streaming is that it offers you real-time engagement. That means that your viewers can interact with you in real-time.

For example, you could have viewers tweet reactions to the event and read those tweets in your live broadcast. Or you could run a chat app alongside your livestream. Live streaming allows you to feel engaged in what is happening.

Good value for your time

Live streaming is a good value for your time. You need to put a little thought into planning and preparing your live stream; then a live stream requires the actual time to create and broadcast the content. An hour-long live stream provides you with an hour of content for people to watch.

In contrast, an in-depth 2,000 – 4,000 word blog post can take 8 hours to create, and only entertain a viewer for 15-30 minutes. With live streaming, you produce a lot of content in a short amount of time.

Affordable to produce

At its most basic, a live stream is really easy to produce. If you have a smartphone and a laptop, you can create a live stream. Although higher-quality video and audio equipment can elevate your live-streaming experience, it isn’t necessary to get started.

Easy to Niche Down

Live streaming allows you to easily niche down with your content. You can create really specific content on an affordable budget with live streaming, and connect with a very specific audience. You can easily target specific niche audiences with your live-streaming content.

Build brand connection

All sorts of OTT media and entertainment businesses are getting involved in live-streaming videos. In the sports world, companies like DAZN have moved from filming in the stands to making billion-dollar deals with sports leagues.

Who Uses Online Streaming?

All sorts of OTT media and entertainment businesses are getting involved in live-streaming videos. In the sports world, companies like DAZN have moved from filming in the stands to making billion-dollar deals with sports leagues.

Online video streaming has also become increasingly popular for:

Using modern technology, you can reach a global audience instantly. Live video streaming is easier, more affordable, and requires less equipment compared to even a couple of years ago.

Almost anyone can watch television broadcasts live from anywhere in the world, with the only real barriers being language and time zones. That is why you need to know how to stream video for your business.

Every business that wants to enjoy a direct connection with its audience is live streaming.

Cutting-Edge Technologies for Streaming

Next-Generation Codecs

Streaming in 2025 relies on advanced video codecs like AV1, VVC, and LCEVC to enhance performance. These technologies deliver better video quality at lower bitrates, reducing bandwidth costs without compromising viewer experience. For businesses exploring live streaming solutions, these codecs are essential for creating high-quality streams that adapt to varying internet speeds. Whether you’re using professional video hosting services or a best live streaming platform, adopting these codecs can optimize your workflow.

5G and Beyond

The rise of 5G networks—and early advancements in 6G—has revolutionized how to broadcast live video online. With ultra-fast speeds and low latency, streaming high-definition content on mobile devices is now seamless. A reliable connection is critical when planning a live streaming setup, ensuring businesses can deliver uninterrupted streams to global audiences.

Edge Computing

Edge computing brings data processing closer to your viewers, minimizing delays and enhancing real-time interaction. It’s an important component of any live streaming workflow, especially for businesses scaling up. By reducing reliance on centralized servers, edge computing ensures smoother streams, even during high traffic.

CDN Innovations

Modern content delivery networks (CDNs) use AI to optimize data delivery, improving how to stream video online for business. These innovations reduce buffering and deliver consistent quality. Paired with a live streaming setup guide and professional video hosting services, CDNs ensure a reliable, efficient live streaming workflow tailored to your audience’s needs.

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CDN content delivery network for information distribution outline concept. Global server connection for effective website performance vector illustration. Database optimization for fast browsing.

AI and Automation in Streaming

AI-Based Encoding and Transcoding

AI is transforming how live streaming solutions for businesses deliver high-quality video. By using AI-based encoding and transcoding, streams can adjust bitrate and resolution dynamically. This ensures viewers with varying internet speeds experience smooth playback. For beginners exploring online video streaming, this automation simplifies the technical side of streaming while maintaining a professional quality.

Real-Time Analytics

AI provides real-time insights into viewer behavior and sentiment during a broadcast. These tools allow broadcasters to monitor audience engagement, helping them adapt content or interaction strategies instantly. This is particularly valuable for those looking to refine their live streaming workflow tips or maximize the potential of the best live streaming platforms.

AI-Powered Engagement

Interactive experiences are key to audience retention. AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and virtual co-hosts, can answer questions, moderate chats, or provide additional commentary. These features are increasingly popular among businesses seeking high-quality live video streaming solutions.

Video Summarization

After a live event, AI tools can create concise video summaries. This is perfect for promotional content or on-demand viewers who may not watch a full-length stream. For those learning about the best equipment for live streaming, these tools can also simplify the post-production process.

Advanced Live Streaming Features

Interactive Streaming

Interactive features are transforming online video streaming for beginners and professionals alike. Tools like live polls, real-time audience Q&A, and gamified elements make streams more engaging and participatory. These features not only foster a stronger connection with viewers but also provide valuable insights for streamers.

AR/VR Integration

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are bringing immersive experiences to live streaming. From virtual concerts to interactive webinars, these technologies allow audiences to feel like they’re part of the event. Combined with AI-powered video streaming solutions, AR/VR can create highly personalized and dynamic content.

Dynamic Ad Insertion

Server-side dynamic ad insertion (SSAI) offers personalized, non-intrusive advertising during streams. By aligning ads with viewer preferences, it enhances the experience while maintaining low-latency video streaming. This approach is especially impactful with 5G live streaming benefits and edge computing for video streaming.

Multiview Streaming

Platforms now support multiview options, where viewers can switch between multiple camera angles in real time. Powered by WebRTC live streaming technology, this feature enriches events like sports broadcasts or live performances, giving users more control over how they experience content.

In-Depth Technical Insights

Advanced Encoder Settings

To deliver a high-quality live stream, optimizing your encoder settings is crucial. Use a keyframe interval of 2 seconds to balance latency and quality. Set your bitrate ladder to adjust dynamically based on network conditions, ensuring a smooth experience for all viewers. For high-resolution streams, use HEVC (H.265) for better compression. These settings improve Live Stream Audience Engagement Tools by reducing buffering and maintaining video clarity.

WebRTC

WebRTC is a game-changer for ultra-low-latency streaming, making it ideal for real-time applications like gaming, auctions, and consultations. Unlike traditional streaming methods, WebRTC enables near-instant communication without requiring extra software, making Interactive Video Streaming Features more responsive and engaging.

Latency Management Strategies

Reducing latency improves viewer experience. Technologies like SRT provide secure, reliable streaming, while LL-HLS balances low latency with scalability. Choosing the right method ensures seamless Real-Time Translation for Live Streams.

Quality Metrics

Measuring stream quality helps maintain high standards. Metrics like VMAF assess video clarity and compression efficiency, ensuring features like Auto-Captioning for Video Streaming remain clear and readable.

Streaming Infrastructure

  • Serverless Architectures
    More streaming platforms are moving to serverless computing, making it easier to scale without worrying about expensive hardware. This approach allows businesses to handle high traffic without paying for unused resources. It’s a cost-effective option for those looking into affordable live streaming for small businesses.
  • Hybrid Cloud Models
    Some companies combine on-premises hardware with cloud-based services to improve security and reduce latency. This setup provides more control over data while using cloud scalability when needed. For those exploring multiview streaming options, a hybrid model can help balance flexibility and performance.
  • Redundancy and Failover Plans
    Having a backup plan prevents downtime if something goes wrong. Using multiple servers, backup internet connections, and failover systems ensures smooth streaming. This is especially important for those learning how to stream live video for free and need a reliable setup.

Trends and Case Studies

  • Use of NFTs in Streaming
    Content creators are finding new ways to monetize live streams by offering exclusive access through NFTs. These digital tokens allow fans to purchase unique experiences, such as VIP Q&A sessions or behind-the-scenes content. This approach helps streamers build a loyal community while creating new revenue streams beyond ads and subscriptions.
  • Success Metrics
    In 2025, live streaming continues to grow. Studies show a massive 28.5% of all people using the internet view live streams. Monetization methods like paid memberships and digital tipping have risen in consequence. As more creators adopt best practices for streaming to multiple platforms, audience reach has expanded significantly.
  • Case Studies with AI Integration
    Businesses are using AI-powered tools to enhance live streaming. Automated captioning improves accessibility, while real-time analytics help creators adjust content on the fly. AI-driven recommendations also boost viewer retention. Companies that integrate AI see lower drop-off rates and higher engagement. Those focusing on how to reduce latency in live video streaming also benefit from improved real-time interaction.

For those starting out, learning how to build a live streaming studio at home is key to delivering high-quality broadcasts.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Making your livestream accessible and inclusive helps you reach a wider audience. AI-driven accessibility tools can automatically generate captions, translations, and audio descriptions, making your content more engaging for people with hearing or visual impairments. These tools also help break language barriers, allowing viewers from different backgrounds to follow along.

Language localization is another important step. Many platforms now offer real-time multi-language subtitles, helping you connect with a global audience. Services like AI-powered translation tools ensure that your message is clear, no matter where your viewers are. By focusing on accessibility and inclusivity, you create a more welcoming space for everyone, making your livestream more impactful and widely appreciated.

How to Stream Video Online in 2025

Live broadcasting allows for video content to air, be recorded and streamed simultaneously online in real-time.

Let’s take a look at the 5 steps for how to stream live video online for your business. These five steps will allow you to quickly learn how to stream videos.

1. Make a Plan

Planning out your live stream and setting specific goals will help you stay focused throughout the entire process. Before moving forward, identify the purpose of your stream.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What am I trying to accomplish?
  • Who am I trying to reach?
  • What message will I share?
  • Is generating revenue my goal?
  • Where will my target audience be looking for my content?
  • What is my budget?

With your answers to these questions in mind, you can come up with an outline of what you want to achieve with your stream and how you will do it. Having a plan is important for learning how to do streaming.

2. Choosing a Live Streaming Solution

Next, you’ll need a live-streaming solution. These are often referred to as “ Online Video Platforms” (OVPs).

The dedicated online video streaming service you choose will provide a network of computer servers that will store your video on their disks. It also provides a robust network connection so that your viewers can access the videos quickly and easily without any network lag.

Professional video hosting solutions can offer complete live streaming solutions suitable for business use. These video hosting for business services include the ability to stream from multiple cameras, stream in HD, generate revenue, and embed live streams on your website or social media platforms.

Here at Dacast, we offer the following functionality to our users:

Hosting your videos on free platforms like YouTube is an option, but they come with heavy restrictions and limitations.

If you have greater streaming needs, professional video hosting platforms for business will be your answer. They provide speed, consistency, and security for every video uploaded to the platform. Not all of these features are available on free and public platforms like YouTube.

Professional video hosting platforms offer a range of different services at various price points; there is a professional video hosting platform out there that fits your needs and your budget.

Here are a few other things that you should consider as you choose a live-streaming solution

Low Latency Streaming

Latency refers to the time between when a stream is captured and it reaches the viewers.

Low latency streaming is a very critical piece to streaming video to a wide range of broadcasters, and it is important for the overall user experience. If your content lags and doesn’t or has a latency of over 30 seconds, the viewers will most likely exit out of your stream and search for a better one.

The best way to livestream is with as little lag as possible; look for a professional video hosting service that provides you with as little lag as possible.

HLS Streaming

HLS Streaming stands for HTTP live streaming. It’s a streaming protocol that is designed for delivering visual and audio media to viewers over the internet. The optimal HLS streaming setup uses . This provides a high-quality stream for viewers with a video latency of 30 seconds or more. It is one of the standards to look for when looking for a professional video hosting solution.

All-Device HTML5 Video Player

Any online video strategy should include video hosting and live streaming through a robust HTML5 video player.

HTML5 video streaming enables the streaming of multimedia content using <audio> and <video> HTML tags. When you use the video tag, you’re able to create a native, which allows additional options for customizing and displaying video content.

HTML tags have various attributes, or parameters, which provide further detail on how to present the content. For example, with the <img> tag, you can specify the size of the image.

Before HTML5, websites relied on embedded Flash players to display video to users. Now, HTML5 allows videos to be streamed on all types of devices.

This is the technology that Dacast uses. It utilizes low latency as well as HLS delivery. Our HTML5 video player is based on THEOplayer’s technology for maximum compatibility and flexibility for businesses.

The best way to stream video content is with HTML 5 video streaming.

Reliable Content Delivery

It is important to choose a live video streaming solution that partners with a reliable content delivery network (CDN). A video streaming CDN can deliver the fastest possible speeds and the best quality content to viewers around the world.

At Dacast, we partner with a few top-tier CDNs, including Akamai and Limelight. These partnerships allow our broadcasters to reach audiences around the world with high-quality content.

3. Invest in the Necessary Streaming Equipment

Streaming video is possible with only a few key pieces of equipment. The higher the quality of the equipment, the higher the quality of the video.

Online live video requires just a few pieces of live streaming equipment. You’ll need a live streaming camera, a microphone, an internet connection, and an encoder This is the basic equipment you need to learn how to stream video online.

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on this equipment if your business is just starting with streaming video online. At the most basic level, a smartphone or tablet can fulfil these requirements in one device. But please note, the quality of this sort of live stream can suffer. For that reason, higher-quality live streams often are set up using higher-quality gear:

  • A computer
  • Multiple stand-alone cameras (Two cameras provide for different angles)
  • Multiple microphones (lav, shotgun, and other professional mics will provide better audio quality)
  • High-speed internet connection (a wired connection will provide higher speeds)

4. Configure Your Encoder Settings

An encoder is a software or hardware device that converts videos into a format suitable for live streaming. Properly configuring your encoder settings will help you produce the best stream possible. Here are a couple of settings to familiarize yourself with:

  • Frame rate – How many rates per second are installed; 30-60 fps is ideal.
  • Output resolution – Size of the video frame. Width x Height in pixels. 1080p or 1920 x 1080 is Full HD
  • Video Bitrate – How much video data you’re uploading per second. The general range is 1000-8000 kbps.

Please check out our Encoder Configuration Guide for additional information on the best encoder settings for live streaming with Dacast.

5.  Setup Your Workflow

how to stream online

You can stream live videos with the use of a phone or tablet. But, if you’re serious, look into professional streaming equipment to stand out.

Setting up an optimal live streaming workflow will help you better prepare for your live stream. This is something that should be set up and tested well before your event so that there isn’t any last-minute scrambling to get things together.

Here is an example of a live-streaming workflow that other broadcasters have had success with.

  1. On location, set up your cameras and microphones. We recommend using tripods for stability.
  2. Choose a central location for your encoding/mixing to take place. Set up your computer at this location. Your engineer should reside here to control the broadcast, as well as switch between different camera angles, initiate graphics and animations, etc.
  3. Run cables to connect all your equipment. Now, turn everything on and make sure it is functioning properly.
  4. Choose the correct encoder settings for your broadcast.
  5. Connect your encoder to your online video platform via the settings menu. Here are instructions for the Dacast platform
  6. Finally, set up a test live stream, and broadcast it (privately). Ensure that video, audio, and streaming settings are all correct.
  7. Embed your live-stream video player on your website, and anywhere else you want to broadcast.

Now, you’re all set up. Launch your live stream whenever you’re ready. Those are the five most important steps you need to know in order to learn how to broadcast on the internet.

Best Practices and Tips for Live Broadcasts in 2025

how to stream videos

While live broadcasting on the internet is relatively easy, there are best practices to follow in 2025.

Here are eleven major tips to follow when figuring out how to stream video online.

  1. HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is currently the dominant streaming video format. That’s partly because HLS is a mobile-friendly format. Real-time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) ingestion to the streaming host is still common and the most compatible method.
  2. Building mobile apps has the potential to grow your subscriber base hugely. You can use Dacast APIs and SDKs to build mobile apps easily.
  3. For now, the H.264 codec is the standard for online video. With that in mind, we recommend streaming using H.264. Successors— HEVC/H.265, AV1, and VVC—are either not commercially viable or not yet ready for use.
  4. Test, test, test. Don’t wait until your live video stream is about to take place to test your configuration. Schedule time for testing beforehand at a couple of different times.
  5. Check your internet upload speed. As a broadcaster, it’s important to ensure you maintain a good network for your live stream. Whether you’re using wifi or a cable connection, keep track of your upload speed. You can read more about minimum upload speed requirements on our dedicated Knowledgebase article
  6. Allot resources towards promotion. If no one knows about your livestream, you won’t have an audience. It’s critical to promote your live stream before it happens. Create social posts around it, send out a newsletter, write a blog post on it, and create a Google ad campaign. Do whatever you have to do to reach your audience.
  7. Create an engagement plan. A live video is a great way to create interaction between the business streaming the video and the audience. If you’re adding a comment section or forum, create an engagement plan to prepare for audience questions. Nothing looks worse than no engagement from the video streamer to their audience.
  8. Sustainability. Streaming responsibly is more important than ever. Use energy-efficient encoding to reduce power consumption and consider partnering with green content delivery networks (CDNs) that prioritize renewable energy.
  9. Multi-Platform Strategy. Audiences are spread across different platforms. Customize your streams for Twitch, TikTok Live, and Instagram Live based on the habits and interests of each platform’s users.
  10. Mobile-First Streaming. More people now watch live streams on their phones than on desktops. Ensure your video quality, aspect ratio, and interactive features work seamlessly on mobile devices.
  11. Monetization Innovations. New ways to earn from streaming are emerging. Explore token-gated streams for exclusive access, pay-per-view events for special content, and affiliate marketing to boost revenue while engaging your audience.

Following these seven best practices will ensure that not only do you know how to broadcast live video, but you know how to do it successfully.

Success Stories From Businesses Streaming Video

At Dacast, we help thousands of people and organizations learn how to stream live video over the internet. Our users range from individuals to major global brands.

Here are a few case studies of how businesses are using Dacast for professional video hosting and to deliver their video content:

  • 1545 Media provides live streaming services and video production to major clients including Kaiser-Permanente, Unilever, and LA Fitness—all via Dacast.
  • Striv provides live streaming services to a network of schools across the US Midwest region, powered by the Dacast network.
  • MorningCME is an educational business that provides video training to doctors, EMTs, and other medical professionals.
  • SMSA Church live streams liturgies, weddings, and other important services to their congregation.

We hope this information provides useful examples of how businesses use live video today. You can access many more Dacast customer success stories on our site. We’re here to get you and your business into the streaming market today.

We have a plethora of resources to help you easily learn how to stream live video and host on-demand content on your website. Plus, we offer 24/7 customer support if you have any questions!

Conclusion

Getting viewers’ eyes onto your live feed is a powerful tool for any business today. Broadcasting online can benefit your business by expanding your reach and influence. And using professional streaming software can enhance your brand’s image.

Applying the live streaming best practices we’ve outlined, you can elevate your business and improve your bottom line. However, to truly make an impact, you must have a professional-grade live-streaming platform.

That’s where Dacast comes in. Dacast is a professional-grade, secure and modern video streaming solution. With Dacast’s secure live streaming service, you can join the other businesses that benefit from broadcasting live video content. Getting up and running and broadcasting live videos has never been quicker or easier.

You can try Dacast for free today by signing up for our 14-day free trial.

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Harmonie Duhamel

Harmonie is a Senior digital marketer with over 6 years in the Tech Industry. She has a strong marketing and sales background and loves to work in multilingual environments.