To become an expert streamer, it is good to learn basic and common live streaming terminology. Knowing the terms will allow you to better communicate and interact with your audience from day one.
The following are some of the important terms to learn for better live streaming:
Encoding and Broadcasting Software
These are the tools used to transcode your video from your smartphone or webcam into the format needed for your viewers to see your content. Encoding software takes the raw video files and converts them into digital files that are then sent to your content delivery network or CDN for your viewers to watch. Broadcasting software allows you to better customize your live stream with overlays, cameras, microphones, and other graphics. Streamlabs OBS is a popular example of encoding and broadcasting software you will likely use for live streaming.
Content Delivery Network (CDN)
This is the location where your video’s digital files are sent to for your audience to view your content. The CDN consists of several servers that are often held or run by the platform you choose to stream on, like Twitch. Without a CDN, there would be nowhere to send or hold your video files, and your viewers would not be able to see your content.
Bitrate
Bitrate is important in terms of how smooth and clear your content looks to your viewers. It is the way upload, and download speeds are measured as they are transferred. The faster it is, the more data or “bits per second” it can share, producing a smooth and clear visual. If your stream is ever lagging or slowing down, you probably have the wrong bitrate set for your resolution. Streaks at 1080p should have a bitrate of 10 to 15 megabits per second.
Capture Card and Stream Key
A capture card is required if you don’t use your webcam or smartphone or need a gaming console. A capture card converts the files found on your DSLR, console, or other on-screen content and sends them to your computer for them be transferred to your encoding and broadcasting software. The information is then sent to the CDN, which further transfers the content to your streaming platform, such as Twitch, for your viewers to watch.
Before your viewers can see this content, however, you need to add your stream key. This is located on your streaming platform and should never be shared with anyone. If you do, others can then broadcast from your stream. This stream key is added to your encoding and broadcasting software, so it knows exactly where to host the content; your channel page.
Platform Slang
Yes, each platform you use will have its own language, so to speak. As communities come together, it is only natural for them to develop their own way to communicate and relate. Often in the form of fun and new slang terms like “Kappa,” which means sarcasm on Twitch. The longer you stream on one particular platform, the more you will learn these terms. So be mindful of them and try your best to understand them. The more you do so, the better you can relate and communicate with your audience.
Learning these terms is essential to running a successful live streaming business as they are important to the quality of the stream. Without knowing some of these important terms, your viewers would have difficulty seeing and understanding you or your content.
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