What does livestreaming mean?
Livestreaming is the transmission of video, audio, or other media over the internet at the moment the event takes place. It may describe the service or method itself, as in a livestreaming platform, or an action, as in livestreaming a concert. Unlike prerecorded or on-demand streaming, a livestream requires viewers to participate while the event is occurring, although some services provide a replay afterward. The term is widely used for sporting events, concerts, lectures, news broadcasts, gaming, and informal online gatherings. It has become especially familiar through social media, video platforms, and videoconferencing services. The principal related distinction is between a genuine live transmission and recorded material made available online: the defining feature of livestreaming is simultaneity between the original event and its transmission.
The activity or method of transmitting an event, especially video or audio, over the internet as it happens.
"The ceremony was available by livestreaming to viewers worldwide."
Also used attributively, for example, a livestreaming service or livestreaming audience.
To transmit video, audio, or other media over the internet as the original event occurs.
"The station will livestream the interview with the mayor."
The inflected forms livestreamed and livestreams are usual in past-tense and third-person contexts.
The plural is uncommon because the activity is usually expressed with an uncountable noun; livestreams is the usual plural when referring to individual broadcasts.
"Several separate livestreamings of the debate were hosted by different organizations."
Livestreaming turns a stage, stadium, or living room into a shared venue: the audience can be scattered across the world but still experience the event at the same moment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of livestreaming
Livestreaming is a compound formed from live and stream. The word stream has Old English origins as a noun, while the verb meaning to pour or flow in a stream is also old. The verb livestream developed as internet broadcasting became widely available in the late 20th century, with livestreaming serving as its gerund and the associated form of the activity.
Related word forms
How livestreaming is actually used
Common in digital-media and internet contexts. As a verb, the form livestream is more usual; livestreaming is commonly used for the activity or as an attributive modifier, as in a livestreaming audience.
Easily confused with livestreaming
Livestreaming specifically means viewing or transmitting content as it happens, whereas streaming can also refer to on-demand media viewed at the viewer's chosen time.