The precursor among streaming portals was Ustream, while Twitch is a hit among e-gamers. YouTube Live and Facebook Live are also important. However, real-time streaming requires a fast and stable connection. Which internet to choose?
Which internet to choose for streaming?
You hear: stream, you think: wired connection, ideally – fiber optic. Agreed, we could write a lot about the advantages of this solution, and we will write a few more sentences on this topic. However, fairness is the highest value for a Viking, so we must also mention mobile internet. We have it, and we won't hesitate to praise it. Just choose the right parameters, equip yourself with a good network, and start your streamer career.
So that your viewers don't get frustrated en masse, and your successes don't end after just one attempt to gain visibility online, you should offer them a live video stream with the smallest possible delays. Preferably, with no delays at all. Then, both you and your viewers will be satisfied. For this, however, you will need a network that offers an upload speed of at least 25 Mb/s, while the download speed should be around 300 Mb/s. And the internet. At Mobile Vikings, it's worth considering the "Ładunek 250" package, which is 250 GB. No contracts, no formalities, but with a lot of bonuses and auto-refill when needed. Complete freedom worthy of a Viking, right? And this will be a good choice to start streaming online. Because each hour of online gameplay uses about 100 MB of downloaded data.
What is important when streaming?
However, when you decide that you want to stay on streaming platforms for longer, you should think about investing in a fiber optic connection. Of course, if it's possible. With a stable connection, many problems will be off your mind. However, you should still take care of at least a few more parameters:
- PING – we've written a separate post about this pleasant-sounding term, but it's worth dedicating a moment to it here as well. PING determines the response speed in internet connections. The higher the PING, the greater the delay. It is probably unnecessary to add that in live streaming, where reaction time is crucial, it is worth reducing the delay to a minimum.
- Data Limit – in the case of mobile internet, this is an option that you will have to deal with, whether you like it or not. Of course, when moving from rookie mode to professional, it's best to eliminate any limits in this area and opt for a wired connection.
- Download (download speed) – this defines the maximum amount of data you can download within a specific time, usually one second (Mb/s). The higher this value, the more enjoyable your internet experience will be. Pages will load faster, and multimedia will play in higher quality.
- Upload (upload speed) – this is a key parameter for every streamer, concerning the amount of data sent in a specific unit of time. Its value is usually much lower than the download speed. This is the parameter you should discuss in detail with your network provider if you want to approach streaming professionally. Ideally, you should be able to send 50 to 70 Mb of data per second.
See also Download and Upload: Differences
The parameters we list are important when you are looking for the best internet for streaming, but not only then. Every internet user will be eternally grateful for fast-loading pages and multimedia. Streamer sounds proud, but this activity is not reserved exclusively for avid gamers or influencers. When communicating with other internet users via internet connections, you are also transmitting data. During the pandemic, lessons were streamed in schools and lectures at universities. Anyone who worked with a poor connection at that time understands its limitations.
Internet for streaming: which platforms to choose?
Support in the form of a fast connection is not everything. We could write a separate post about the fact that you should have good equipment with sufficient RAM and components (processor, graphics card, network card). The choice of platform where you want to appear will also be important.
Ustream
Going chronologically, according to the timeline, let's start with the military invention, the Ustream platform, which in 2007 opened the world to live streaming. However, before that, the platform successfully supported streaming for soldiers who used it to contact their longing families. Today, it remains one of the market leaders, offering many additional services. Free for up to 30 days, and then from $99 to $1000 per month, depending on the package.
Twitch.tv
It's no accident that gamers most often choose Twitch.tv. But not only them. E-sports is just one of the activities you can stream via Twitch. Musicians, artists, enthusiasts of Viking culture. Everyone feels great here, broadcasting their passions to the world and earning from them. The platform is free, but for $5–6 per month, you can access additional content. Additionally, users can freely communicate with each other.
Youtube Live
Internet giants also have their streaming platforms. Twitch belongs to Amazon. YouTube Live is a Google product and one of the most popular streaming services on earth. All you need is 100 subscribers and you can broadcast to the world using your phone.
Facebook Live
Although the youngest of the above, it uses Facebook's user base. Just hit the button and start streaming, including using a drone. However, for a maximum of four hours, as Mark Zuckerberg has limited streams to this duration.
To this list, it's worth adding an alternative to e-sports, the platform Smashcast or DaCast, which specializes in business communication.
The cost of a computer, internet for streaming, an account on the platform. Is it worth it? Yes, because you can earn from subscriptions, ad views, donations, and sponsor contracts. Of course, it won't fall from the Viking sky, but there are plenty of opportunities to live well from streaming.
