What distinguishes live streaming from other types of streaming?

Live streaming is distinguished by its ability to transmit data as it is created in real time. This format allows viewers to watch events, broadcasts, or activities as they happen, rather than consuming pre-recorded or static content. This immediacy is important for various applications such as live events, gaming, webinars, and news broadcasts, where the audience engages with the content as it unfolds.

The characteristics of live streaming mean that it often requires robust internet connectivity and low latency to ensure a smooth viewer experience, as any delay can detract from the immediacy of the content. This contrasts sharply with other forms of streaming, where content can be pre-recorded, buffered, or stored for later playback, which is not a feature of live streaming.