Video Streaming Encoding Basics – From Protocols to Codecs

Video streaming encoding: why you need it for livestreaming?

A video streaming server and encoding is an essential part of any live video setup—whether it’s a simple single-camera stream or a full-scale live broadcast production. Even “traditional” video-sharing platforms rely on video streaming server infrastructure to function.

The Basics of Video Streaming Servers

Since Video streaming servers are IT systems that enable users to watch live or pre-recorded video content via the internet they play a crucial role in powering streaming services like online video platforms, live broadcasts, and video-on-demand (VOD) systems. At the heart of their function is the encoding and compression of video content. Encoding transforms video data to reduce file size while maintaining acceptable quality—essential for efficient streaming, since larger files take longer to load and consume more bandwidth.

Common Video Compression Standards: Codecs

One of the most widely used video encoding standards is H.264 (also known as MPEG-4 Part 10 AVC). It compresses video efficiently with minimal quality loss, allowing streaming providers to deliver small, fast-loading video files.

H.265 (High Efficiency Video Coding, or HEVC) is a more advanced version of H.264, offering about 50% smaller file sizes—meaning better quality or reduced bandwidth usage. However, H.265 is much more demanding in terms of computing resources, making real-time streaming more challenging.

H.266 is on the horizon—but more on that later.

Streaming Protocols

Streaming systems typically rely on one or more of the following six protocols. It’s important to note that not all protocols support every codec, which can be a key factor when planning a streaming setup.

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)

Developed by Apple in 2009 to phase out Flash on iPhones, HLS has become the most widely used streaming protocol. Media players, web browsers, mobile devices, and servers mostly support HLS. Today, nearly all platforms—from desktop browsers to smart TVs and Android/iOS devices—support HLS. HTML5 video players also natively support it, making HLS one of the top choices for online video streaming.

Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP)

Originally developed by Macromedia, RTMP remains widely used for live video delivery. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, and Dacast accept RTMP input via compatible encoders. Typically, RTMP is used to send the video from the encoder to the platform, where it is then delivered to viewers via another protocol—usually HLS. RTMPS is a secure variant of RTMP, using TLS or SSL encryption to prevent unauthorized access to the video stream. If your broadcasting equipment supports it, RTMPS is often interchangeable with RTMP.

WebRTC

Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) is an open-source project designed for low-latency, peer-to-peer streaming, primarily for video conferencing. While technically not a protocol, WebRTC is often grouped with them due to its functionality and overlap with streaming technology.

Secure Reliable Transport (SRT)

Haivision have developed SRT recently so it is a modern, open-source protocol known for security, reliability, compatibility, and low latency. It’s increasingly built into hardware devices, including cameras by brands like JVC. SRT is widely regarded as one of the best options for real-time streaming.

Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP)

RTSP is one of the oldest and least known protocols, first introduced in 1998. It’s designed to control media servers in entertainment and communications systems. You may meet newer version, RTSP 2.0, was released in 2016. RTSP often works in tandem with RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol) and RTCP (Real-Time Control Protocol) to deliver and manage media streams.

MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP)

MPEG-DASH is not yet as widely used, but it offers several advantages. It supports adaptive bitrate streaming, meaning viewers always get the best possible quality for their current internet speed—adjusting in real time. MPEG-DASH also solves several long-standing issues with streaming and compression. Importantly, it’s codec-independent, so it works with almost any encoding format, and it supports encrypted media extensions (EME) and media source extensions (MSE) for browser-based DRM.

Real-World Use Cases for Streaming Servers

Whether you’re watching Netflix or streaming live on TikTok, you’re using video streaming server infrastructure. Here are just a few key applications:

1. Online Video Platforms like YouTube and Vimeo rely on streaming servers to store and deliver user-uploaded videos across devices.
2. Live Broadcasts: Events like concerts or sports games are streamed in real time using video streaming servers that capture and distribute the feed to viewers.
3. Video-on-Demand (VOD): Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video use streaming servers to deliver on-demand content, allowing users to watch videos without downloading full files.
4. E-learning and Online Education: Platforms such as edX and Coursera deliver course materials in video format, hosted and streamed via dedicated servers for smooth student access.

As online video content continues to grow in popularity, streaming servers will play an ever-greater role in delivering quality experiences to users worldwide.