By Dacast Editorial Team | Reviewed by Jon Whitehead, COO at Dacast | Updated May 2026 What equipment do you need for live streaming? A complete live streaming setup requires four components: a video/audio source (camera + microphone), a video encoder (hardware or software), a streaming destination platform, and a stable internet connection. This guide […]
Author Archives: Max Wilbert
HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is the backbone of modern video delivery, accounting for over 70% of global streaming traffic and reaching audiences across every device category. Originally developed by Apple, HLS streaming has become the universal standard for live streaming platforms, OTT services, enterprise broadcasts, and video-on-demand delivery because of its native compatibility with browsers, […]
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is the best audio codec for live streaming in 2026. It delivers superior compression efficiency and sound quality compared to MP3, and is natively supported on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and virtually all streaming platforms. For professional streams at 1080p, use AAC at 192–256 kbps stereo with a 44.1 kHz sample […]
In 2026, media and event agencies aren’t just “adding” live streaming anymore. They’re expected to deliver it as a packaged, reliable service alongside production, promotion, and post-event content. Clients want hybrid experiences that look broadcast-quality, run smoothly on any device, and scale globally without technical drama. They also expect measurable outcomes (registrations, watch time, leads, […]
Live streaming is more accessible than ever—but “easy to go live” isn’t the same as “good to watch.” The difference usually comes down to encoder settings: codec, bitrate ladder, GOP/keyframes, audio, and how you ingest the stream into your online video platform (OVP). This guide updates the classic HLS settings checklist for 2026 workflows, including […]