How to Create a Streaming Service: Technologies and Solutions

Create a streaming service

Streaming services have become an integral part of the modern digital landscape. Essentially, they are platforms that allow video and audio content to be transmitted over the internet in real-time or on-demand. Unlike traditional file downloading, streaming allows viewers to start watching almost instantly, without waiting for the entire content to download.

The streaming services market is showing impressive growth both in Russia and worldwide. According to analysts, the Russian online video market shows an annual growth of more than 20%. Among the popular streaming platforms in Russia are Kinopoisk, KION, START, Rutube, VK Video, and other services that are actively developing and expanding their audience.

Creating your own streaming service opens up wide opportunities for business. First, it's an effective way to monetize video content through various models: advertising, subscriptions, or transactional payments. Second, your own platform gives you complete control over content and user experience, allowing you to flexibly customize functionality for specific business needs. Third, it's an opportunity to build and retain a loyal audience by providing unique content and service.

However, launching a quality streaming service requires a serious technological approach. It's necessary to ensure reliable operation under high loads, support for various devices and internet speeds, content protection, and many other aspects. In this article, we'll look in detail at the technologies and solutions that will help create a modern streaming service, and also explain how the Flussonic Media Server platform simplifies this process.

Contents

What's needed to create a streaming service?

To create a streaming service, you need to prepare a whole complex of technological solutions. First of all, you need to take care of a reliable network infrastructure. Streaming video, especially in high resolution, requires significant network bandwidth and connection stability. It's necessary to ensure quality communication channels both for receiving original video streams and for distributing them to viewers.

It's important to correctly calculate the network load to avoid overloading it even at peak times when a large number of viewers are using the service simultaneously. Depending on the scale of the project, you can use your own network infrastructure or rent the necessary capacity from cloud providers.

The next key point is equipment. For a streaming service to operate, you'll need high-performance servers capable of processing multiple video streams in real-time. It's necessary to correctly choose the server configuration, taking into account the expected load.

Equally important is the content storage system. Video files, especially in high resolution, take up a lot of space. Therefore, a well-thought-out storage organization that provides quick access to video data is critically important for a streaming platform.

The third important component is software. First of all, video codecs are needed, allowing efficient compression of video streams for transmission over the network. The streaming server must be able to work with various formats and encoding profiles to deliver video to a wide range of devices - from smartphones to Smart TVs.

To speed up content delivery to users worldwide, CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) are used - geographically distributed networks of servers located as close as possible to viewers. This minimizes delays and ensures fast video loading. Integration with a CDN is an integral part of a modern streaming platform.

And of course, you need to take care of players for video playback on websites and in applications. They must be able to adapt to different devices, screens, internet connection speeds, and provide viewers with convenient video control elements, quality switching, subtitles, and other functions.

Thus, to launch a streaming service, a complex of technical solutions is needed - from network infrastructure and equipment to codecs and players. All these elements must be carefully thought out and integrated to ensure uninterrupted operation and high quality broadcasting. And how these components interact with each other and what the typical architecture of the platform is - we'll consider in the next section.

Create a streaming service

Main components and architecture of a streaming service

To better understand how a streaming platform works, let's look at its typical architecture and main components. Conditionally, the system can be divided into several key components:

  1. Media content sources. These can be either live video streams from cameras or encoders (in the case of live streaming) or pre-prepared video files (for Video on Demand services). It's important to ensure the stability and quality of the original signal, as well as its timely delivery to the server for further processing.
  2. Infrastructure for capturing and processing video streams. This includes systems for receiving incoming streams via various protocols (RTMP, SRT, MPEG-TS, etc.), their normalization, and preparation for further broadcasting. Filtering and processing of video and audio (transcoding, resolution changes, graphics overlay, etc.) may also be performed.
  3. Server for encoding, transcoding, and packaging streams. This is a key component responsible for recoding video into formats and bitrates optimal for various devices and internet speeds. Modern video servers, such as Flussonic Media Server, use adaptive broadcasting, packaging one video stream into several variants with different resolution and bitrate. This allows the player on the user's device to automatically select the optimal option depending on the network bandwidth.
  4. Content Delivery Network (CDN). To ensure fast and uninterrupted delivery of video to viewers, geographically distributed broadcasting networks are used. Video segments are cached on multiple network nodes located as close as possible to users. When a viewer requests a video, they receive it from the nearest available server, which minimizes delays. A CDN improves loading speed, reduces load on the main server, and improves video quality for end users.
  5. Client applications and players. To play video streams on the user's side, special players are needed, built into web pages, mobile applications, Smart TV applications, and other devices. They request a manifest file from the server with a list of available stream options, select the optimal option, and load video segments for continuous playback. The player also displays video control elements, allows switching quality, selecting audio tracks, subtitles, etc.

This is a generalized architecture of a typical streaming service. However, depending on specific tasks and scales, the system can be supplemented with other components - content management and access rights systems, billing, analytics, recommendations, etc.

CDN technologies

All these components must be properly designed and integrated with each other to ensure uninterrupted operation of the service and quality delivery of video to viewers. It's important to consider expected loads, properly scale the system, and ensure its fault tolerance.

How to create a streaming service that meets key requirements

For a streaming service to be successful and in demand by the audience, it must meet a number of critically important requirements. Let's look at them in more detail.

  1. Reliability and fault tolerance. Viewers expect the service to be available at any time when they want to watch a video. Even short-term failures or long buffering cause negative emotions and undermine trust in the platform. Therefore, the system architecture should initially be designed with redundancy of critical components, load balancing, and automatic switching to backup capacities in case of failures.
  2. Scalability. A popular service must be ready for rapid audience growth and peak loads (for example, during sports events or premieres). It's necessary that the platform can quickly build up capacity and the number of simultaneous viewers without degrading the quality of broadcasting. For this, cloud technologies with dynamic resource allocation are used, when new servers are connected automatically when the load increases and disconnected when it decreases.
  3. Adaptive streaming and support for various devices. Modern users want to watch videos on a wide range of devices - from smartphones and tablets to Smart TVs and gaming consoles. At the same time, the speed and quality of their internet connection can vary greatly. The streaming platform must be able to adapt the video stream to the characteristics of each device and dynamically adjust the quality to the available internet speed. This is achieved through adaptive broadcasting in HLS or MPEG-DASH formats, where one video file is encoded into several profiles with different resolution and bitrate.
  4. Low latency for live broadcasts. In the case of live broadcasts, it's critically important to ensure minimal delay between the real event and its display to viewers. Each second of delay reduces the sense of presence and audience engagement. For this, special broadcasting protocols with low latency (Low Latency HLS, DASH Low Latency, etc.) are used, as well as optimization of the network stack and player buffering.
  5. Content security. To protect video from unauthorized access and distribution, stream encryption and digital rights management (DRM) systems are used. They allow flexible restriction of access to content, binding it to specific devices and users, and setting the terms of rights. Built-in player protection systems prevent unauthorized copying of the video stream. Also, to prevent server overload and DDoS attacks, traffic monitoring and request filtering systems are used.

Thus, a streaming platform must be designed with key requirements for reliability, performance, adaptability, and security in mind. To implement them, it's necessary to use modern protocols and adaptive broadcasting technologies, build a fault-tolerant and scalable architecture, and integrate content protection systems.

Formats and protocols for adaptive streaming

To implement adaptive streaming, which allows adjusting video quality to the bandwidth of each viewer's channel, special formats and protocols for video delivery have been developed. Let's look at the main ones:

  1. HLS (HTTP Live Streaming). Developed by Apple and is today one of the most common formats. The video stream is split into small files (chunks) typically 2-10 seconds long. Several versions with different resolution and bitrate are created for each chunk. The list of available options is described in a special index file (playlist) in M3U8 format. The player downloads this playlist and, based on it, selects the optimal version of chunks, switching between them as needed. HLS is supported on a wide range of devices and works well in networks with firewalls and address translators.
  2. MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP). This format was developed by the MPEG organization and is an international standard. Its architecture is similar to HLS - content is also divided into segments and described in a special manifest file (Media Presentation Description, MPD). However, MPEG-DASH has a number of additional features - support for DRM, advertising inserts, multi-channel sound, etc. Today, DASH is gaining increasing popularity and is supported by many devices, especially those based on Android.
  3. Microsoft Smooth Streaming. An adaptive streaming format developed by Microsoft. The video stream is encoded into several files with different bitrates and divided into 2-second fragments. Fragment descriptions are stored in a manifest in XML format. Initially, Smooth Streaming was only supported in the Microsoft environment (Silverlight, Windows, Xbox), but today it can be used on other platforms using a cross-platform SDK.
  4. HTTP Dynamic Streaming (HDS). Another proprietary format, this time from Adobe. The concept is similar to the previous ones - adaptive streaming based on HTTP with video divided into fragments. The structure of the stream is described in special F4M manifests. Previously, Flash Player was required for HDS playback, but with its demise, the format has lost its relevance and is practically not used today.

The choice of the optimal format depends on the specifics of the project and target devices. Since Flash has completely gone into the past, HDS is no longer an option. Smooth Streaming can be a good choice if Microsoft devices are in focus. In other cases, it's optimal to use HLS together with MPEG-DASH. This will ensure maximum compatibility with devices and flexibility in settings.

Most modern video servers support several adaptive broadcasting formats at once. For example, Flussonic Media Server can deliver the same video stream in HLS, DASH, and Smooth Streaming. This allows unifying the streaming infrastructure and at the same time covering the widest possible audience.

The choice of format and its settings largely determines the picture quality that viewers will see. But it's equally important to optimally prepare the video stream itself - to choose the right codecs and encoding parameters.

How to create a streaming service with optimal video quality: codecs and settings

The image quality that viewers of your streaming service will receive, and the amount of traffic it will generate, directly depend on the video codecs used and encoding parameters. Their correct choice and configuration are the key to an optimal viewing experience and resource conservation.

The main video codec used in most services today is H.264/AVC. It provides a good balance between compression ratio and picture quality and is supported on almost all devices. For H.264 encoding, you can use both software solutions (e.g., x264 library) and hardware acceleration based on graphics cards or specialized chips.

The new generation of video codecs, such as H.265/HEVC and AV1, allow achieving even greater compression efficiency and reducing bitrate by 30-40% compared to H.264 with the same visual quality. However, their support is not yet as widespread, especially from mobile devices. Nevertheless, if your audience mainly uses modern devices and Smart TVs, it makes sense to consider using these promising standards.

The choice of encoding parameters - resolution, profiles, levels, video and audio bitrates - has a great influence on streaming quality. Typically, for adaptive streaming, each video file is encoded in 4-7 variants with different combinations of these settings. A typical set may include, for example, such profiles:

Specific values depend on the content specifics and audience. For videos with dynamic scenes, a higher bitrate is required; for static plans, it can be reduced. In any case, it's necessary to test various combinations and evaluate visual quality.

The consistency of video and audio settings when packaging into adaptive formats like HLS is very important. It's necessary to consider recommendations for aligning levels and profiles, segment duration, and grouping into playlists. Only by meeting all specification requirements will players be able to correctly play the stream and switch between profiles.

A good practice is to use variable bitrate (VBR) instead of constant bitrate (CBR). This allows more flexible distribution of data volume between simple and complex parts of the video and optimizes the ratio of file size to visual quality.

To automate the process of preparing adaptive streams, you can use special solutions such as Flussonic Media Server. It contains flexible settings for transcoding, packaging, and encryption, supports hardware acceleration, and simplifies the deployment and management of complex video processing processes.

When setting up an encoding system, it's necessary to constantly monitor the visual quality of the result on real devices, analyze statistics, and feedback from users. Optimal settings will change with the development of technologies, audience requirements, and content types.

How to create a streaming service with a convenient video-on-demand (VoD) catalog

Subscription Video on Demand (VoD) is an integral part of most modern streaming services. Unlike Live Streaming, where content is generated in real-time, in VoD, video files are prepared in advance, encoded, and available to viewers for watching at any convenient time.

How to create a streaming service: video store interface on a tablet

The key element of a VoD platform is the video catalog, which should be convenient for navigation, search, and content selection. Catalog organization includes the following aspects:

Content reception and preparation. VoD files can come from various sources - from their own studio or external content producers. It's necessary to establish a process for receiving original master files, checking them for compliance with technical requirements, and accounting for rights and licenses. Metadata (title, description, genre, cast, etc.) should also be collected at this stage and connected to the content management system (CMS).

Encoding and packaging. Original files, usually presented in high-quality formats (MOV, MXF, etc.), need to be recoded into formats suitable for online broadcasting in different resolutions and bitrates. Packaging into adaptive streaming containers (HLS, MPEG-DASH) with encryption and DRM protection is also performed. Unlike Live Streaming, this process doesn't require real-time operation and can be performed in advance.

File storage. Encoded files and their segments are placed in a distributed storage system, from where they will be delivered to viewers on demand. It's necessary to ensure sufficient storage capacity, its reliability, and performance. Modern video platforms often use object storage like Amazon S3, optimized for working with large files.

Catalog and metadata organization. Information about available videos (metadata) should be structured and loaded into a CMS, which is responsible for publishing content on the service's website or application. Through the CMS, access rights are usually configured, selections and recommendations are formed, and the content lifecycle is managed.

Content protection. VoD files represent commercial value and should be protected from unauthorized access and copying. For this, various Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems are used, which encrypt the video stream and require a special license key to decrypt it in the player. The most common DRM systems are Google Widevine, Microsoft PlayReady, Apple FairPlay.

Having a library of ready VoD assets, you can flexibly manage their publication, configure various business models (free access, subscription, purchase, or rental), and conduct marketing campaigns. The convenience of working with the catalog, search capabilities, and personalization largely determine the attractiveness of a VoD service for viewers.

Using Flussonic Media Server to create a streaming service

In previous sections, we've examined in detail the key components and requirements for the technology stack of a modern streaming service. However, deploying and integrating all these elements from scratch can be a labor-intensive task requiring high expertise and significant resources. Fortunately, today there are comprehensive solutions that allow you to quickly launch your own streaming platform based on a single software product. And one of the leaders in this field is Flussonic Media Server.

Flussonic Media Server is a multifunctional software system for organizing streaming broadcasting, developed by Erlyvideo. It combines all the necessary tools for receiving, processing, storing, and delivering media content, both in Live Streaming formats and Video on Demand. Let's look at the key capabilities of Flussonic and scenarios for its application when building a streaming platform.

First of all, Flussonic provides reliable reception and transmission of live video streams via RTMP, RTSP, WebRTC, SRT, MPEG-TS, and other protocols. It supports working with IP cameras, software, and hardware encoders, allowing flexible configuration of reception parameters and optimization of video quality. The built-in transcoder can recode incoming streams "on the fly" into the necessary formats and profiles of adaptive streaming (HLS, MPEG-DASH, RTSP, etc.)

Equally important are Flussonic's capabilities for working with VoD content. The media server can act as a file storage, automatically converting them into adaptive streaming formats. It supports working with various types of sources - from local directories to external S3 object storage. A powerful and flexible API allows organizing integration with any CMS and content management systems.

Special attention is paid to security. Flussonic allows organizing secure content delivery via HTTPS protocol, configuring video stream encryption, and working with authorization tokens. Built-in mechanisms for preventing DDoS attacks and access control minimize the risks of unauthorized video use.

The scalable architecture of the Flussonic cluster ensures high service availability and allows processing thousands of simultaneous viewers. At the same time, the load is dynamically distributed between nodes depending on their performance and load. A unified administration console simplifies monitoring and management of all system elements.

But Flussonic is not only a technological core but also a set of ready-made application solutions. For example, the Flussonic Iris module provides convenient tools for organizing cloud video surveillance. Flussonic Watcher is a comprehensive system for monitoring live streams and content sources. And built-in analytics mechanisms and integration with advertising networks allow effective monetization of video.

Thus, using Flussonic Media Server as the basis of a streaming platform gives a number of undeniable advantages:

With such a technological base, you can focus on developing a content strategy and service monetization model, attracting an audience, and improving broadcasting quality.

FunctionDescription
Live stream receptionSupport for RTMP, WebRTC, RTSP, MPEG-TS, SRT, etc.
Adaptive broadcastingOn-the-fly packaging into HLS, MPEG-DASH, MSS
Multi-format VoDAuto-conversion of VoD files to HLS, DASH
SecurityEncryption, DDoS protection modules, authorization
ScalingClustering, dynamic load distribution
AnalyticsSystem for monitoring and analyzing video quality

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that creating a streaming service is a complex task requiring careful elaboration of both technological aspects and issues of content strategy, user experience, and monetization.

Modern technologies, such as adaptive broadcasting, cloud infrastructures, and specialized media servers, open up wide opportunities for deploying and scaling streaming broadcasting platforms. However, it's equally important to think about what content you will offer to the audience, how to make the streaming service convenient and attractive for viewers, what interactive functions and personalization possibilities to implement.

The choice of the optimal monetization model depends on the specifics of your content, target audience, and business goals. Advertising, paid subscription, purchase or rental of individual videos, sponsorship, and other methods can be applied both separately and in hybrid schemes. The main thing is to find a balance between the interests of viewers and the financial sustainability of the project.

Launching your own streaming service is, of course, an ambitious and complex project. But, as the experience of many companies shows, it can open new horizons for your business, strengthen the connection with the audience, and enter new markets. The main thing is to clearly define your niche, offer viewers truly valuable and unique content, build a reliable technical infrastructure, and constantly improve your service, focusing on feedback and analytics.