Browser-based streaming technology allows users to view content without downloading it. You can watch your live videos on any device through the best browser for streaming without installing apps or plugins.
Did you know that? According to Grand View Research, “The live streaming market will grow to $223.98 Billion by 2028 while cloud-based streaming solutions will increase more.”
The browser-based streaming uses standard HTML to deliver audio and video. The main advantage of using this technology is that it’s efficient, easy to use, and affordable. The best part is that you don’t have to install anything on your computer, you just go to the website, click on the media player link, and start streaming.
The Tech Behind the Best Browser for Streaming
The process requires simple and easy steps. Browser-based technology works through Progressive Rendering, the sequential release of partial web pages from a provider’s server, which then streams content to the viewer.
Browsers are designed to wait to display media files until they are downloaded. Streaming gets around that by storing images locally on the user’s computer without using an intermediate server.
The browser is tricked into thinking it is downloading individual images, not videos. The browser essentially draws a background image on top of each layer while downloading and then removes it when the next layer becomes available. Through this process, users can see their content, while underneath it all, more content is loading.
For events and meetings, you’ll need the support of a web-based streaming platform that enables communication and collaboration. Then, you can look for live streaming options and other engagement tools depending on your needs.
Benefits of the Best Browser for Streaming
1. WebRTC Technology
Web-based streaming now follows clear protocols and standards. All thanks to the release of WebRTC spec by W3C together with support from Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox (version 15+).
2. Real-Time Interactive Communication
Browser-based streaming offers real-time interactive communication with multiple people at once. Unfortunately, this is not possible in a browser-supported video chat app today because you can only stream one video in an iframe, just like in Google Hangouts or Skype.
3. High-Quality Video Development
Browser-based streaming supports high-quality video MKV/MP4/H264 as hardware decoding makes it possible to support 1080p 60fps video. Some of these in-browser streaming apps are also compatible with video formats like AVI, FLV, MPEG, etc.
4. Low-Cost Effective Solution
It’s a low-cost process, and there are no required licenses for the components to implement this solution. However, if you’re acquiring any web-based streaming app, review its pricing plans first to make the right decision.
5. No Plugins or Software
Browser-based streaming eliminates the need for software downloads or plugins installed on end-user devices, from laptops to mobile phones. You can stream on your browser without installing additional plugins for live streaming.
6. Smooth Experience
Another notable feature is that it can embed streaming into existing web content without disrupting the user experience when visiting a website or using an application. This platform offers live video streaming options to users working in dynamic office conditions. You can join video conferencing calls or even host webinars to connect with your team.
7. Less Bandwidth
Browser-based streaming requires less bandwidth than other options since all processing happens on your local machine (much like Skype) instead of requiring high bandwidth to send data back and forth between clients via HTTP.
8. Control Over Camera/Microphone
The end-user has total control over their camera/microphone input. Users can control who views them live without relying on the server to provide access to connect.
The <video> tag and <audio> tag allows capturing local audio output from the microphone & camera-input locally. Then both are encoded into the HLS format, which is suitable for streaming across the network via an HTTP request (For the nerds: We include the technical explanation at the end).
9. Mobile-Friendly Option
Browser-based streaming is mobile-friendly and can pair with mobile devices, especially Android tablets, which support H264 hardware decoding.
Limitations of Browser-Based Streaming
Theoretically, any browser-based streaming solution should work the same way as long as the software can recognize what kind of device you’re using (computer or mobile phone). After that, it will customize itself accordingly (either by creating a native application for that device or by adjusting its HTML page).
However, it’s not so simple because some issues with browser-based streaming prevent it from being truly user-friendly.
- Platform support: Browser-based solutions offer limited cross-platform support (desktop computers only), which means they are accessible only on desktop computers running Windows (XP/Vista/7) or Mac OS X 10.5+. It excludes most smartphones and tablets with Android 2.x – 4.x operating systems.
- Limited mobile support for older operating systems: iPhones running iOS 4–5 operating systems can’t support browser-based streaming either (even though recent updates allow Safari users to access media files within their browsers). For beginners, if you want to reach iOS device owners, you will need a separate app developed in Objective C language for iPhone OS 3+ devices and Java + Core Library for iPad OS 3+ devices.
- Zero cross-domain control: Browser-based streaming offers no cross-domain control over embedded media files. It means a browser will not let you play media files hosted on domains other than yours, even if they can support the content!
- Lack of control over embedded video/audio: Another disadvantage is the lack of control over embedded video/audio content, preventing users from implementing tracking tools like video view counters or sharing features.
- Limited playback support: Some browser-based streaming music players allow users to forward through tracks but revisit the original track page. Users often forget where they stopped last time when watching something, requiring them to go through every track before returning to the same spot.
- Instability: Sometimes, embedded players do not work at all. For instance, Chrome occasionally crashes while loading videos. When this happens, users lose track of the previous sessions and need to reload the entire page.
When Should I Use the Best Browser for Streaming?
You should use browser-based streaming if you don’t control your hosting platform or its caching behavior, generally if your site contains many large images or videos (for example, product galleries).
Browser-based streaming reduces the server load by eliminating unnecessary intermediary requests. A user with a slow connection would benefit significantly from this technique because they would avoid making multiple requests, resulting in large files being transferred over their network connection asynchronously (i.e., without any feedback during download). It may result in poor performance due to high bandwidth consumption and prolonged round-trip times between client and server computers.
These factors are particularly relevant if your target market resides outside developed countries with high bandwidth capacity (e.g., Europe or North America). Typical internet service providers usually provide high-speed connectivity at much lower costs than people living in developing countries typically pay for access speeds. Further, you can use web and video analytics to create better brand engagement for your audiences.
Browser-Based Streaming for Enterprises
Nowadays, cloud-based in-browser streaming platforms are gaining more recognition with engagement tools suitable for collaborative streaming and brand customization. The primary purpose is to provide flexibility and cost-effectiveness to entrepreneurs and business owners.
With features like API access, cloud video management, live stream recording, and more, businesses can potentially succeed with enhanced communication. Now users can extend their reach by enabling video analytics tools and cinematic effects to their live streaming videos. Companies can effectively conduct virtual events via web-based streaming technology while connecting with their target audiences.
So, whether you want to stream at a professional level or have significant streaming needs, these platforms can provide great assistance with their wide range of functions.
What Is the Future of Browser-Based Streaming?
With technical advancements and the rise in modern protocols, 2021 became a fruitful year for browser-based streaming platforms. In addition, remote-working software, such as Zoom or Twitch, surfaced more quickly post-pandemic due to affordable streaming solutions for businesses and entrepreneurs.
The education and academic sectors will improve due to the excellent features and benefits of browser-based streaming apps. At the same time, the streaming quality of HD content will further lead to more advancements in educational institutes. Soon, the students and staff members in schools will use virtual desktops to conduct video and audio webcasts.
Although the mobile web has been around for a long time, it’s safe to say that this is just the beginning of a new era for browser-based streaming platforms. The drastic reduction in barriers while streaming videos has caused more people to use their phones for streaming videos.
Currently, the primary concern is the lack of control over accessible content. It means that you still have no control over who sees your content and how. Hopefully, with time, the security concerns related to these web-based streaming platforms will improve with better mobile support and even lower bandwidth costs.
Nerd Addendum
With technical advancements and the rise in modern protocols, 2021 became a fruitful year for browser-based streaming platforms. In addition, remote-working software, such as Zoom or Twitch, surfaced more quickly post-pandemic due to affordable streaming solutions for businesses and entrepreneurs.
The education and academic sectors will improve due to the excellent features and benefits of browser-based streaming apps. At the same time, the streaming quality of HD content will further lead to more advancements in educational institutes. Soon, the students and staff members in schools will use virtual desktops to conduct video and audio webcasts.
Although the mobile web has been around for a long time, it’s safe to say that this is just the beginning of a new era for browser-based streaming platforms. The drastic reduction in barriers while streaming videos has caused more people to use their phones for streaming videos.
Currently, the primary concern is the lack of control over accessible content. It means that you still have no control over who sees your content and how. Hopefully, with time, the security concerns related to these web-based streaming platforms will improve with better mobile support and even lower bandwidth costs.
Final Thoughts
The implementation of browser-based streaming in our daily lives increases day by day. It’s changing how businesses and virtual platforms work due to the enhancement of remote opportunities. You can install a web-based streaming recorder like Zight (formerly CloudApp) for pre-recorded events for a more advanced approach.
This guide covered everything you need to know about browser-based streaming solutions. Add a browser-based streaming portal for your videos or a cloud-based solution to create a dynamic enterprise setting.
Video software like Zight (formerly CloudApp) makes it easy to create screen recordings, make annotations, and share the video with clients or co-workers – in one quick, streamlined process! They can stream the video directly from their browsers without downloading. Get a demo today and share videos that can be streamed right from the browser.
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