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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Livestream

Livestreaming is the real-time transmission of audio or video over the internet, allowing audiences to watch an event as it happens.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Livestreaming is the real-time transmission of audio or video over the internet, allowing audiences to watch an event as it happens. It is used for entertainment, news, sports, gaming, conferences, and other live events, often with interactive features such as chat. The term can also be used as a verb meaning to broadcast an event live online.

Definition

Livestreaming is a form of internet broadcasting in which audio or video is transmitted as it happens. Dictionary and reference sources describe it as live or near-live online transmission for immediate viewing.

Uses

Livestreaming is widely used for professional sports, concerts, conferences, webinars, gaming, and social media events. It is also used for personal broadcasts and other forms of live online communication.

Technology and interaction

Livestreaming typically relies on streaming media technology and may include live chat or other interactive tools. This makes it different from prerecorded video because audiences can respond during the broadcast.

Language use

In modern English, livestream can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective. Common variants include live stream, live-stream, and live streaming.

Key facts

  • Livestreaming refers to media transmitted in real time or near real time over the internet.
  • It differs from video-on-demand because the content is not prerecorded for later playback before transmission.
  • Common livestream uses include sports, concerts, gaming, conferences, and webinars.
  • Livestreams often include audience interaction through chat or other live messaging tools.
  • The word can function as both a noun and a verb in modern English.
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Canadian context

Livestreaming is widely used in Canada for news coverage, sports, education, government communications, concerts, and community events, especially where audiences are geographically dispersed.

Frequently asked questions

What is a livestream?
A livestream is a real-time online broadcast of audio or video that people can watch while it is happening.
How is livestreaming different from video-on-demand?
Livestreaming is transmitted as the event occurs, while video-on-demand is prerecorded and stored for later viewing.
What is livestreaming used for?
It is commonly used for sports, concerts, conferences, webinars, gaming, news, and social media events.
Can livestreams include audience interaction?
Yes. Many livestreams include live chat or similar tools that let viewers interact during the broadcast.
Is 'livestream' a verb?
Yes. It can mean to broadcast an event live over the internet.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/technology/livestreaming
    Supports: Definition of livestreaming as real-time internet transmission and common uses such as sports, conferences, and gaming.
  2. Merriam-Websterhttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live%20stream
    Supports: Dictionary definition of live stream as a broadcast over the internet for live viewing and as a verb meaning to broadcast live online.
  3. Cambridge Dictionaryhttps://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/livestream
    Supports: Definition of livestream as broadcasting video and sound of an event over the internet as it happens.
  4. Dictionary.comhttps://www.dictionary.com/browse/livestream
    Supports: Definitions of livestream as a verb and noun, plus note on live-stream spelling.
  5. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_streaming
    Supports: General overview of live streaming, common distinctions from prerecorded streaming, and examples of uses.