WebRTC: Video Streaming App Development Technology

If you are in the Streaming Media Industry, then you would've definitely heard about WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication). It is open-source software supported by Mozilla, Opera, and Google.

Running without the use of plugins or downloads, it helps in the transfer of video and audio between the browsers in real-time.

Users can just open a web page and start chatting. WebRTC enables video, voice, and screen sharing options with online gaming and an interactive whiteboard that a standard web browser can access.

This technology unlocks the door to uninterrupted and direct communication that can be accessed from almost any endpoint: phones, web pages, and even home appliances. Its potential ubiquity and simplicity to use, make it an excellent video streaming solution, especially in the domains of peer-to-peer networking and video conferencing.
 

It is also notable that WebRTC is not a protocol but instead a protocol stack.

WebRTC is basically based on three main APIs:

1. MediaStream
2. RTC-PeerConnection
3. RTC-DataChannel

 MediaStream

• This allows the web browser to receive video and audio signals from the user’s desktop.
• It allows users to access various input devices such as webcams & microphones.
• It also uses the microphone and camera to capture and stream live video and audio. 

RTC-PeerConnection API

• This API enables the connection between browsers and multimedia data received from various input devices like microphones, cameras, or user desktops. 
• It is responsible for signal processing, which includes (cleaning background noise, adjusting the microphone noise level) and managing video and audio codecs.
• The API makes it possible to send a live captured video and audio stream to another WebRTC endpoint. 

RTCDataChannel API

• It sends arbitrary data. Every data channel is associated with a separate RTCPeerConnection. 
• Built-in safety (DTLS) and overload control.
• It is responsible for two-way data transfer over any fully established connection.

We can hence say that WebRTC enables secure communication between the receiver and sender through RTCP feedback, latency targeting, and bandwidth control. Thus, making it ideal for streaming when low latency is required and the perfect solution for live streaming.

The working architecture of WebRTC.

Image Source: ResearchGate

Also Read:- Mobile Live Streaming: A Guide To Broadcast Videos From A Smartphone
 

Top Apps that use WebRTC Technology

• Google Meet and Google Hangouts

• Snapchat

• Amazon Chime

• Discord

• Facebook Messenger

Also Read:- The Importance of Integrating Real-Time Features In Your App
 

Benefits of using WebRTC

Platform and device Independence

WebRTC is an open-web standard that’s available as a simple JavaScript API. In the case of Android and iOS, a particular library is used to provide access to the same functionality. WebRTC-based browsers run on the operating system and run any web application that can start a video or voice call with another WebRTC device or server. 

This can be done by integrating standard APIs from the W3C and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) protocol. Using WebRTC, developers can write HTML5 code that can run on both mobile devices and desktop computers.

Secure video and voice calling

WebRTC has a permanent voice and video encryption. The Secure Real-Time Protocol (SRTP) is used to encrypt and verify voice and video. This is especially useful when connected to Wi-Fi and prevents the surveillance and recording of voice and video.

WebRTC supports peer-to-peer connections, opening up various possibilities for multi-party conversations, broadcasting, SIP-based telephony integration, and many more.

Some basic steps to develop a Video Streaming App

Here are four crucial steps to bring your video streaming app to life and simplify your development process.

Research your Target Market.

Target audience is the most important factor to think about, while When developing a video streaming app. Create an ideal and detailed user persona of your targeted user age and your content range. 

Understanding the need of the user makes development easier and leads to a better final product

Create an MVP Minimum Viable Product 

Creating a video streaming app is a complex project. By using an MVP approach, you’ll be able to find out what your users like and don’t like on your app. You’ll also be able to consider their feedback and improve your video streaming app according to your specific audience's wishes.

Hire a robust app development team

One of the most important steps is to find a development team that you want to work with. You'll need a team that'll work phase by phase on your project. The first step of your app development is business analysis. 

Oodles Technologies help develop and customize live streaming and real-time video streaming applications for events, programs, meetings, and much more with various intuitive elements Enable peer-to-peer communication acress the web and mobile to streamline business operations with WebRTC technology.

Join hands with us and develop customized live streaming and real-time video streaming capabilities.