Gain a competitive edge with ultra-low-latency streaming
When your viewers learn about a game-winning touchdown from their friends' text messages before seeing it happen on their screens, you've already lost them to a competitor. In today's hyperconnected world, even a few seconds of delay can mean the difference between an engaged audience and viewers who switch to faster alternatives.
Sports leagues, networks, and content creators are discovering that capturing the ultra-low-latency video streaming market is essential for revenue growth. The organizations that master ultra-low latency streaming will capture the viewers who demand instant, real-time experiences from their live content.
What is latency in streaming?
Video latency is the time delay between when an event occurs and when it’s displayed on a viewer’s screen. In the context of live streaming, latency can significantly impact the viewer’s experience and engagement. That’s why, as the market grows, content providers are increasingly focused on understanding the definition of network latency and providing ultra-low-latency video.
What is ultra-low latency?
Ultra-low latency refers to video streaming delays of less than one second between when an event occurs and when it appears on a viewer's screen. It’s a big improvement over traditional streaming, which often experiences delays of 10 to 30 seconds or even more.
Ultra-low latency is especially critical for live sports broadcasts, where viewers want to experience goals, touchdowns, and other pivotal moments as they happen. However, it does require specialized protocols and infrastructure designed specifically to minimize processing time at every stage of the streaming pipeline.
Benefits of ultra-low-latency video streaming
As the need for ultra-low-latency video continues to grow, so does technology’s ability to deliver—and businesses are seeing plenty of benefits.
Enhanced user experience
Ultra-low-latency streaming improves the viewer’s experience by providing near-real-time content delivery, which is especially important for live events, sports broadcasts, and interactive programs. After all, no one wants to get a text from a friend about a goal they haven’t seen yet. A faster experience means more satisfied customers – and higher engagement rates and revenue growth.
Improved interactivity
Ultra-low-latency networks are a game-changer for broadcasters because they can engage in real-time interactions with viewers. This is especially valuable for applications like live gaming streams, virtual events, and interactive educational content. When viewers can participate in live polls, Q&A sessions, and other interactive elements without feeling disconnected, the experience is more dynamic and engaging.
Competitive advantage
Viewers are increasingly sensitive to delays, especially in sports and live event streaming, and ultra-low latency can be the difference between tuning in or dropping off. Why stick with your stream when they can just go somewhere else? A seamless experience differentiates you from the competition – making you the provider they turn to when their other streams aren’t working out.
Monetization of content
Ultimately, all these benefits work together to help you monetize more content and drive revenue. When you deliver superior viewing experiences with real-time interactivity, you can charge premium prices for advertising slots because brands know their messages will reach highly engaged audiences. You'll also see increased subscriber retention and willingness to pay for premium tiers as satisfied viewers become loyal customers who recommend your services to others.
Implementing ultra-low-latency streaming in your business
Achieving true ultra-low latency at scale is complex and requires the right technology infrastructure. Don’t underestimate the challenges as you begin your journey.
Network infrastructure requirements
Your existing network may not support the demanding requirements of ultra-low latency video without significant upgrades. Standard satellite internet connections and traditional content delivery networks often introduce delays that make ultra-low latency impossible to achieve consistently. The LTN Network is the only global IP network purpose-built for video, with Tier 1 data centers worldwide.
Balancing quality with speed
Achieving ultra-low latency can mean making trade-offs between speed and video quality. Traditional encoding methods that deliver the highest quality video typically require more processing time, which adds latency to your stream. A partner like LTN can help you find the right balance between compression efficiency and processing speed to maintain quality while hitting your latency targets.
Scaling across multiple platforms
Delivering ultra-low latency video consistently across multiple streaming platforms, devices, and geographic regions presents complex technical challenges, with different requirements for video formats, security protocols, and delivery methods. You also need to consider how your ultra-low latency solution will perform when viewership spikes during popular live events. A network like LTN can scale seamlessly without compromising latency performance.
Solve latency issues with the right partner
Ultra-low latency streaming is a critical competitive advantage for organizations that depend on live content to engage audiences and drive revenue – and LTN can help you get there. Our fully managed IP network delivers <200ms latency in North America with 99.999% reliability, providing the foundation you need for truly responsive streaming experiences. Book a demo today to see how LTN can help you deliver the ultra-low latency experiences your audiences demand.