ApsaraVideo Live

Build a global, broadcast-grade live streaming service with our industry-leading, end-to-end media solution, delivering an ultra-low latency experience to audiences of any size.

Free Trial Resource Plans Console

Overview
Architecture
Benefits
Scenarios
Features
Pricing
Documentation

Contact Sales

Overview

Contact Sales

Overview
Architecture
Benefits
Scenarios
Features
Pricing
Documentation

ApsaraVideo Live is a PaaS solution for live streaming. It utilizes a high-performance network for stream ingestion and delivery, and provides scalable, real-time transcoding. This enables you to deliver high-quality, ultra-low latency live video to audiences of any size, ensuring a smooth and reliable viewing experience.

400 ms

End-to-end latency as low as 400 ms

3200 +

Over 3200 nodes across the globe

50 %

50% lower bandwidth costs with Narrowband HD™

Architecture

ApsaraVideo Live provides live stream ingestion, distribution, and processing services.

{"moduleinfo":{"benefits":"Benefits","outputBuyBtn4Partner":true,"os_count":[{"count_phone":0,"count":0}],"products_count":[{"count_phone":0,"count":0}],"benefits_count":[{"count_phone":4,"count":4}],"news_count":[{"count_phone":0,"count":0}],"floor":"floor1","outputNews4Partner":"false","regions_count":[{"count_phone":0,"count":0}],"cardColor":"#fff","tipColor":"#F5F5F6","iconColor":"#fff"},"regions":[],"os":[],"products":[],"benefits":[{"icon":"https://img.alicdn.com/tfs/TB1SP5wXuL2gK0jSZPhXXahvXXa-108-108.png_.webp","title":"End-to-End Solution","content":"The comprehensive solution covers the entire workflow, from stream ingestion and processing to global distribution and playback. The rich feature set includes adaptive bitrate streaming, Narrowband HD™ transcoding, live snapshots, server-side recording, content moderation, time shifting, data monitoring, cloud-based production studio, Real-Time Streaming (SRT), live logging, and stream management. "},{"icon":"https://img.alicdn.com/tfs/TB1sZixXEY1gK0jSZFCXXcwqXXa-108-108.png_.webp","title":"Global Reach","content":"With over 3,200 nodes across more than 70 countries and regions, our global network helps you expand your business globally. The dedicated live centers in China, Europe, Southeast Asia, and other key regions ensure high-quality local and cross-border streaming for users worldwide. "},{"icon":"https://img.alicdn.com/tfs/TB1p_ixXrr1gK0jSZR0XXbP8XXa-108-108.png_.webp","title":"Smooth Playback","content":"Enjoy a smooth viewing experience with an ultra-low buffering rate. The edge acceleration technology routes stream data to the optimal node closest to your users, guaranteeing real-time interaction. Built on a dynamically scalable architecture, the platform can handle millions of concurrent viewers. "},{"icon":"https://img.alicdn.com/tfs/TB1bCuxXrH1gK0jSZFwXXc7aXXa-108-108.png_.webp","title":"Ultra-Low Latency","content":"Achieve millisecond-level latency for more responsive and real-time interactions. Backed by Alibaba Cloud's massive global network infrastructure, the solution supports millions of concurrent viewers with proven stability and performance.  It is easy to implement: just integrate the latest ApsaraVideo Player SDK on the client-side. "}],"news":[],"$root":{"moduleinfo":{"benefits":"Benefits","outputBuyBtn4Partner":true,"os_count":[{"count_phone":0,"count":0}],"products_count":[{"count_phone":0,"count":0}],"benefits_count":[{"count_phone":4,"count":4}],"news_count":[{"count_phone":0,"count":0}],"floor":"floor1","outputNews4Partner":"false","regions_count":[{"count_phone":0,"count":0}],"cardColor":"#fff","tipColor":"#F5F5F6","iconColor":"#fff"},"regions":[],"os":[],"products":[],"benefits":[{"icon":"https://img.alicdn.com/tfs/TB1SP5wXuL2gK0jSZPhXXahvXXa-108-108.png_.webp","title":"End-to-End Solution","content":"The comprehensive solution covers the entire workflow, from stream ingestion and processing to global distribution and playback. The rich feature set includes adaptive bitrate streaming, Narrowband HD™ transcoding, live snapshots, server-side recording, content moderation, time shifting, data monitoring, cloud-based production studio, Real-Time Streaming (SRT), live logging, and stream management. "},{"icon":"https://img.alicdn.com/tfs/TB1sZixXEY1gK0jSZFCXXcwqXXa-108-108.png_.webp","title":"Global Reach","content":"With over 3,200 nodes across more than 70 countries and regions, our global network helps you expand your business globally. The dedicated live centers in China, Europe, Southeast Asia, and other key regions ensure high-quality local and cross-border streaming for users worldwide. "},{"icon":"https://img.alicdn.com/tfs/TB1p_ixXrr1gK0jSZR0XXbP8XXa-108-108.png_.webp","title":"Smooth Playback","content":"Enjoy a smooth viewing experience with an ultra-low buffering rate. The edge acceleration technology routes stream data to the optimal node closest to your users, guaranteeing real-time interaction. Built on a dynamically scalable architecture, the platform can handle millions of concurrent viewers. "},{"icon":"https://img.alicdn.com/tfs/TB1bCuxXrH1gK0jSZFwXXc7aXXa-108-108.png_.webp","title":"Ultra-Low Latency","content":"Achieve millisecond-level latency for more responsive and real-time interactions. Backed by Alibaba Cloud's massive global network infrastructure, the solution supports millions of concurrent viewers with proven stability and performance.  It is easy to implement: just integrate the latest ApsaraVideo Player SDK on the client-side. "}],"news":[]},"$moduleId":"7701668980"}

Benefits

: End-to-End Solution
The comprehensive solution covers the entire workflow, from stream ingestion and processing to global distribution and playback. The rich feature set includes adaptive bitrate streaming, Narrowband HD™ transcoding, live snapshots, server-side recording, content moderation, time shifting, data monitoring, cloud-based production studio, Real-Time Streaming (SRT), live logging, and stream management.

: Global Reach
With over 3,200 nodes across more than 70 countries and regions, our global network helps you expand your business globally. The dedicated live centers in China, Europe, Southeast Asia, and other key regions ensure high-quality local and cross-border streaming for users worldwide.

: Smooth Playback
Enjoy a smooth viewing experience with an ultra-low buffering rate. The edge acceleration technology routes stream data to the optimal node closest to your users, guaranteeing real-time interaction. Built on a dynamically scalable architecture, the platform can handle millions of concurrent viewers.

: Ultra-Low Latency
Achieve millisecond-level latency for more responsive and real-time interactions. Backed by Alibaba Cloud's massive global network infrastructure, the solution supports millions of concurrent viewers with proven stability and performance. It is easy to implement: just integrate the latest ApsaraVideo Player SDK on the client-side.

Scenarios

Global Entertainment Broadcast

Provide an all-in-one solution for interactive live events with low-cost live transcoding and robust distribution capabilities, helping users quickly launch live broadcasts on a global scale.

Highlights

Ultra-Low Latency

Achieve end-to-end latency as low as 400 ms for real-time interaction.
Retouching & Special Effects

Integrate Queen SDK to add filters, animated stickers, and face retouching effects.
Automated Review

Accurately identify non-compliant content in audio and video and provide timely notifications.
Narrowband HD™

Reduce bandwidth costs by 50% without compromising on the visual quality.

Online Education

The platform synchronizes whiteboards, instant messaging (IM), and multimedia course materials with live video, while RTS enables real-time student-teacher interactions. By integrating with multiple media services, including ApsaraVideo VOD, IMS, and ARTC, you can easily create, record, and repurpose your educational content. From massive open online courses to intimate small-group tutoring, our platform scales to your needs.

Highlights

Ultra-Low Latency

Make interactions as natural as being there in person with an average latency of 400 ms.
Cloud Recording

Record live streams in various formats, allowing students to review lessons anytime, anywhere.
Live Watermarking

Implement custom watermarks for brand protection and copyright tracking.
Encryption & Authentication

Utilize comprehensive security measures to protect your live content from unauthorized access, illegal downloads, and piracy.

Video-driven E-commerce

The platform combines ultra-low latency live video with real-time chat to create a highly engaging live shopping experience. Launch exciting flash sales, host giveaways, and showcase products in stunning detail to convert viewers into buyers.

Highlights

Ultra-Low Latency

Drive impulse buys and measurably increase GMV with low-latency interactions.
Live Subtitles

Reach customers worldwide with real-time transcribed subtitles and live translation in dozens of languages.
Time Shifting & Recording

Let viewers revisit product details and highlights while the live broadcast is still in progress.
Retouching & Special Effects

Integrate Queen SDK to add filters, animated stickers, and face retouching effects.

Highly Reliable Financial Live Streaming

We provide a professional, tailor-made live streaming solution for the financial industry, built on a high-availability architecture with built-in disaster recovery, exceptionally stable stream acceleration services, and comprehensive security capabilities.

Highlights

Ultra-Low Latency

Achieve end-to-end latency of 400 ms.
Cloud Recording

Record and archive live content in the cloud for on-demand playback.
Content Security

Protect your content with multiple advanced encryption technologies and proactive monitoring against piracy and unauthorized access.
Dual-Stream Disaster Recovery

Ingest two live streams simultaneously and monitor their quality in real time. In case of any issues, the system automatically switches to the backup stream, ensuring an uninterrupted viewing experience.

Broadcast-Grade Live Streaming

Built on the core principles of being professional, convenient, and easy to use, our solution enables professional live productions such as news, sports, and variety shows. This helps startups quickly build a professional-grade broadcasting platform at a low cost and with no technical barrier.

Highlights

Ultra-Low Latency

Reach your audience almost instantly with end-to-end latency as low as 400 ms.
Narrowband HD™

Deliver a stunning, high-definition visual experience at 50fps while significantly reducing bitrate.
Adaptive Bitrate

Play the live stream at the appropriate bitrate based on the real-time network condition, optimizing the viewing experience.
Production Studio

Use the production studio to switch between multi-camera sources, composite stream output, insert ads and sponsor graphics, and run pre-recorded content.

Features

Push SDK

Push SDK provides a comprehensive suite of stream ingestion capabilities, featuring multi-device compatibility and adaptive upstream bitrate.

Beauty & Special Effects

Add beauty enhancements, reshaping, virtual makeup, filters, and stickers based on advanced computer vision algorithms.

Audio Processing

Support multiple audio processing capabilities, including audio mixing and in-ear monitoring.

RTS Ingestion

Ingest streams using the UDP-based ARTC protocol to minimize buffering and latency.

Adaptive Bitrate

Automatically adjust the bitrate based on real-time network conditions. Multiple configuration modes are available to ensure a smooth experience.

SEI Insertion

Insert Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) metadata into the live stream. This is ideal for use cases like live quizzes and synchronized slide presentations.

Screen Sharing

Record and share your screen in real time. The recording can also be saved locally.

ApsaraVideo Player SDK

This multi-platform SDK is easy to integrate, leveraging global network acceleration to deliver an exceptional multiscreen viewing experience.

Platform Compatibility

Get started with our standard SDKs for Web, iOS, and Android, or work with us to build a fully custom player.

Global Real-Time Streaming Network

The global real-time streaming network provides dynamic routing and QoS for resilience against weak network conditions. It supports all major protocols and powers every type of live event, from low-latency streaming to one-on-one interactions.

Edge Ingestion

Push live streams to the optimal edge nodes. This ensures users connect to a high-quality upstream network, preventing buffering and slow startup.

Global Accelerator (GA)

Optimize the network to enhance content ingestion and distribution in key regions, including Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, South Korea, and Japan. This makes cross-border live streaming effortless.

Real-Time Streaming (RTS)

RTS reduces live latency to a millisecond level (400 ms) while preserving the advantages of standard streaming, such as scalability, cost-efficiency, rapid startup, and high-fidelity video. RTS is supported for both upstream and downstream, and can be integrated via SDK, NetSDK, or direct protocol implementation.

Live Transcoding

The advanced transcoding engine supports all major formats and offers highly customizable templates. Various technologies, such as ROI-based transcoding and AI-powered pre-processing, are used to deliver higher image quality at a lower bitrate.

Narrowband HD™ Transcoding

Save you significant bandwidth costs while maintaining the same level of video clarity.

Adaptive Encoding

Utilizes scene classification and content analysis to achieve the best possible balance between quality, bitrate, and cost.

Watermarking

Add watermarks to your video with highly flexible configuration options to protect your video copyrights.

Transcoding Templates

Choose from a wide range of preset templates or create custom profiles to meet diverse transcoding requirements.

Multi-Bitrate Transcoding

Generate multiple bitrate streams simultaneously. The player automatically switches to the optimal stream based on the network conditions.

Content Security

Protect your content with multiple advanced encryption technologies and proactive monitoring against piracy and unauthorized access.

Anti-Hotlinking

Configure referer blacklists or whitelists to protect your resources from being hotlinked by other websites.

URL Signing

Coordinate authentication between edge nodes and your origin server to protect your live content from being stolen by unauthorized sites.

HTTPS Secure Acceleration

Enjoy enterprise-grade, reliable HTTPS acceleration services that prevent hijacking, tampering, and data leakage.

AI Services

Powered by deep learning, computer vision technology, and massive data, we provide AI services for a wide range of video scenarios.

Pornography & Violence Detection

Identify inappropriate content in various formats, including long images and GIFs. Policies can be flexibly adjusted to match your desired level of control.

Ad Detection

Detect even cleverly disguised ads, giving you full control over promotional content in your videos.

Meaningless Scene Detection

Identify static and other meaningless video segments to improve operational efficiency.

Speech Recognition

Transcribe speech into text with versatile recognition solutions to identify non-compliant content.

Statistics & Analytics

Comprehensive statistics and multi-angle analysis, including customer profiling, help drive business growth.

Quality Monitoring

Monitor the quality of your live streams in real time to quickly identify and resolve any issues.

Multi-Dimensional Audience Analytics

Understand your audience with key metrics, including unique viewers, geographic distribution, and playback duration.

Production Studio

Leveraging the powerful media processing capabilities on the cloud, Production Studio is an all-in-one solution for asset management, live production, and media distribution. It reimagines traditional video production tools with a modern, Internet-native experience.

Asset Management

Use a variety of input sources to enrich your content, including live streams, VOD files, images, and other media from your asset library.

Media Processing

Utilize a suite of professional capabilities, including filler slates, custom layouts, PVW/PGM monitoring, AFV, multi-track control, and audio mixing.

Broadcast Graphics

Enhance your content with graphic overlays, including manual lower thirds, watermarks, animated logos, dynamic HTML5 integrations, and multi-language captions with live translation.

Output & Distribution

Control your output with advanced features, such as backup streams, time delay, multi-bitrate output, multi-platform distribution, synchronized multi-camera broadcasting, and content looping.

Resources

Documentation

View all related documents

Quick Start

Get started with ApsaraVideo Live

Developer Guide

API & SDK

Alibaba Cloud Services

View more Alibaba Cloud services