---
title: 'How Does Video Encoding Work?'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=JTC4ps8HFG8'
video_id: 'JTC4ps8HFG8'
date: 2026-06-15
duration_sec: 0
---

# How Does Video Encoding Work?

> Source: [How Does Video Encoding Work?](https://youtube.com/watch?v=JTC4ps8HFG8)

## Summary

Video encoding converts raw camera signals into compressed digital formats for efficient live streaming. Codecs compress video by removing imperceptible data, while protocols organize and transport the stream. The choice of codec and protocol depends on device support, network conditions, and streaming requirements.

### Key Points

- **Encoding Basics** [0:00] — Video encoding converts raw video into a compressed digital format for efficient internet delivery. Encoders can be integrated into cameras, software, or mobile apps.
- **Codec Function** [0:30] — Codecs (compress-decompress) reduce bitrate by removing redundant or imperceptible data using visual algorithms and motion compensation.
- **Streaming Protocols** [1:08] — Protocols reorganize compressed video into chunks for delivery. Some use error-checking (e.g., TCP-based), others use modern methods (e.g., HTTP-based).
- **Common Codecs** [1:50] — H.264 (AVC) is most widely supported. H.265 (HEVC) offers better compression for higher resolutions but has royalty issues. VP9 is royalty-free and good for 4K. AV1 is the latest open-source option but requires more processing power.
- **Protocol and Codec Compatibility** [2:29] — RTMP only supports H.264. SRT is codec-agnostic and handles noisy networks better. For playback, HLS supports H.264 and H.265, MPEG-DASH is codec-agnostic, and WebRTC supports H.264 and VP9.

### Conclusion

Choosing the right codec and protocol depends on device support, network conditions, and desired resolution. Modern options like AV1 and SRT offer flexibility but require careful consideration of processing power and compatibility.

## Transcript

video encoding plays an important part
in live streaming it's the process of
converting a raw video signal from a
camera into a compressed digital format
for efficient delivery across the
internet the encoder might be integrated
directly into a camera or even take the
form of computer software or a mobile
app
often the encoder as a studio tool is
used to both apply a codec that
compresses the video signal and
implement a protocol to transport that
stream over the internet
while this process often includes audio
and video encoding we'll focus on the
video aspect for simplicity
codec is short for compress decompress
when it comes to video there's a ton of
information contained in just one second
so in order for data to be transferred
the stream of video needs to be tightly
compressed different codecs achieve this
in different ways but most codecs remove
information to make the bitrate small
enough for live streaming
visual algorithms are used to eliminate
data that'll go unnoticed by the human
eye and motion compensation techniques
are used to reduce redundant data
between frames
once the video has been compressed to a
suitable bitrate for the available
bandwidth it's streamed using a protocol
these streaming protocols take the data
and reorganize it as needed breaking it
up into optimized chunks for delivery
some streaming protocols employ
standards used by computer networks they
do error checking to ensure nothing gets
lost or placed in the wrong order and
other protocols use standards made for
servers and clients they apply more
modern methods used by browsers today
when the live video stream reaches its
final destination for playback the
receiving device unpacks the protocol
and then decompresses the codec if the
device can't do one or the other then it
won't be able to play back the stream
now when it comes to codecs h.264 also
known as avc is most widely used that's
because it's been around for so long
most devices can play it back
the newer h.265 also known as hevc
works better for compressing higher
resolutions but royalty concerns have
limited its adoption by devices
vp9 is royalty free and works great for
4k streaming so it's gaining more
traction into devices but av1 is the
most current and highly optimized open
source option
however it does require more processing
power to get the job done
when picking the right codec you still
need to consider the protocol encoder
software is mainly designed to stream
rtmp but from the prior list rtmp can
only handle h.264
that's why more encoding software now
supports srt which can handle noisy
networks better and is codec agnostic so
any codec can be used
both rtmp and srt are generally not used
for playback so that's where a streaming
platform like wires of streaming cloud
comes in it can take the original stream
and repackage it into different playback
protocols now this might be hls which
supports both h.264 and h.265 or
mpeg-dash which like srt is codec
agnostic
or even webrtc which handles h.264 and
vp9
av1 support is also on the horizon
alright so that's it for how video
encoding works in the world of live
streaming if you'd like to learn more to
help pick the right codecs and protocols
for your live streaming needs please
contact us at wowza