Can I develop a live video streaming application using python?

[mtrkhan]

If yes then what should I need to know before starting, please specify

Live video and text Streaming Application (Web & Mobile)

I want to use Technology: WebRTC, Python, React, socket.io, Flutter (App)

[Larz60+]

You can, and there are already many packages you can use. see: https://pypi.org/search/?q=%27video+streaming%27
It's up to you which one best meets your qualifications.

[ghoul]

Thread neckro but ....

Most definitely. Instagram is Python/Django, isn't it?

[Larz60+]

This is the first time I have heard the word python in my long life. Who can explain what it is?

Surely, since you have 9 other posts, this is not the case!

[MilesWeb]

Yes, definitely!!

• WebRTC is mainly used for real-time video and audio communication. Python will primarily serve as your backend language, specifically for the signaling server.

• To create an interactive and responsive web application, you will need React & Flutter will enable you to build native mobile applications.

But before you start, it is important to understand the WebRTC's peer-to-peer nature, the role of a signaling server, and the capabilities of your chosen frameworks (Python, React, Flutter, Socket.IO)....

[ankitsharma32]

Video Capture (Client Side)

Use libraries like OpenCV or PyAV to capture webcam or screen video frames.

Optionally use HTML5 + JavaScript on the front end for browser-based video capture.

Streaming Protocols

WebRTC (for low-latency, browser-based streaming): Integrate using aiortc (Python WebRTC library).

RTMP/RTSP/HLS (for broader compatibility): Use ffmpeg via Python wrappers (e.g., ffmpeg-python) to stream to servers like Nginx-RTMP or Wowza.

Backend Framework

Flask, FastAPI, or Django can serve as signaling or control servers (e.g., managing users, streams, and chat).

Use WebSockets (via websockets or FastAPI WebSocket support) for real-time communication.

Media Server (optional but recommended)

For scalability, use a media server like Nginx with RTMP module, Janus, or Kurento to distribute streams efficiently.

Front-End Playback

Use HTML5 video players (for HLS/RTMP) or WebRTC clients for real-time viewing.

⚙️ Example Stack

Capture & Encode: OpenCV + ffmpeg-python

Transport: aiortc (WebRTC)

Backend: FastAPI with WebSocket signaling

Frontend: HTML/JS WebRTC player

Tip

Python handles the orchestration and data flow well, but if you need high-performance real-time encoding or scaling to thousands of viewers, you’ll often combine it with tools in C/C++, Node.js, or dedicated streaming servers.

[mamta25]

Yes, you can. The only thing you need to know is,

* WebRTC: It send live videos and audio and work in browser and mobile. Python does not send video but WebRTC does that.

* Python works as your server, it create rooms, manages users, help connect video call, run chat and handles login and signup.

* STUN/TURN servers help WebRTC connect; STUN is free, TURN is paid and without turn the video may not work on some network.