Introduction

Welcome to the iOS Interactive Live Streaming (ILS). Build real-time, low-latency experiences where hosts and audiences connect, interact, and engage using VideoSDK.

Architecture Overview

Architecture at a Glance — Hosts join with SEND_AND_RECV permissions to broadcast and collaborate, while audiences connect with RECV_ONLY access to enjoy the stream without publishing their own media.

Streaming Modes

Interactive Live Streaming (ILS): Low-latency, two-way sessions where hosts and promoted guests publish audio/video, manage roles, and drive rich audience participation.

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS): Broadcast delivery tuned for massive audiences with receiver-only playback and CDN scaling, perfect for town halls and one-to-many events.

Interactive Live Streaming Quick Start

Kick off a Swift-based ILS app with backstage, role management, and real-time engagement.

HTTP Live Streaming Quick Start

Follow the HLS streaming guide to broadcast VideoSDK sessions to massive iOS audiences.

Use the guide below to explore the modular capabilities that help you design each part of this flow.

Key Features

Host & Layout Control

Coordinate speakers, backstage roles, and layouts tailored for iOS events.

Audience Moderation

Maintain control with flexible participant modes and moderation tools.

Advanced Device Tools

Switch cameras, microphones, and enable screen sharing with native controls.

Interactive Layers

Add chat, reactions, polls, and raise-hand to keep viewers involved.

Session Analytics

Monitor stream health, latency, and participant trends in real time.

Recording & Archives

Capture sessions, enable compliance workflows, and automate storage.

Geo & Network Controls

Respect geography and enterprise networking requirements with built-in policies.

Relay & Multistream

Distribute broadcasts across rooms and destinations using relay media.

Sample Projects

iOS ILS Starter

Explore a native host and viewer experience using VideoSDK's iOS frameworks.

iOS Video Call Toolkit

Start from the core VideoSDK room sample and extend it with ILS features.

Both sample projects use iOS SDK 3.x. The Migration Guide lists what changed in 4.0.0.

Quick Start Paths

Install with SPM

iOS SDK 4.x is published as a Swift package. Add it to your project with Swift Package Manager.

Upgrade from 3.x

Moving from 3.x or from CocoaPods? See what changed in 4.0.0.

Configure Tokens

Implement API key and secret handling on your backend for secure joins.

Launch the ILS Sample

Clone the ILS starter to validate iPhone and iPad experiences end-to-end.

Optimize the Experience

Follow best practices for UX, low latency, and error handling on iOS.

Stay Updated

Review release notes and supported device matrices before shipping.