What is Amazon IVS?
Amazon Interactive Video Service (IVS) is a managed live streaming service that abstracts the complexity of video infrastructure. IVS uses the same technology that powers Twitch and delivers live video with less than 5 seconds latency worldwide.
With a few API calls, you create streaming channels. IVS handles transcoding, CDN distribution, and player compatibility. SDKs for web, iOS, and Android simplify player integration.
Core Features
- Low-latency streaming under 5 seconds
- Automatic transcoding to multiple quality levels
- Global CDN distribution via AWS Edge Locations
- Player SDKs for web, iOS, and Android
- Timed metadata for interactive features
Common Use Cases
Gaming Streams: Streamers broadcast gameplay to viewers. Low latency enables real-time chat and interaction. Timed metadata synchronizes in-game events with overlays.
Live Shopping: E-commerce platforms integrate live video for product presentations. Viewers can purchase during the stream, ask questions, and give real-time feedback.
Virtual Events: Conferences, webinars, and training use IVS for global reach with broadcast quality. Q&A sessions benefit from low latency.
Benefits
- Twitch-proven technology for reliable streaming
- No infrastructure management required
- Simple integration with few API calls
- Automatic scaling to millions of viewers
Integration with innFactory
As an AWS reseller, innFactory supports you with Amazon IVS: player integration, interactive features with timed metadata, chat system setup, and analytics implementation.
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amazon IVS?
Amazon Interactive Video Service (IVS) is a managed live streaming service. IVS uses the same technology as Twitch and delivers video with less than 5 seconds latency. Integration is simple: a few API calls for streaming channel, SDKs for player integration.
How low is the latency with IVS?
IVS offers two modes: standard latency (10 to 15 seconds) and low-latency (under 5 seconds). Low-latency enables real interaction: viewer reactions, live chats, and real-time polls feel natural.
What formats does IVS support?
IVS accepts RTMPS input from OBS, FFmpeg, or broadcast encoders. Output is HLS for maximum device compatibility. IVS automatically transcodes to multiple quality levels for Adaptive Bitrate Streaming.
What does Amazon IVS cost?
IVS charges: video input (2 USD per hour standard, 4 USD low-latency), video delivery (0.0375 USD per GB). Example: 100 viewers, 1 hour, 720p (approx. 1.5 GB/viewer) costs about 8 USD.