How to Create an Android Live Streaming App with Java

Creating an Android live streaming app using Java can seem like a daunting task, but don't worry—it's totally doable with the right approach. Whether you're a coding newbie or a seasoned pro, this guide's got your back. We'll walk you through the whole process, from setting up your development environment to getting those live streams flowing smoothly.

Think about it—just a few years ago, live streaming was cutting-edge tech. Now, it's everywhere. Your favorite influencers, news channels, and even your neighbor's cat have probably gone live at some point. That's why building a live streaming app is such a hot skill right now.

In this article, we'll break down the essential steps to crafting a live streaming app that's both functional and user-friendly. You'll learn the nuts and bolts of setting up your development environment, how to weave in those must-have live streaming features, and tricks to keep your app running like a well-oiled machine.

How to Build an Android Live Streaming App

Creating a live streaming app for Android might seem complex, but with the right approach, it's entirely doable. In this section, we’ll guide you through the process using the ZEGOCLOUD Live Streaming Kit. Whether you're new to app development or have experience, this guide will help you integrate live streaming into your app effectively.

ZEGOCLOUD is a robust platform that provides the tools necessary to add real-time voice and video features to your apps. It takes care of the technical complexities, allowing you to focus on creating a seamless user experience. With ZEGOCLOUD, integrating live streaming into your Android app is both straightforward and efficient.

Before we start, let’s make sure you have everything you need:

Sign up for a ZEGOCLOUD developer account.
Get your app details from the ZEGOCLOUD dashboard.
Have Android Studio 2020.3.1 or a newer version installed.
Ensure your Android device is running Android 4.4 or higher and is connected to the Internet.

Once you’ve got all these sorted, you’re ready to start building your Android live streaming app with ZEGOCLOUD.

In the following sections, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up your project and integrate live streaming features. We’ll keep the instructions clear and straightforward, making it easy to follow along.

1. Adding SDK Dependencies

1.1 Jitpack Configuration

Before you can use the ZegoUIKitPrebuiltLiveStreaming SDK, you need to configure the Jitpack repository. This will allow your project to fetch the necessary dependencies.

If your Android Gradle Plugin version is 7.1.0 or later:

Open the settings.gradle file in your project's root directory and add the following lines within the dependencyResolutionManagement > repositories section:

dependencyResolutionManagement {
   repositoriesMode.set(RepositoriesMode.FAIL_ON_PROJECT_REPOS)
   repositories {
      google()
      mavenCentral()
      maven { url 'https://storage.zego.im/maven' }  // <- Add this line.
      maven { url 'https://www.jitpack.io' }         // <- Add this line.
   }
}

Warning: If these fields are not found in your settings.gradle, it likely means your Android Gradle Plugin version is lower than v7.1.0.

If your Android Gradle Plugin version is earlier than 7.1.0:

Open the build.gradle file in your project's root directory and add the Jitpack repository in the allprojects > repositories section:

allprojects {
    repositories {
        google()
        mavenCentral()
        maven { url 'https://storage.zego.im/maven' }  // <- Add this line.
        maven { url "https://jitpack.io" }             // <- Add this line.
    }
}

1.2 Adding the SDK to Your App

Next, modify your app-level build.gradle file (usually located in the app directory) to include the ZegoUIKitPrebuiltLiveStreaming SDK as a dependency:

dependencies {
    ...
    implementation 'com.github.ZEGOCLOUD:zego_uikit_prebuilt_live_streaming_android:+'  // Add this line.
}

2. Implementing the Live Streaming Kit

With the dependencies added, you can now implement the live streaming functionality in your project.

2.1 Setting Up Your Live Activity

Create an Activity in your project where the live streaming will be handled. Here's an example implementation in Java:

public class LiveActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_call);

        addFragment();
    }

    public void addFragment() {
        long appID = yourAppID;
        String appSign = yourAppSign;
        String userID = yourUserID;
        String userName = yourUserName;

        boolean isHost = getIntent().getBooleanExtra("host", false);
        String liveID = getIntent().getStringExtra("liveID");

        ZegoUIKitPrebuiltLiveStreamingConfig config;
        if (isHost) {
            config = ZegoUIKitPrebuiltLiveStreamingConfig.host();
        } else {
            config = ZegoUIKitPrebuiltLiveStreamingConfig.audience();
        }
        ZegoUIKitPrebuiltLiveStreamingFragment fragment = ZegoUIKitPrebuiltCallFragment.newInstance(
            appID, appSign, userID, userName, liveID, config);
        getSupportFragmentManager().beginTransaction()
            .replace(R.id.fragment_container, fragment)
            .commitNow();
    }
}

In this example:

appID and appSign: These are the credentials obtained from the ZEGOCLOUD Admin Console.
userID and userName: These identify the user in the live streaming session.
liveID: This identifies the specific live streaming session.
isHost: This boolean value determines whether the user is hosting the stream or joining as an audience member.

3. Running & Testing Your App

After completing the setup:

Open Android Studio.
Click on the Run button.
Test your app on an actual Android device to ensure all functionalities work as expected.

By following these steps, you’ve successfully integrated the ZEGOCLOUD Live Streaming SDK into your Android project, enabling you to build and test live streaming features seamlessly.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—creating an Android live streaming app with Java isn't as scary as it might've seemed at first, right? With ZEGOCLOUD's SDK in your toolkit, you've got a solid foundation to build something pretty cool.

Remember, this guide is just the starting point. The live streaming scene is always evolving, so keep experimenting and refining your app. Who knows? Your creation might be the next big thing users can't stop talking about.

Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and try out different features. Every app starts somewhere, and yours is no exception. So go on, give your app a whirl, and see where this live streaming adventure takes you. Happy coding!