Live DVR
Live DVR is a feature that lets viewers pause, rewind and replay a live stream while it is still running, like a TV recorder for online video. The streaming service keeps a rolling window of recent video, for example the last hour, available to the player. Viewers can then jump back to a missed moment and return to the live edge.
Why it matters
Viewers rarely arrive exactly on time. Live DVR keeps late joiners and interrupted viewers watching instead of leaving, which protects watch time and ad impressions. It also lets fans replay key moments right away instead of searching social media for clips.
How it works
- The server keeps recent segments of the live stream available instead of deleting them right away.
- The playlist lists that rolling window, for example the last hour of video.
- The player lets viewers pause, seek back or replay within that window.
- A go-to-live button jumps the viewer back to the live edge.
How far back can viewers rewind a live stream?
Viewers can rewind as far as the DVR window the service keeps, which is often from 30 minutes to several hours. A longer window costs more storage and makes playlists larger. Some platforms limit DVR for very long streams. For example, YouTube says DVR may be limited for streams longer than 12 hours.
What is the difference between live DVR and live-to-VOD?
Live DVR lets viewers rewind while the stream is still live, while live-to-VOD turns the finished stream into an on-demand video. DVR covers a rolling window of recent video. Live-to-VOD saves the whole event and publishes it with its own playback link after the broadcast ends.
Where it's used
Live sports streamers let late fans rewind to a goal they missed. Fitness apps let members pause a live class and catch up, and news publishers let viewers replay a key statement during live coverage.
Where it usually goes wrong, and how FastPix handles it
Without DVR, viewers who join late or step away miss key moments, and many simply leave instead of waiting for a replay.
FastPix live streams support time-shifting, so viewers can rewind and join late. FastPix also creates clips from active live streams through the API. Late joiners stay and watch instead of leaving, and highlights can go out while the match is still on.
By the numbers
- YouTube says DVR capabilities may be limited or unavailable for live streams longer than 12 hours. (Turn on DVR on live streams (YouTube Help))
