Livepeer

Livepeer is a decentralized video streaming network built on Ethereum. Its core business is transcoding and distributing live video through a network of GPU operators, and it has recently expanded into AI-driven video processing. Instead of relying on centralized servers, broadcasters pay node operators in the network to convert video into different formats and deliver it to viewers, making the infrastructure more open and cost-efficient.

The main problem Livepeer solves is the high cost and centralized control of traditional video streaming infrastructure. Conventional platforms require large data centers and often impose strict rules on content. Livepeer allows anyone to contribute computing power and earn rewards, while broadcasters only pay for what they use. This reduces barriers for small creators and enables applications that need censorship-resistant or pay-per-view video services.

In the past six months (February to August 2026), Livepeer has shifted its focus toward AI video inference. The network now supports real-time AI models, such as generating or modifying video frames, and has introduced a tool called Daydream that provides a simple API and visual workflow editor for developers. According to network data, over 70% of transaction fees now come from AI inference tasks rather than traditional transcoding, indicating a clear pivot in its business model.

One notable issue in the last two years: in 2024, the Livepeer protocol experienced a security vulnerability in its smart contract that led to a temporary loss of funds for some users. The team addressed the bug, but the incident raised concerns about the safety of decentralized infrastructure.