Introduction to Moq
Media over QUIC (MoQ) is a next-generation live media protocol that provides real-time latency at massive scale. Built using modern web technologies, MoQ delivers WebRTC-like latency without the constraints of WebRTC.What is Moq?
Moq is a live media delivery protocol built on top of QUIC that gives you full control over your media pipeline. The core networking is delegated to a QUIC library, but the rest is in application-space, allowing you to customize every aspect of your media delivery.This project is a fork of the IETF MoQ specification. The focus is narrower, emphasizing simplicity and deployability over feature completeness.
Key Features
Real-time Latency
Uses QUIC for prioritization and partial reliability to achieve sub-second latency
Massive Scale
Designed for fan-out and supports cross-region clustering for global distribution
Modern Web
Built with WebTransport, WebCodecs, and WebAudio for seamless browser integration
Multi-language
Both Rust (native) and TypeScript (web) libraries with similar APIs
Generic Protocol
Works with any live data, not just media - includes text chat as an example
Full Control
Application-space implementation gives you complete control over your pipeline
Why Moq?
Traditional streaming protocols like HLS and DASH were designed for on-demand content and add significant latency. WebRTC provides real-time latency but is complex to scale and doesn’t work well with CDNs. Moq bridges this gap by:- Leveraging QUIC: Using HTTP/3’s underlying transport for reliability and performance
- CDN-friendly: Designed to work with edge networks for global scale
- Simple Architecture: Focused on the essential features needed for production
- Browser-native: Works directly in browsers via WebTransport
The Fork from IETF MoQ
While the IETF is developing a comprehensive MoQ specification, this project takes a more focused approach. The goal is to ship a working, deployable solution that solves real-world problems today. This means:- Simplified protocol with fewer moving parts
- Focus on practical use cases over theoretical completeness
- Faster iteration and deployment cycles
- Production-ready stability
Use Cases
Moq is ideal for:- Live streaming with real-time interaction
- Video conferencing at scale
- Live sports and events with minimal delay
- Interactive broadcasts with chat and reactions
- Contribution feeds from field to studio
- Low-latency distribution to global audiences
Next Steps
Quick Start
Get up and running with Moq in minutes
Installation
Install Moq libraries for Rust or TypeScript
Architecture
Understand how Moq is structured
Publishing
Learn how to publish media to Moq