# Gemini Live API Dev

Use this skill when building real-time, bidirectional streaming applications with the...

- Repository: https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-skills (4368 stars)
- Category: Media
- License: Apache-2.0
- Last updated: 2026-10-30
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add google-gemini/gemini-skills --skill gemini-live-api-dev -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add google-gemini/gemini-skills --skill gemini-live-api-dev -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add google-gemini/gemini-skills --skill gemini-live-api-dev -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add google-gemini/gemini-skills --skill gemini-live-api-dev -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add google-gemini/gemini-skills`

## Description

Use this skill when building real-time, bidirectional streaming applications with the Gemini Live API, or migrating legacy Live models (2.0/2.5/3.1) to Gemini 3.8 Live. Covers WebSocket-based audio/video/text streaming, voice activity detection (VAD), background reasoning (extended thinking), asynchronous function calling, session management, ephemeral tokens, live transcription, and live translation. SDKs covered - google-genai (Python), @google/genai (JavaScript/TypeScript).

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Gemini Live API Development Skill

## Overview

The Live API enables **low-latency, real-time voice and video interactions** with Gemini over WebSockets. It processes continuous streams of audio, video, or text to deliver immediate, human-like spoken responses and background reasoning.

Key capabilities:
- **Bidirectional audio streaming**, real-time mic-to-speaker conversations
- **Background reasoning (extended thinking)**, multi-step background reasoning with spoken conversational fillers
- **Live streaming transcription**, real-time speech-to-text with interim and finalized streams
- **Video streaming**, send camera/screen frames alongside audio
- **Text input/output**, send and receive text within a live session
- **Audio transcriptions**, get text transcripts of both input and output audio
- **Voice Activity Detection (VAD)**, automatic server VAD, client-side Hybrid VAD, and manual Push-to-Talk
- **Asynchronous function calling**, non-blocking tool execution while audio continues streaming
- **Full-session client content**, inject and update conversation turns mid-stream
- **Session management**, context compression, session resumption, GoAway signals
- **Ephemeral tokens**, secure client-side authentication

> [!NOTE]
> The Live API connects directly via **WebSockets**. For WebRTC support or simplified integration, use a [partner integration](#partner-integrations).

## Models

### Current Models (Use These)

The rest: https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-skills/blob/HEAD/skills/gemini-live-api-dev/SKILL.md