Streaming Defined

Streaming is technology used to deliver live or recorded content to computers and mobile devices over the internet. This technology transmits data, as a continuous flow, which allows recipients to begin to watch or listen almost immediately without having to download media files. This content is prearranged and transmitted in sequential packets of data allowing them to be streamed instantaneously.

Podcasts, webcasts, movies, TV shows and music videos are common forms of streaming content.

Streaming works by breaking the data down into data packets. Each packet contains a small piece of the file, as well as an audio or video player. The browser on a user’s device, then takes the flow of data packets and interprets them as video or audio.

Factors that impact the speed of streaming include:

• Network latency
• Network congestion
• WiFi problems
• Slowly performing client devices
• Not enough bandwidth

Streaming services include:

• Netflix
• Hulu
• Spotify
• Prime
• Kayo Sports