Video streaming
What is video streaming?
Video streaming is a technology that delivers video content over the internet in real time without requiring users to download the entire video file before viewing. Video streaming has vastly changed the way we consume video content, making it more accessible and convenient.
'Streaming' refers to the continuous flow of data from a server to a client (your device). This process allows you to watch a video 'live' as it streams, or on-demand at your convenience, depending on the type of streaming service you are using.
How video streaming works
Data Compression
Video files are typically large and would take a long time to transmit over the internet without some form of data compression. Complex algorithms are used to reduce the size of the video file, compressing it and making it easier to stream over the internet. These algorithms eliminate redundant data and approximate the values of certain data that won't significantly impact the video’s overall quality.
Once the video data is compressed, it’s divided into small packets. These packets are then transmitted over the internet to your device, where they are decompressed and assembled in the correct order to form the video you see on your screen.
Buffering and adaptive streaming
Buffering is a process that pre-loads a portion of the video into your device's memory before the video starts playing. This helps to make sure the next few seconds of the video plays smoothly, even if you don’t have a reliable internet connection for its entire runtime.
Adaptive streaming is also important when it comes to streaming videos. It’s responsible for adjusting the quality of the video in real time based on the viewer's network conditions. If your internet connection slows down, adaptive streaming will lower the video quality to prevent interruptions.
Types of video streaming
The two main types of video streaming are live streaming and on-demand streaming. Live streaming involves broadcasting video content in real-time, such as a sports event or a live news report. Millions of individual creators also live stream their own content on various platforms.
On the other hand, on-demand streaming allows users to watch pre-recorded videos at their convenience, like movies and TV shows. Platforms like Netflix or Hulu are popular on-demand streaming services. While live streaming needs a reliable network for broadcasting real-time video, on-demand streaming requires lots of storage to host a large library of video content.
The impact of video streaming
Video streaming has transformed the entertainment industry, giving rise to popular platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. These services have changed the way we consume content and even influenced the type of content being produced.
Moreover, video streaming has made it possible for individuals and businesses to broadcast their content to a global audience. From live gaming on Twitch to webinars and virtual meetings, video streaming has opened up new opportunities for communication and engagement.