Streaming
Streaming
Technology for playing back online video and audio as it downloads, without waiting for the entire file.
In Simple Terms
Streaming is a technology that receives video and audio data in small chunks and plays it back in the order it arrives. You can start watching right away without waiting for all the data to download, and since you don't need to save the entire file on your device, it doesn't use up much storage space. It's widely used not only in video sites and music apps, but also for real-time live broadcasts.
Behind the Name
The word "Streaming" comes from "stream," meaning a small river or something that flows without interruption. Just like water flowing smoothly and endlessly, the name captures the way data is delivered in a continuous, unbroken flow.
Take a Closer Look!
Streaming is a technology that receives internet video and audio data in small pieces and plays it back simultaneously as it arrives.
In the past, you had to wait for a video to fully download before watching it, which meant very long wait times before playback could begin.
The key feature of streaming is that playback can start without waiting for all the data to arrive.
Additionally, received data is discarded after playback, so you can watch hours of video without using much storage space on your device.
However, since a constant internet connection is required to keep receiving data, a poor connection can cause playback to pause or buffer.
Streaming is also used not just for pre-recorded content, but for live broadcasts that deliver video in real time.
It's the technology behind game livestreams, live sports coverage, and other events where people in different locations can watch the same moment simultaneously.
With a sufficiently fast internet connection, even high-quality video can play back without interruption.