The Beginner's Guide to Streaming, including the Pros and Cons, How it Works, and More

Have you ever watched a video online or listened to audio without downloading it? If you have done so, that is called streaming.

15:25 24 February 2022

If you have a device that can access the internet, the chances are that you have streamed something. It may be through YouTube, Netflix or any other apps out there. Through streaming, so many apps have gained audiences across the globe for content available for streaming.

 

Online streaming has made things easier, especially regarding content delivery. For example, through YouTube, one can easily watch a music video that has just been released rather than wait for the video on TV music shows.

 

Also, through streaming, you don’t have to wait for your favorite show on TV, you can just visit a streaming platform that has the show you are looking for and stream it. There are many streaming platforms available, and some of them face geo-restrictions. Visit StreamingRant, and you will find the best streaming platforms and a guide on how to stream them from anywhere.

 

But first, let’s understand streaming.

 

What is streaming?

Have you ever watched a video online or listened to audio without downloading it? If you have done so, that is called streaming. Many people use streaming to watch their favorite shows on streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, etc.

 

The technology of streaming has made things easier, especially when it comes to communication. For example, now you can communicate through a video call.

 

During The COVID-19 pandemic, many people communicated through video calls because many countries faced lockdown and citizens were forced to quarantine. As a result, live streaming was on the rise as it was the only way to communicate and see each other.

 

Is there a difference between streaming and downloading?

Yes, there is a difference between streaming and downloading. Watching a live stream or a video online is streaming, and you must be connected to the internet. Downloading saves a video file on your hard drive, and watch it later without needing an internet connection.

 

How Streaming Works

Streaming works by breaking down audio and video data into data packets. Each packet contains a small file piece and connects each piece to play on the user’s device. Enabling you to stream content continuously.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of streaming

Streaming is the best way to access video and audio content online. It’s the main way people now experience music and videos online. And there is a good reason as to why, and below are some of the advantages of streaming.

 

• Say goodbye to advertisements as you don’t have to watch them
• No storage needed for streaming
• You have the freedom to choose what you want
• Catch up with the latest Movies and series

 

Say goodbye to Advertisements as You don’t have to watch them

If you find TV commercials annoying, especially when watching your favorite show/movie, you will love streaming. While streaming, you will enjoy watching the whole episode of a series or a whole movie without experiencing any commercial breaks.

 

The only disadvantage is that many streaming platforms have plans for content consisting of ads and one that doesn't. The one that doesn’t consist of ads costs more than the one with ads.

 

No Storage is Needed for Streaming

Storage space is not needed for streaming, for you don’t need to download the content you are watching. However, downloading a video or audio file will need space in your storage. And a large file like a Video file causes you to free up content to make space for it, especially if your storage isn’t large enough.

 

The disadvantage is that you will only have to stream the content online because you haven’t downloaded it.

 

You have the freedom to choose what you want

Through streaming, you have the freedom to watch all the content you want online and at the time you want to watch it. In addition, you can choose to watch what you want anytime, anyplace, when you are connected to the internet.

 

Most of the streaming platforms that consist of shows, movies and live sports are not available for free. Which means you have to pay to watch.

 

Catch up with the latest movies and series

Streaming platforms update their content often. Meaning you will get updates every time there is a new release of a series episode or the availability of a new movie. They will be available on streaming platforms earlier than when they will be available on free TV.

 

The disadvantage of many streaming platforms available is that they face geo-restrictions. As a result, some of the shows and movies will not be available for you to stream. Especially if your region is among the countries, the streaming platform is restricted.

 

To enjoy streaming, you will need a good internet connection to stream videos in HD without experiencing buffering.

 

Conclusion

Streaming is a faster way of viewing content on the internet without downloading it. This technology has helped many people take videos and share their ideas with the world through social media platforms. But on the other hand, the streaming platform has given you the freedom to watch what you want anytime you want.