Streaming: definition, technical operation and use

Brahim Aghzaf

(Social Media Adviser)

Success Net Profit Apsense

 

Description

What is streaming?

Streaming media is multimedia that is constantly received by and presented to an end-user while being delivered by a provider. The verb to stream refers to the process of delivering or obtaining media in this manner. Streaming refers to the delivery method of the medium, rather than the medium itself.

Streaming has been part of our lives for more than ten years: it appeared when the Internet became more democratic. This service is based on the continuous transmission of an audio or video stream online, without downloading.

Streaming is used to view or listen to content online. This protocol allows instant playback of videos or music, directly in the web browser. Streaming developed widely on the Internet in the early 2000s, with the launch of large now well-known streaming platforms such as YouTube, Dailymotion, and Deezer. Streaming makes it easy to watch videos or listen to music on the Internet, without having to download a file. It has become an essential protocol. Thus, in 2018, it is estimated that streaming represented nearly 58% of global bandwidth.

How does streaming work?

Streaming works between two parties: the client, that is to say the Internet user, and a server. When launching a streaming video, the user's computer sends a request to the server: a small part of the file is then placed in what is called a buffer memory, forming part of the RAM from the computer. When enough data is retrieved from this memory, playback starts. The stream (the rest of the file) is then downloaded as it goes into the buffer memory so that playback continues smoothly. There are different types of readings: progressive reading (the most used) and continuous reading. Streaming allows you to avoid downloading a file to your computer's hard drive, but it does require a good internet connection (and above all a good bandwidth) to run smoothly.

What are the main uses of streaming (professional and private)?

Streaming is now widely used in all areas and across the net. It is the basis of the success of web giants such as YouTube, Spotify and of course Netflix. Video on demand platforms all use this protocol. In practice, we use streaming on a daily basis: to listen to our favorite songs on Spotify or Deezer, or to watch movies and series on Netflix. Free platforms such as YouTube are used globally, both for private and business use. Live broadcasts of videos, especially on social networks, have now become legion thanks to the streaming protocol.

In the marketing and B2B sectors, streaming is also an interesting source of content. Brands with a large enough site can use streaming to share their content with their customers and prospects.

Note that the success of streaming has accelerated with the arrival of 4G, which allows smartphone users to view content anywhere and anytime. Streaming then became a reflex so many Internet users could not do without today.

The main streaming players

The big current streaming platforms are YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo, Netflix, OCS, Spotify, Deezer… but there are many others. Many TV channels stream their content, pay or not, with or without a personal account.