Streaming: meaning, definitions and examples
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streaming
[ˈstriːmɪŋ ]
Definitions
watching movies online
The act of watching or listening to audio or video content in real-time over the internet, without the need to download the files to a device. Streaming allows users to consume content on-demand, and has become increasingly popular with the rise of platforms like Netflix and Spotify.
Synonyms
live streaming, online viewing, watching online.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| streaming |
General term used for the transmission of data over the internet for immediate consumption. Suitable for movies, music, and other digital media.
|
| watching online |
Refers to the act of consuming video content through internet-connected devices. More casual and general phrase, applicable to any type of video consumption.
|
| online viewing |
Describes the action of watching video content through the internet, often referring to pre-recorded content available on platforms like YouTube or a company’s website.
|
| live streaming |
Specifically refers to broadcasting content in real-time over the internet. Commonly used for events, gaming, webinars, and live news.
|
Examples of usage
- Netflix offers a wide range of movies and TV shows for streaming.
- I prefer streaming music rather than buying physical CDs.
broadcasting live video
To transmit or receive audio or video content in real-time over the internet, without the need to download the files to a device. Streaming can be done through platforms like YouTube or Twitch, allowing content creators to interact with their audience in real-time.
Synonyms
broadcasting live, live video streaming, online broadcasting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| streaming |
Use this term broadly to refer to content delivered continually over the internet, including both video and audio. It's a general term for watching or listening to media in real-time.
|
| broadcasting live |
This phrase is most appropriate when referring to the act of transmitting live events, such as sports games, news, or live shows. It often involves traditional media like television and radio, as well as internet platforms.
|
| live video streaming |
This term is specific to real-time video content delivered over the internet. It emphasizes the video aspect and is suitable for platforms like YouTube Live, Twitch, or Facebook Live.
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| online broadcasting |
This term is used to describe the transmission of any multimedia content over the internet, not necessarily live. It includes both pre-recorded and live content.
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Examples of usage
- She started streaming her gaming sessions on Twitch.
- The concert will be streamed live on the band's YouTube channel.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'streaming' comes from 'stream' which means to flow continuously, like a river.
- In the early 1990s, 'streaming' was used to describe the way audio was delivered over the internet, changing how we consume media.
- The concept gained popularity with audio platforms before expanding to video content, allowing for a new era of entertainment.
Technology
- Streaming technology utilizes a protocol (method of communication) to deliver media in real time, which is why you can watch almost instantly.
- Adaptive bitrate streaming adjusts the quality of the media based on your internet speed, improving user experience.
- Technologies such as HTML5 and various video codecs (like H.264) have made streaming more efficient than ever, enhancing quality and speed.
Cultural Impact
- Streaming has transformed how we consume entertainment, leading to the rise of platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify.
- It has ushered in the binge-watching culture, where viewers often watch several episodes of a show in one sitting.
- The ability to stream content on multiple devices has changed our viewing habits, allowing for greater convenience and personalization.
Economics
- The streaming industry has become a multibillion-dollar sector, significantly impacting traditional media companies.
- Subscription-based models (like Netflix and Disney+) provide consumers access to a vast library for a monthly fee, changing content distribution.
- Advertisers also target streaming platforms, leading to new revenue streams that differ from traditional TV advertising.
Psychology
- The instant gratification of streaming can lead to compulsive viewing behaviors, often making it hard for people to stop watching.
- Studies show that binge-watching can create a strong emotional connection to characters and stories, akin to real-life relationships.
- Streaming platforms use algorithms to recommend content, shaping viewers' preferences and potentially narrowing their exposure to diverse media.
Translations
Translations of the word "streaming" in other languages:
🇵🇹 transmissão
🇮🇳 स्ट्रीमिंग
🇩🇪 Streaming
🇮🇩 streaming
🇺🇦 стримінг
🇵🇱 streaming
🇯🇵 ストリーミング
🇫🇷 streaming
🇪🇸 transmisión
🇹🇷 akış
🇰🇷 스트리밍
🇸🇦 بث مباشر
🇨🇿 streaming
🇸🇰 streaming
🇨🇳 流媒体
🇸🇮 pretakanje
🇮🇸 straumspilun
🇰🇿 ағын
🇬🇪 სტრიმინგი
🇦🇿 axın
🇲🇽 transmisión