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Streaming media

Adapted from Wikipedia ยท Explorer experience

A TV screen showing music being streamed from a home media server.

What is Streaming Media?

Streaming media is a fun way to watch videos, listen to music, or see other things on the Internet. Instead of waiting to download everything first, the content plays while it is being sent to your device. This is different from downloading, where you must wait until the whole file is saved before you can watch or listen to it.

People often use streaming to watch movies, listen to music, or see live events in real time, like watching television. Streaming can also happen between devices at home, such as sending music from a computer to speakers using Bluetooth.

Why Do We Use Streaming?

The idea of streaming media became popular in the 1990s and has grown a lot since then. Today, most people use streaming services to enjoy music and videos. Many companies offer subscriptions, so you can pick the service you like best. Live streaming lets people see events as they happen, similar to live television broadcasts.

Fun Facts About Streaming

  • Streaming can happen at home between devices, like sending music from a computer to speakers.
  • Many people use streaming to watch movies and listen to music every day.
  • Live streaming lets you see events as they happen, just like watching TV.

Images

A photo of a 2014 Scion tC car showing its Bluetooth music streaming system after a test drive.
A serval at Hamura Zoo in Tokyo.
Chart showing how music streaming has helped reduce music piracy in the U.S.
An illustration of a vintage vinyl record.

Related articles

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Streaming media, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.