People around the world suddenly found a new hobby during COvid-19 restrictions – streaming content. Streaming trends indicate that the technology has been reaching new heights, the streaming statistics indicate that video streaming will make up 82% of Internet traffic by the year 2022 – 2023. Video accessibility also plays a part in the increased popularity of streaming and thus the need for good quality streaming has been on demand.
Streaming Trends in 2022
Streaming is not limited to video, despite its unprecedented growth; other media have also taken advantage of the technology. Here are some of the streaming trends in 2022:
– In-Home Media Consumption Due to the Pandemic
The pandemic has significant impacts on how households are consuming streaming media, from Netflix to Amazon Prime Videos, YouTube and Facebook, the norm for media consumers across all ages has now majorly become enjoying content through online streaming.
A study found that in-home media consumption behavior around the world varies, for example 43% of Australian households use streaming services to watch the news, the global average is much higher, at 50%. Similarly, Philippine and Chinese households were found to spend more time on music streaming.
– OTT Platforms Continue to Soar Higher
Before and during the pandemic, over-the-top (OTT) media services have been growing, millions of subscribers in various countries. The limitless and instant access to original high-quality content for the subscriber, has made these platforms enormously popular. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO, among many others are some of the most popular and highly used platforms.
Users of younger age groups even use the provision of original content as the basis for choosing a streaming service.
OTT services are constantly working to find ways to provide original and high-quality content, and this has been working in their favor as the consumers continue to migrate to online video channels. Many OTT providers have also partnered themselves with mobile operators to gain larger benefits.
– Live Streaming on Social Media
Live streaming on social media began as a non-interactive process, but social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram have established two-way traffic when it comes to live-streaming. The use of messaging apps allows audiences or viewers to communicate with live broadcasters. This interactive experience has resulted in the popularity of live streaming among both businesses as well as users.
The success of the live streaming lies in the fact that these are sent directly to audiences who are interested in the broadcast and this is being fueled by the massive increase in mobile users. E-commerce companies have recognized the value of live streaming and have started conducting live events to showcase their products, and for improving the end-user experience.
– Extended Business Applications
Video streaming has found its way through processes such as virtual/online doctor visits as well as drive-through banking, and in fact the most promising use of the technology is in customer support.
Organizations are using video streaming to help customers troubleshoot product/service issues, contributing to customer experience, which is now considered an important aspect of customer service. Video streaming has also made its way into marketing and sales.
– IoT Video Streaming
Internet of Things (IoT) video streaming is already being used in a variety of settings such as law enforcement and endoscopic surgeries; and now-a-days it is being targeted at consumers as a result of the increase in the number of devices connected to the Internet.
Consumer applications of IoT video streaming range from doorbell cameras, pet monitors, IP cameras to security cameras, and with the advent of 5G Internet, this technology’s use in home and industrial monitoring will continue to expand in the coming years.
– Music Streaming Displaces Radio
We all are aware that streaming music has taken over the radios. As the most prominent streaming trends of music have impacted the young audiences the most, they prefer streaming music over the radio. Also, unlike radio where one needs to request songs, music streaming enables listeners or users to choose from millions of options, from any device. And for the audience of senior age groups, podcasts are gaining traction amongst them.
Reasons of Slowdowns and Solutions
Assuming the broadband speed coming into your home is good enough, there are other reasons for slow internet service:
- One of the biggest reasons might be an older modem or router. Most of us now connect several devices to our network using WiFi, so wireless gear that was fine a few years ago might not be appropriate to the newer technology.
- If WiFi is slow or getting interrupted, try moving the router to a more central location. Also move it away from obstructions, such as walls and never place the router in a closet or cabinet.
- Try using a wired connection to see whether performance improves.
- Connect your computer directly to a speed-test site before the connection reaches your WiFi router and compare it to the speed you get connecting via WiFi.
- Streaming on video content online also depends on Network Connectivity and the buffering can be caused due to bandwidth issues. It not only depends on the servers where the video content is stored. CDN is the system which is used by every Video Streaming Platform, and it basically works as a distributed network. If somebody is trying to access that particular content, it delivers a stream to a user based on the geographic locations of that user. It is the process of providing the nearest server possible for best user experience. So video streaming actually depends upon the Infrastructure and CDN Service used by the Platform provider.
Recommended Minimum Speed for Streaming Activity
Anywhere from 3 to 25 Mbps of internet download speeds is appropriate to watch video streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, etc.
Lower speeds like 3 to 18 Mbps work for lower-quality video formats like SD or HD, while 25 Mbps is the bare minimum recommended download speed for 4K or ultra-high definition.
Streaming for SD video 480p: Recommended speed 3 Mbps
- For HD video 1080p: 5 Mbps
- For 4k video 2160 25 Mbps
- For streaming music: 1 -10 mbps
If you have friends over to watch movies often, you may want to upgrade your download speed plan to make sure your signal is strong enough for everyone and every device.
Choosing the Right Internet Service Provider for Fast Streaming
Your internet service provider is the source for all your online activities and choosing the right one is hence essential to enjoy a seamless usage and streaming.
Coextro is a fibre optic based internet provider based in Ontario, Canada, offering unlimited high speed fibre internet with many affordable plans that can suit your requirements:
- We offer various affordable internet plans.
- Quick, easy and hassle-free in-home installations.
- We also focus on customer needs and satisfaction.
Reach us to get the best fibre optic internet service to enjoy uninterrupted streaming.
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