Video streaming is a type of media streaming in which the data from a video file is continuously delivered via the Internet to a remote user. It allows a video to be viewed online without being downloaded on a host computer or device.
Video streaming works on data streaming principles, where all video file data is compressed and sent to a requesting device in small chunks. Video streaming typically requires a compatible video player that connects with a remote server, which hosts a prerecorded or pre-stored media file or live feed. The server uses specific algorithms to compress the media file or data for transfer over the network or Internet connection.
The size of each data stream depends on various factors, including actual file size, bandwidth speed and network latency. In turn, the user or client player decompresses and displays the streamed data, allowing a user to begin viewing the file before the entire video data or file is received.