Overall, streaming is the quickest means of accessing internet-based content.

When you stream something, you could start using the content before the entire file downloads.

You don’t have to wait for the song to download before the music starts.

Illustration of movies and popcorn to show streaming on various devices

Patcharapon Pachasirisakun/Getty Images

This is one of the major advantages of streaming: It delivers data to you as you need it.

Progressive download is another option that was around for years before streaming was possible.

A primary difference between streaming and downloads is what happens to the data after you use it.

Roku TV, Box, and Streaming Stick Examples

Roku TV, Box, and Streaming Stick Examples.TCL and Roku

For downloads, the item stays on your rig until you delete it.

For streams, your unit automatically deletes the data after you use it.

Live streaming is popular with live television shows, gaming broadcasts, andspecial one-time eventsor sports.

It also means that apps take up less space on the gear they’re installed on.

The most common streaming error that crops up has to do with buffering.

The buffer is a program’s temporary memory that stores the streamed content.

The buffer is always filling up with the content you need next.

FAQ

Whether or not you have to pay for streaming depends on your source and content.

However, if you’re viewing something like aFacebook Watchvideo, there’s no cost.

Windows and macOS have built-in tools that let you record a live stream.

On a Windows PC, pressWin + Gto open a Game Bar, then clickStart Recordingto capture screen activity.

In macOS, pressShift + Command + 5, then clickRecordon the Control Panel.

You may also consider a third-party tool with streaming video capture abilities, such as Camtasia or Movavi.