Streaming is the process of sending or receiving audio or video over a network. There is a continuous flow of data wherein pieces of data are being accessed while the remainder is being sent or received. It’s similar to having someone interpret languages simultaneously.

With streaming, you can watch a video and the rest of the file will continue loading as you consume the earlier parts. There’s no need to save or decompress it. When it comes to streaming TV, you want a device that can connect to Wi-Fi be it a laptop, desktop, or smart TV.

Streaming TV is a simple process. You connect the TV or laptop to a Wi-fi network and use a platform or app that will convert the content. These streaming apps or platforms require viewers to subscribe which we’ll discuss more later.

For streaming, you need a fast and stable network speed if you want high definition and continuous content. To stream TV without issues, check out these reminders:

1. Make sure the internet speed is stable.

2. Choose your preferred streaming device- this can be a gaming console or a smart TV.

3. Choose a streaming platform. Each platform would have different collections of titles and some are also niche and more focused on content like sports.

4. Get comfy, grab a snack, press Play, and enjoy your show.

Streaming Platforms

Now that we’ve explained how streaming works, let’s talk about the available options. There are different types of streaming.

On-demand streaming

On-demand content is the go-to alternative to cable TV. These kinds of platforms and services offer subscriptions that cost $10 a month. Subscribers can watch licensed content from other networks and in-house titles. On-demand streaming platforms have produced some of the most popular shows in the last decade such as Game of Thrones from HBO.

Here are some popular platforms and what users like about them

• Amazon Prime – great perks

• HBO NOW – great original titles

• Hulu – great Network shows

• Netflix – great collection

• The Criterion Channel – great classic movie titles

These are some of the most popular platforms that influence viewers into ditching their cable TV plans.

Live Streaming

For more flexibility, there are also platforms that offer live TV streaming. The price of a monthly subscription ranges from $16 to $50 based on the number of channels you want access to. Below are some of the live TV streaming platforms and what viewers like about them:

• Fubo TV – great for scoccer fans

• Hulu + Live TV – great channel listing

• PlayStation Vue – great for sports fans overall

• YouTube TV – great user experience

• Pluto TV – great free option

• AT&T WatchTV – great skinny bundle

• Sling TV – great affordable option/sports fans

• Disney+ – great option for kids

These are just some of the more popular platforms. Each provider can cater to a different set of preferences and budget requirements.

Free Streaming

There are free options for viewers who are not ready to get a new subscription. These are not perfect but it won’t hurt your budget if you try them out. Each platform will benefit different types of viewers, and it mostly depends on whether you like TV shows or movies.

Here’s our ranking in terms of movie title collection:

1. Tubi TV / Hoopla

2. Vudu / Kanopy

3. Sony Crackle / Pluto TV / Roku Channel / IMDb Freedive

4. YouTube Movies / Popcornflix

5. Yahoo View

And here are the rankings in terms of TV show titles:

1. Yahoo View / Pluto TV

2. Roku Channel / Tubi TV / Hoopla / Sony Crackle / IMDb Freedive

3. Vudu / Kanopy / Popcornflix

4. YouTube Movies

Streaming TV vs Cable TV

An increasing number of younger people prefer to access their TV shows online. In fact, 90% of younger people prefer this option. but why are so many viewers switching to streaming? Is it going to eliminate cable TV completely? Well, not in the next few years. The increasing popularity of streaming is because allows viewers the freedom and flexibility to choose the content they want to watch at the most convenient time for them.

However, if you like to watch different types of content from different channels, streaming subscriptions may prove more costly than cable plans. Of course, it’s better if you can experience both to choose which one fits your requirements.

Final Thoughts

Streaming TV is not just for movie lovers. Now that you have an idea of what it is and what benefits you can get, you can try out the platforms and services on our list. Most platforms will offer a 7-day or 30-day free trial where you can enjoy their service and explore their title collection.