Billions of users worldwide use video streaming platforms in favour of traditional TV subscriptions. This transition didn’t take place overnight. Behind the seamless playback of the best movies and series lies a complex infrastructure guaranteeing the smooth delivery of high-quality content. Throughout this article, we look at the inner workings of streaming platforms, exploring the video journey from upload to playback.
The Video Journey: From Upload to Playback
Watching your favourite movies or TV series on a streaming platform like Netflix is as simple as opening the app and selecting a title, or is it? Behind the scenes, there’s a complex journey that videos take from the creator’s computer to your screen.
It all starts with captivating video content creation. This can range from hilarious cat videos snapped on a smartphone to blockbuster-quality movies created by a professional studio. No matter where the video comes from, pre-production, planning, and editing software are used to prepare the video for its online journey.
When the video is ready for viewing, creators upload it to a streaming platform favoured by their target audience. This process involves user-friendly interfaces for creators to add titles, descriptions, and categories. In the background, the platform’s content management system (CMS) carefully stores and organises the video data.
Raw video files are too large to stream smoothly, which is why they need encoding first. This process takes the large files and compresses them into an optimised file ready for delivery, it’s a similar process to zipping files. Video hosting platforms like the one provided by Gcore use specific coding formats like H.264 to create smaller versions that retain the same quality.
This step is critical because different devices have varying processing capabilities. Encoding creates multiple versions of the same video at different bitrates and resolutions. The primary benefit of this is a smooth viewing experience regardless of the device or network limitations.
Reaching Your Device: The Final Steps
The foundation has been set. The video has been created, uploaded, encoded, and strategically stored, but how does it finally reach your screen? Here’s where the content delivery networks (CDNs) jump into action.
A CDN is like an enormous network of servers logically positioned around the world, with each containing a copy of the encoded video. This means when you press play, the platform finds the closed CDN server, which reduces the distance the data has to travel. On the user end, this means quicker loading screens and an enhanced viewing experience.
As well as bringing videos closer to users, CDNs use clever caching techniques. For example, the most viewed videos are stored on the edge of the network, which reduces network latency even further. Even during peak hours, you can access videos at the same quality as you would during quiet times.
The last part of the journey allows the streaming platforms’ native video player to take over. It receives data from the CDN, decodes it back to the original format, and displays it on your chosen screen. Additionally, the player leverages adaptive bitrate streaming, which constantly adjusts the quality of the video based on your internet connection. This is why you may notice even a 4K video becomes grainy now and again.
Optimising the Experience: Beyond Delivery
Delivering high-quality video streams is essential, but streaming platforms go beyond simply getting the content to your screen. They take additional steps to create a personal and engaging viewing experience. Here are some of the key features you’re likely to come across:
● Personalisation and watchlists: Many successful streaming platforms let you create personalised watchlists, allowing you to come back to your favourite movies or TV shows over and over again. Additionally, some platforms allow user profiles and progress tracking, meaning you can log in on any device and pick up where you left off.
● Recommendations and search: Platforms leverage unique recommendation algorithms to suggest content related to your viewing habits. Search functionalities let you find new content based on your interests. This is why the Netflix home screen looks different for everyone.
● Offline viewing. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime let you download content to watch offline, which is perfect for travelling or in areas with low internet connectivity.
● Content accessibility. Over the past few years, video streaming platforms have enhanced accessibility features including audio descriptions and closed captions, opening the platform to a wider audience.
● Interactive features. To keep users engaged, some platforms are introducing interactive elements including live chat and polls, creating a sense of community and engagement.
By pushing new and innovative boundaries, video streaming platforms strive to keep viewers coming back for more.
The video streaming platform is evolving constantly, and the future looks brighter than ever before. For example, Amazon and Netflix have started integrating cloud gaming into their platform, meaning you can play some great games without having to switch devices. Other fantastic features on the horizon include:
● Personalised content curation: Say goodbye to endless scrolling through irrelevant content to find the videos you enjoy the most. Thanks to innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), you’ll see more relevant content tailored towards your personal viewing preferences and even your mood.
● Higher resolutions: The search for higher resolution continues, with 8K and even 10K streaming on the cards. Additionally, advances in technology including High Dynamic Range (HDR) promise more realistic visuals.
● Interactive experiences: The lines between traditional video and interactive media will continue to merge. Imagine taking part in a virtual reality concert and influencing storylines in your favourite shows. Video streaming giants like Netflix have already got the ball rolling with this.
Alongside advancements in technology and greater personalisation, video streaming providers are constantly working to overcome challenges. At the moment, issues surrounding piracy and net neutrality are at the forefront of maintaining a healthy streaming ecosystem.
Video streaming platforms have changed the way we consume entertainment. From complex encoding to user-friendly interfaces, an expansive network ensures a smooth delivery to billions of viewers.
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