Streaming Television

internet · entertainment · technology · how it works

Shows on demand. Instead of waiting for a TV show to come on at a certain time, streaming services let you watch episodes whenever you want. Most episodes are between 30 to 60 minutes long, just like traditional TV shows.

Internet powered. Streaming TV travels through the internet directly to your device, not through cables or satellite dishes. This is called over-the-top media because it goes over regular internet service.

Movies and shows. Streaming platforms both show movies and TV series that other companies made, and they also create their own original content. Movies on these services usually run about 90 to 120 minutes, similar to movies you see in theaters.

Custom content. Streaming services buy the rights to show content through licensing agreements, and they also produce their own exclusive shows and films that you can only watch on their platform.