The new age of online media and content has introduced a plethora of new terms and acronyms for us to remember, even though sometimes it can get a bit confusing. One such moment of confusion can be understanding the difference between a VOD and streaming. Are they similar or are they completely different?
What is VOD?
VOD is an acronym standing for Video On Demand. As the name implies, these are videos that are always available whenever you make a request. VODs are never live and are only ever prerecorded programs. The confusion between VODs and streaming may stem from the fact that streamed shows can turn into VODs once they are no longer live.
With a VOD, you can watch your favorite TV shows as much and as often as possible. You also have the option to pause or rewind a show whenever you want. With this service, there are more programs than ever before that are available so viewers never get bored of watching them over and over again.
Popular VOD Platforms
The new age of entertainment is the internet. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu are just a few examples of VOD platforms that could provide you a daily dose of TV shows or movies to binge-watch.
But what if you want something different? What about TV networks for which there’s no streaming service yet? Independent creators can’t just upload their content on the huge sites we’ve mentioned but they have other options in video sharing websites such as Youtube.
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Also Read: Is Disney+ a good alternative to Netflix?
What is Streaming?
Streaming is short for live streaming. A live stream is a content that is being recorded and transmitted in real-time over the internet. Unlike VODs, they are not on demand because they are still in the process of being recorded. A live stream is transmitted live and recorded simultaneously.
Once the stream is complete, it can be uploaded onto a site such as Youtube or Twitch TV where it can then be accessed as a VOD.
Slow Streams or Buffering?
Are your streams loading too slow? Getting constant buffering? Not able to stream at full resolution? Check out these tips to improve your streaming experience:
- Use a modern Router that has advanced features like QoS to prioritize video content. Check out our recommended Routers for Streaming.
- If you are using a Wifi connection, be sure to check out our 9 easy steps to improve your Wifi for Streaming.
- Some Internet Service Providers throttle video streaming traffic without telling their customers. A VPN encrypts all your traffic and circumvents throttling, blocking and geographical restrictions.
Keep in mind, however, that not all VODs were originally live-streamed, and not all streams will necessarily turn into VODs. There is overlap between them but they are not the same.
What is the Difference Between VOD and Streaming?
The difference between VODs and live streaming may seem hard to discern at first but once you realize VOD is about the convenience of access after being shot while streaming is about the uniqueness of real-time experience live, the difference between the two becomes clearer.
VODs are great because they can always be accessed, and streams are great because of the potential for live interaction.
If you have any follow-up questions about the nature of VOD vs streaming, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
