How is digital content streamed?

Digital content is streamed through the continuous sending and receiving of data, which allows users to start viewing or listening to the content almost immediately without the need to wait for the entire file to download. This method works by breaking the content into small packets of data that are transmitted over the internet and reassembled in real-time on the user's device.

Streaming enables a smooth playback experience, as the content can be played while it continues to be downloaded in the background. This is particularly beneficial for live broadcasts or large media files, as it reduces wait times and allows for seamless access to audio and video content.

In contrast, downloading the entire file before viewing means users have to wait until the process is complete, which can be inefficient for long files. Sending data in large chunks can lead to interruptions if there are issues with the internet connection, and compressing files, while useful for reducing file size, does not specifically pertain to how the data is streamed in real-time.