The Magic Behind Streaming: How Millions Watch the Same Video Simultaneously
2025-05-02
The Conversation
Ever wondered how millions of people around the globe can watch the same video at the exact same time, without buffering or glitches? It's more than just a click and play. A complex and fascinating system of technology makes it possible. A computer scientist breaks down the intricate digital infrastructure – from encoding and content delivery networks (CDNs) to adaptive bitrate streaming and buffering – that powers the streaming experience we take for granted. Dive into the world of video compression, server networks, and real-time data management to understand the remarkable feat of engineering that brings your favorite shows, movies, and live events directly to your devices.
