What is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming? Benefits and Protocols

You’re watching your favorite show on Netflix, and suddenly the video buffers or freezes. This frustrating interruption doesn’t just kill the excitement—it ruins the entire viewing experience. Enter adaptive bitrate streaming. It’s a game-changer for ensuring smooth and uninterrupted playback, regardless of internet speed.

Studies show that even a single instance of buffering can drive 39% of viewers to abandon the video entirely. Worse, prolonged interruptions often lead users to switch to another platform.

The fact that modern-day users have plenty of streaming options at their disposal means that the stakes are exceedingly high for watch time and your capacity to engage viewers. In other words, adaptive bitrate streaming is a must if you are to ensure first-rate streaming quality for your end-user across all devices.

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of adaptive streaming, how it works, and why it’s essential for delivering a seamless viewing experience.

What is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming?

In simple terms, adaptive bitrate streaming, or ABS, is the technology that makes it possible for a video to play smoothly without any interruptions. It operates in conjunction with the user’s internet connection and adapts to its network conditions, including internet speed, device capabilities, and other factors.

To understand its functionality, let’s break it down:

• Adaptive refers to the ability of the system to modify video quality in real time based on the user’s internet speed and network stability.
• Bitrate refers to the speed at which data travels across a network, affecting video quality and playback smoothness.
• Streaming is the process of transmitting video files from a remote server to a client device.

Videos are divided into smaller segments, allowing playback to start almost instantly without waiting for the entire file to load.

The odds the average user is going to return to the same platform following a buffering or video error are considerably low, dropping by 2.32% within the same week, according to studies. This underscores the indispensable role of adaptive streaming.

How Adaptive Bitrate Streaming Works

To understand how adaptive bitrate streaming operates, it’s important to note that internet bandwidth is not constant—it fluctuates based on the user’s network conditions and device capabilities. This variability is what makes adaptive streaming so crucial for ensuring a seamless viewing experience. Adaptive bitrate streaming initiates at the video encoding stage, where different versions of a single video file are encoded at different quality levels. Each of these supports a different amount of data—or bitrates and resolutions.

Once encoding is done, segmentation takes place, which entails splitting a video into short videos of 2–10 seconds duration. Typically, a user will select the lowest bitrate file when the video first starts playing.

The video player determines the maximum bitrate file that’s compatible with the user's connection speed and subsequently requests segments at that particular bitrate.

This continues until bandwidth changes. At this point, the video player goes up or down the bitrate ladder to play a video segment that is best suited to run at the existing bandwidth.

What is an adaptive high bitrate?

An adaptive high bitrate is associated with the highest quality video delivered to users that’s contingent on strong network conditions—high bandwidth and low traffic congestion.

This prompts the adaptive streaming system to select a high-bitrate stream, resulting in a high-resolution video that‘s marked by enhanced detail and greater clarity.

Benefits of Adaptive Bitrate Streaming

From reduced buffering to optimized mobile viewing, ABS offers a range of benefits. Let’s explore the key advantages of adaptive bitrate streaming technology.

Reduced Buffering

Adaptive streaming reduces the onset of buffering, which minimizes the loading delays experienced on the user’s end. The maximum tolerance for bad streams averages around 90 seconds. This means ABS is the go-to tool for ensuring a high-quality stream that keeps the user engaged throughout the viewing session.

Higher Content Accessibility

Adaptive bitrate streaming boosts the capacity of broadcasters to reach out to a broader audience without being deterred by slow connections or device types. If there was no ABS, a good number of people would be deprived of access to streaming content. This would also hurt the revenue potential of content creators or TV operators.

Optimum Mobile Viewing

A mobile phone is the mode of access for a staggering 96.3 % of internet users, as per the latest statistics. This suggests that optimizing for mobile devices is more critical than ever, and ABS is what makes this possible. It accommodates changes in bitrate strength as the user moves around while streaming video content to thwart any potential disruptions or lags.

Diverse Network Compatibility

ABS streams are integrated with HTTP technologies, which makes them well-equipped for virtually all video content delivery networks and web servers. Not only does this lead to improved device performance, but it also paves the way for personalized and immersive viewing based on individual preferences and network connectivity.

ABS can help you avoid excessive bandwidth usage, especially when you’re forced to deal with a limited data plan. By selecting a video quality that’s functional for your connection, ABS restricts unnecessary data use (and conserves bandwidth for extended consumption).

Adaptive Streaming Protocols

Adaptive streaming relies on specialized protocols to deliver high-quality video streams that adjust to varying network conditions. These protocols enable smooth playback by dynamically switching between different quality levels, ensuring a seamless viewing experience for users. Below are three key protocols used for adaptive bitrate streaming:

1. HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)

One of the most popular protocols for adaptive bitrate streaming relies on the H.264 or H.265 encoding format without the need for any special servers. HTTP live streaming works by dividing the video into smaller segments before delivering them over HTTP. This way, the user can alternate between quality levels on both on-demand and live streaming. Originally an Apple product, the protocol is now supported across multiple devices.

2. Common Media Application Format (CMAF)

This contemporary format emerged out of the need for lower latency, especially during live streaming. It deploys segmentation to ensure videos of the right bitrate are quickly available to minimize any delays. The compatibility of CMAF with other protocols such as HLS and DASH makes it a highly flexible option to deliver adaptive streams for a wide range of platforms.

3. MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP)

This adaptive streaming protocol works similarly to HLS but differs in that it doesn’t adhere to any specific encoding standards. The format is equipped with a dynamic bitrate adjustment capability that helps maintain video quality during network fluctuations. Unlike HLS, MPEG-DASH has assumed an open standard that gives it cross-platform functionality, with Apple being the only exception.

How to Do Adaptive Bitrate Streaming

Implementing ABS involves multiple steps to encode, segment, and deliver videos seamlessly across devices. Here’s a breakdown of how to achieve adaptive bitrate streaming:

1. Video Encoding and Transcoding

Encoding converts uncompressed video files into a format compatible with multiple devices. Techniques like transcoding and codecs are used to create multiple versions of the same video, each encoded at different bitrates and quality levels. These versions are segmented into small, uniform clips of 2–10 seconds for smooth streaming.

2. Creation of the Manifest File

Once segmented, a manifest file is created for protocols like MPEG-DASH or HLS. This file acts as a blueprint, guiding the video player on how to switch between segments of varying quality to minimize buffering as network conditions fluctuate.

3. Implementing Adaptive Streaming Protocols

At this stage, you need to configure the player and server to make it compatible with adaptive streaming protocols like HLS or MPEG-DASH. When a video file is played, these protocols access the user’s network bandwidth and instruct the player to select a bitrate that would complement the available bandwidth.

4. Embed Adaptive Video Player

Choose an adaptive bitrate streaming player from popular OTT or IPTV platforms. These players are pre-configured to decode adaptive streaming protocols and automatically switch between video qualities based on real-time network performance.

5. Testing and Optimization

At this stage, you need to conduct a test to determine the ideal parameters for bitrate selection across various devices and network speeds. You can opt for one of two algorithms to fine-tune your bitrate levels so as to facilitate a smooth transition between video quality:

The Throughput Algorithm

The throughput algorithm is based on the user’s network speed to determine an appropriate bitrate for a given video. For faster connections, a high-quality video asset will be made available to the viewer. Lower-quality videos will be served to compensate for slow network connections.

The Buffer-Based Algorithm

The second algorithm derives from the buffer capacity of the player itself to figure out the bitrate that would work best. If the buffer is high in capacity with no buffering interruptions, you can set up a high-quality video asset. However, if the buffer runs low, then a lower-quality video will be served to mitigate buffering issues.

6. Monitor and Analyze Performance

Once you have put ABS into motion, you need to monitor user experience on a regular basis to track various aspects such as withdrawal rates, frequency of buffering events, and most importantly, playback quality. A variety of tools are available to monitor and analyze performance to identify the need for further optimization and ensure a consistently high-quality streaming experience.

How Adaptive Bitrate Streaming Improves OTT-IPTV Solutions

Adaptive bitrate streaming dynamically adjusts video quality to match network conditions, making it an essential technology for competitive streaming services. Here’s how ABS revolutionizes OTT and IPTV solutions:

Customizing Bitrates with ABS

One of the best parts about ABS is that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to bitrates. ABS gives you the flexibility to choose a wide range of bitrates and resolution combinations depending on your content and target audience. This ability to maneuver the ABR ladder ensures that you provide the best quality adaptive video streaming experience to a broad audience while gaining a competitive advantage in the process.

Multi-Device Compatibility for Scaling OTT

ABS also drastically expands the outreach for OTT platforms by providing a significant scalability advantage. ABS enables users to experience optimum viewing across devices, be it a smartphone, laptop, television, or tablet. This means that OTT providers can cater to a diverse global audience devoid of performance concerns.

Boosts Retention Without Viewer Effort

One of ABS’s most remarkable features is its ability to enhance the viewer experience without requiring any manual intervention. By adapting in real time to network conditions, ABS guarantees a seamless and reliable streaming experience, improving the Quality of Experience (QoE) for subscribers. Higher customer satisfaction nurtures trust and loyalty, directly boosting retention rates and driving recurring revenue streams for IPTV and OTT providers.

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Challenges of Adaptive Bitrate Streaming

Notwithstanding the revolutionary impact of adaptive bitrate streaming technology on video content delivery, its implementation comes with a few challenges.

Cost and Storage Implications

Adaptive bitrate streaming is resource-intensive as it requires substantial storage and bandwidth to create different bitrate versions of a single video. This might affect the right balance between quality and smooth playback—especially on older or less efficient devices. The extensive demands for storage require significant investment and robust infrastructure, which can be a constraint for some providers.

Latency issues

Secondly, ABS is primarily linked to HTTP-based streaming protocols, which can give rise to latency issues despite controlled buffering. This is especially true for longer distances or at higher resolutions. Further, if ABS isn’t precisely synchronized with bandwidth, there’s a risk of time lags or frame drops when switching between bitrates, which can hamper the user experience.

Reduced Viewer Engagement

Finally, resolution can become a significant issue when switching between different video qualities, which might be a source of frustration. The occurrence of even minimum buffering can negatively impact session length, hence creating implications for user retention and satisfaction.

Conclusion

As video consumption continues to surge, unexpected buffering or pauses can be real deal breakers for viewers and a nightmare for OTT/IPTV platforms. Needless to say, OTT platform providers like inoRain prioritize adaptive bitrate streaming to effectively combat any potential interruptions.

ABS combats potential interruptions and guarantees a smooth and enjoyable viewing journey for users, which translates to higher retention and better outcomes for streaming businesses.

So, the next time you enjoy a flawless binge-watch session, you’ll know the secret behind it—adaptive bitrate streaming working seamlessly to deliver the top-notch experience you deserve.

Ready to elevate your streaming platform? Partner with inoRain to integrate cutting-edge adaptive bitrate streaming solutions that keep your viewers engaged and your business ahead of the competition.

FAQs

How does ABS contribute to user retention on streaming platforms?

Adaptive bitrate streaming (ABS) ensures buffer-free, high-quality streaming, delivering a seamless and satisfying user experience. A reliable streaming platform builds trust, increasing the likelihood that users will return for future video consumption and bolstering long-term retention.

What is adaptive bitrate streaming?

Adaptive bitrate streaming is a method that facilitates and improves streaming over HTTP networks. It does this by segmenting a larger video into chunks with different bitrate strengths. If your internet is fast and stable, it provides high-grade playback. In cases where the internet breaks or slows down, it automatically adjusts the video quality in real time to prevent any unforeseen glitches or errors.

Can ABR be used for live streaming?

ABR’s capability to adjust video quality in real time makes it highly suitable for situations of network congestion or peak viewing. This ensures that the viewers can enjoy live content with minimal interruptions.

How does adaptive bitrate streaming reduce buffering?

During the viewing session, adaptive bitrate streaming actively monitors your internet connection to check for any variations in network conditions. If the speed isn’t high enough to download a high-bitrate video, the video will seamlessly switch to a low-bitrate file, which reduces the possibility of buffering.

What are the benefits of using ABS in OTT/IPTV solutions?

ABS optimizes content delivery across diverse devices and varying network conditions, reducing buffering and delivering high-quality video. This improves user satisfaction, discourages dropouts, and allows OTT/IPTV providers to reach broader audiences, regardless of device type or connection speed.