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What is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming? A Brief Intro to ABRby@multitv

What is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming? A Brief Intro to ABR

by April 8th, 2022
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Adaptive Bitrate Streaming allows the player to select the best quality stream for the current network and device conditions. ABR streaming is often used for live video, as it allows the broadcaster to send multiple streams of different resolutions simultaneously. This way, viewers can choose the stream that best fits their device and network conditions. This prevents buffering and stalls that can occur when a user tries to watch a high-resolution video on a low-bandwidth connection. It also helps keep videos playing smoothly on slower devices, like smartphones and tablets.

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If you're like most people, you probably watch a lot of videos online. Whether it's catching up on the news, watching your favourite show, or checking out a new movie trailer, video is a big part of our lives.


But have you ever stopped to think about how all those videos get to your device? Chances are, they use adaptive bitrate streaming. In this blog post, we'll discuss what Adaptive Bitrate Streaming is and everything you need to know about it!


Adaptive bitrate streaming, often abbreviated as ABR, denotes the capability of a video player to adjust the video quality dynamically as per the available network conditions, bandwidth, and viewer’s device performance. Overall, adaptive bitrate streaming enables seamless switching of content quality that is not supported by progressive video playback.



ABR streaming is a more efficient way of streaming video as it allows the player to select the best quality stream for the current network and device conditions. This prevents buffering and stalls that can occur when a user tries to watch a high-resolution video on a low-bandwidth connection. It also helps keep videos playing smoothly on slower devices, like smartphones and tablets.


ABR streaming is often used for live video, as it allows the broadcaster to send multiple streams of different resolutions simultaneously. This way, viewers can choose the stream that best fits their device and network conditions. And since Adaptive Bitrate Streaming is supported by most major browsers and devices, it's a great way to reach a wide audience.


So, Adaptive Bitrate Streaming is a great way to deliver smooth and seamless video content to your viewers. But what are the specific benefits of using ABR streaming?


Here are just a few benefits of Adaptive Bitrate Streaming

  • Increased viewer satisfaction - Adaptive bitrate streaming provides a better viewing experience by automatically selecting the best stream quality for each viewer's device and network conditions.

  • Increased viewer engagement - Adaptive bitrate streaming helps keep videos playing smoothly on slower devices, like smartphones and tablets, which can increase viewer engagement.

  • Reduced buffering and stalls - Adaptive bitrate streaming prevents buffering and stalls that can occur when a user tries to watch a high-resolution video on a low-bandwidth connection.

  • Reach a wider audience - Adaptive bitrate streaming is supported by most major browsers and devices, making it a great way to reach a wide audience.


So, if you're looking for a better way to stream video content online, Adaptive Bitrate Streaming may be the solution for you!


Thanks for reading! We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about Adaptive Bitrate Streaming.