By: The BitMar Team.
Image Source: Bing Image Creator.
Streaming services have become essential entertainment sources for many households. However, the convenience of on-demand movies and shows comes with a cost beyond the monthly subscription fee. Streaming can significantly impact internet usage, potentially leading to higher internet bills and even exceeding data caps. A recent study by OpenVault found that streaming accounts for over 70% of downstream traffic on home internet networks.1
Different streaming services and video quality settings consume varying amounts of data. For example, streaming a movie in 4K resolution on Netflix uses considerably more data than listening to music on Spotify. According to Netflix, streaming in standard definition uses about 1 GB of data per hour, while Ultra HD quality can consume up to 7 GB per hour.2 Understanding the data consumption of your preferred services and settings is crucial for managing your internet usage.
In households with multiple users and devices, simultaneous streaming can strain internet speed and performance. This may result in buffering, lag, or difficulty connecting to the internet for other activities. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps for households that stream video content.3 However, if multiple users stream simultaneously or engage in other bandwidth-intensive activities, such as online gaming or video conferencing, you may require a faster internet plan.
To manage internet usage and costs associated with streaming, consider implementing some strategies. Downloading content in advance, when possible, allows you to watch offline without consuming data during peak usage times. Adjusting the streaming quality to a lower resolution can also significantly reduce data consumption. Many streaming services offer data-saving settings or allow you to set data usage limits. Regularly monitoring your internet consumption through your internet service provider's tools or third-party apps can help you stay within your data limits and avoid overage charges. The website BroadbandNow provides a helpful guide to understanding data caps and usage monitoring.4
By understanding the relationship between streaming and internet usage, you can make informed decisions about your streaming habits and internet plan. This will help you enjoy your favorite shows and movies without incurring unexpected costs or experiencing frustrating interruptions.
Next-generation streaming platforms – like: BitMar – may provide you the most affordable form of on-demand streaming entertainment. BitMar provides all-in-one streaming service, for life, for a one-time payment, of: $99.99 USD. It can connect you to millions of on-demand movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and songs (from many different sources on the Web), on the screens that you already own. In fact, BitMar provides access to more movies, and TV shows, than: Cable, Satellite, Netflix, Disney Plus, Max/HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Peacock, and Hulu – combined – and more songs, than: Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, and Apple Music—combined. You may learn more, at: BitMar.com/.
1 OpenVault Broadband Insights Report
2 Netflix Help Center
3 FCC Broadband Speed Guide
4 BroadbandNow Data Caps Guide