Introduction to media streaming: Part 1

Short summary

This article introduces client-side media streaming fundamentals, explaining why full-file download doesn't scale for long-form content and how chunked delivery with manifest files solves the problem. It covers the two dominant streaming protocols—HLS (Apple) and MPEG-DASH—and clarifies the distinction between containers (e.g., MP4) and codecs (e.g., H.264, AV1, AAC). A follow-up part will address adaptive bitrate streaming and DRM.

• •Streaming breaks media into small chunks delivered continuously, enabling playback before full download
• •HLS and MPEG-DASH are the two dominant protocols, both using manifest files to guide chunked delivery
• •Containers (MP4) bundle streams; codecs (H.264, AV1, AAC) handle compression — they are not the same thing

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