streamable

Streamable refers to media content that can be consumed as it is transmitted over a network, allowing playback to begin before the entire file has been downloaded. This contrasts with complete-file download workflows and is foundational to modern online video and audio delivery.

Delivery models include progressive streaming and true streaming. Progressive streaming delivers the file in order over HTTP, enabling playback to start before the end is downloaded. True streaming delivers content as small segments via a manifest, allowing more flexible control and better adaptation to network changes.

Common technologies include adaptive streaming protocols such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and MPEG-DASH, which adjust video quality to match available bandwidth. Older or less dynamic methods may use progressive playback or RTMP-based delivery.

Applications include entertainment, news, and live events, delivered through websites, apps, and social platforms. Streamable content is typically hosted on servers and delivered via content delivery networks to reduce latency and improve reliability. Embedding and sharing of streamable media is common, with metadata and accessibility considerations.

Considerations for making content streamable include network conditions, buffering behavior, latency, licensing and DRM, and cross-device compatibility. The term remains a practical shorthand for media designed for ongoing transmission rather than full-file download.