How we spend our day is how we spend our life. And many of us spend much of our time online–it’s part of who we are. This becomes complicated when our internet speed isn’t up to par.
We know we need a solid internet speed to enjoy all our daily activities, but what constitutes that ideal speed? Read on to find out.
With the average person spending seven hours online daily, it’s not surprising that it should at least be fast. The activities you perform online–whether streaming, gaming, social media, or working remotely–make your life so much easier when you don’t have to hurry up and wait.
Whether you’re in the market for a new plan or upgrading your current one, taking a personal inventory of your daily online activities is essential to figure out what speed works best for you.
What You Need to Know About Internet Speed
Your internet speed may be the biggest thing to consider when choosing your plan. It determines how quickly you can complete a task online or how long you’re stuck pulling out your hair. The following are the basic aspects you need to know before choosing a plan:
What is Internet Speed
Internet speed is a term that is thrown around constantly but hearing an actual definition is rare. So how exactly is internet speed defined?
Measured in megabits per second (Mbps), internet speed is defined as the speed at which data or content can travel from the World Wide Web to your device.
Two more terms that you often hear are download and upload speed. The difference between the two can be summarized in one sentence: Download speed refers to the speed at which data can travel from the internet to your device, and upload speed is the speed at which data travels from your device to the internet.
Download Speed
As mentioned, download speed is the speed at which data travels from the internet to your home computer, tablet, or smartphone. Definitions are one thing, but real-world applications are better. The following are activities that rely on download speed:
- Watching Netflix or Hulu
- Shopping online
- Scrolling through social media
- Viewing YouTube videos
- Reading online articles or books
- Streaming Spotify or Apple Music
Upload Speed
Upload speed is the exact opposite of its counterpart–it’s the speed at which data travels from your device to the internet. Examples of upload speed include the following:
- Zoom and Google Meet conferences
- Live tournament-style gaming
- Posting on social media
- Backing up data to cloud storage
- Sending emails with large attachments
- Working on Google Sheets or Docs
How is Internet Speed Measured?
Internet speed relies on your connection. The quality of your connection determines how much data can be downloaded or uploaded per second.
Your internet speed is measured in units of bits per second. There are three major units in which your speed is measured: kilobits (kbps), megabits (Mbps), and gigabits (Gbps). That’s more than a bit of information to take in all at once. To break this down further: One kbps equals 1,000 bits per second; one Mbps equals 1,000 kbps; one Gbps equals 1,000 Mbps.
This all comes back to how internet speed is measured. Your speed depends on how quickly your internet connection can download or upload the bits as mentioned earlier.
As Gbps is the newest bit family, you will most commonly see internet speed measured in Mbps. A higher Mbps number equals faster speeds.
Understanding Streaming
Gone are the days of the traditional mom-and-pop video rental stores and having to put a disc in a CD player physically. It is the new Holy Grail of entertainment taking their place. We’re talking about streaming, of course.
The popularity of streaming doesn’t need to be mentioned–it’s everywhere. The almost vertical trajectory of this demand in recent years seems to suggest that the only time streaming services aren’t on the rise is during lent.
As with internet speed, streaming is just as popular in everyday conversations as it is in homes. But what is it exactly?
What is Streaming?
Streaming is any media content delivered to devices via the internet and played back in real-time. Live or recorded; it doesn’t matter. This means all of your favorites–movies, TV shows, music, or podcasts–are all-encompassed with streaming.
You first need to realize how streaming differs from downloading to understand how the former works.
A download results in that data being stored on your device–it’s there to stay until further notice. In streaming files, data packets are taken and interpreted as audio or video. Streamed media files are prearranged to be streamed instantly, and are deleted once you play them.
Both involve an audio or video file being sent to your device. The difference is that streaming files only become available once you play them–downloaded files will be there until deleted.
What Types of Media Can Be Streamed
Virtually any kind of media content can be streamed. The most common types of media streaming are audio and video files.
- Music is the most commonly streamed media that exists. Apple Music, Spotify, and Pandora give you the ability to stream music on demand.
- Videos also give you the option to watch them instantaneously. You don’t have to delay gratification with YouTube or Tiktok–except for a few ads.
- Movies and TV shows have had a history of appearing in the newspapers to inform readers when they would be on TV. Services like Netflix and Hulu allow you to watch what you want when you want.
- Podcasts like NPR, The Joe Rogan Experience, and This American Life are available on platforms like Spotify and iTunes.
In short, streaming services allow you to watch or listen instantly and on demand. You don’t have to wait.
What is Live Streaming
The streaming services industry has grown in popularity in the past decade, completely reinventing how we watch and listen. And now, live streaming is the talk of the town. Like TV, live streaming allows you to watch and share in real-time.
Live Streaming Definition
Have you ever received an Instagram notification informing you that one of the people you follow is going live? Well, that’s a live stream.
A live stream allows you to view the audio or video content in real-time–as it’s happening. Raw. Unedited. Unfiltered.
This works because the content doesn’t have to be recorded or stored. No downloading is required. It is simply just happening at that very moment.
Why is Live Streaming Popular?
Have you ever called a company, and a pre-recorded voice picked up? If you have, you probably thought, “I remember the days when you could get an actual human on the phone.” This is the popularity of live streaming in a nutshell.
The popularity of live streaming can’t be overstated–surpassing gaming in total hours watched. There’s that certain human element involved in the process that makes it appealing. This virtual human interaction is refreshing in a world where everyone is behind a screen.
People want people–not the pre-recorded voice.
As with the human quality, live streaming comes with many advantages. The door is opened for new revenue opportunities. And it’s easy–another thing people like.
The revenue opportunities include live shopping, donations, brand deals, and revenue from ads. The easy aspect is simple–you just press a button.
What is Good Internet Speed
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to internet speed. What you need may be different than what your neighbor needs. The most common predictors of what internet speed you need is the activities you perform and how many people live in your house.
How Much Internet Speed is Good
So how do you determine how much internet speed is good? And does 200 Mbps fit that description?
Each person will have a different definition of what is considered good internet speed. But in general, a download speed of 100 Mbps and an upload speed of 10 Mbps will get you where you need to go.
If you’re still unsure, a good rule of thumb is to allow 25 Mbps per person, 10 Mbps per non-4K device, and 25 Mbps for a 4K device.
How Much Internet is Good for Streaming
Having fast internet makes your life easier in general. But don’t even think about streaming without it. Trying to watch Netflix while it’s buffering is frustrating–so why would you want to do it?
Internet speed is vital while streaming because the entire process relies on it. You wouldn’t try to start a car without any gas. But what is the exact Mbps you need for streaming?
That depends. But it’s recommended that you have at least 25 Mbps to stream platforms such as Netflix and Hulu.
How Much Internet Speed is Good for Live Streaming
The desired internet speed for live streaming is contingent on many factors–but it mainly depends on the platform you use. Applications such as Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube will require you to have different minimum Mbps.
Here’s the good news: You don’t need as many Mbps to live stream as you think. This is because you’re uploading–not downloading. In essence, you are sending data out rather than bringing it in.
The recommended upload speed for live streaming is between 2 and 15 Mbps.
The Bottom Line
To get the most out of your internet speed, you need to have the right provider. Be sure to check the price, data cap, and bandwidth of your ISP. And if you’re not currently happy with the service you’re getting, here’s a site where you can search for the best providers in your area.
FAQ
How can you stream faster?
An excellent way to stream faster is to be sure you’re the only one on the network. Having multiple devices going at the same time can slow you down.
What is the best broadband type for streaming?
It’s safe to assume fiber internet is the best type of broadband for streaming. You get a fast, reliable connection that eliminates the chance of lagging.
How can you test your internet speed?
Testing your internet speed is quick and easy. You can do it using our free online speed test tool.
What factors slow down streaming?
Factors such as the number of devices connected to your network, how close you are to the router, and bandwidth contribute to the speed at which you stream. To optimize your speed, you can eliminate unnecessary devices, move your router closer and increase your bandwidth.
How can you boost your internet speed?
You can always boost your internet speed by upgrading your service. More Mbps will allow you to connect more devices and reduce the lagging phenomenon.
