List of streaming media services

A streaming media service is an online provider that allows users to watch or listen to content, such as films, TV series, music, or podcasts, over the Internet. Instead of downloading the content to a media device, users can stream it in real-time, which means they can start watching or listening immediately without having to wait for the entire file to download. Streaming services offer instant access to content, allowing users to watch or listen on-demand without the need for downloads or physical media. Some streaming services started as an add-on to a Blu-ray video title as a supplement to the material watched. Popular examples of video and audio streaming services include Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Audible, and Spotify.

Over-the-top media service (OTT) (also known as streaming platform) is a streaming media service delivered via the public Internet. OTT television bypasses terrestrial, cable, and satellite transmissions, the systems that have traditionally been the controllers or distributors of television content. As with broadcast networks and cable channels, many major film studios are involved in the production of the content provided by streaming television platforms.

Digital streaming acts in a similar way to video on demand in that the program to watch is selected. But the program is not recorded or stored like it might be on TiVo, etc. Digital video purchases grant a user indefinite access to a show or film, but the terms and conditions vary as to whether the file can be downloaded or must be streamed.

A client end-user can use a streaming device, smart TV, computer, or smartphone to start and continue playing digital video content before the entire file is transmitted. Users will need an Internet connection to stream or download video content. Users lacking compatible hardware or software systems may be unable to stream or download certain content.