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What Is Streaming Music?
Listen to tunes without downloading them
By Mark Harris Mark Harris Writer University of Wolverhampton Mark Harris is a former writer for Lifewire who wrote about the digital music scene and streaming music services in an easy to understand, no-nonsense manner. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 7, 2021 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Streaming Audio Delivery How Streaming Happens Requirements for Streaming to Computers Paid Streaming Music Subscriptions Streaming to Mobile Devices Streaming music, or more accurately, streaming audio, is a method of feeding audio content to your device directly, without requiring you to download files from the internet. Music services such as Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music use this method to deliver songs you can enjoy on all types of devices. Streaming Audio Delivery
In the past, if you wanted to listen to music or any other type of audio, you downloaded an audio file in a format such as MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, or FLAC. However, when you use a streaming delivery method, you don't have to download a file. You can start listening through a device or smart speakers immediately. Streaming differs from downloads in that no copy of the music is saved to your hard drive. If you want to hear it again, you can easily do so. Some paid streaming music services allow you to both stream and download. How Streaming Happens
The requested audio file is delivered in small data packets so the data is buffered on your computer and played straight away. As long as a steady stream of packets is delivered to your computer, you'll hear the sound without interruption. AlexLMX / iStock / Getty Images Plus Requirements for Streaming Music to Computers
On a computer, in addition to needs like a sound card, speakers, and an internet connection, you might also need software. Even though web browsers play some streaming music formats, software media players installed on your computer might come in handy. Popular software media players include VLC, Winamp, and RealPlayer. Because there are many streaming audio formats, you might need to install a few of these players to play from various sources on the internet. Paid Streaming Music Subscriptions
Streaming music subscriptions are popular. Apple Music, which is available on Windows and Mac computers, is a streaming music subscription with millions of songs you can stream to your computer. Amazon Music and YouTube Music offer similar subscriptions. These paid programs offer free trials that allow you to evaluate their services. Some services such as Spotify, Deezer, and Pandora, provide free tiers of advertising-supported music with the option of paid premium tiers. Streaming to Mobile Devices
The apps provided by streaming music providers are the best and usually the only way to enjoy their streaming music on mobile devices. However, every music service offers an app, so you just need to download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play to enjoy streaming music on your smartphone or tablet. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Apple Music vs. Spotify: Which One is Right for You? Can You Install iTunes on a Mac? The 9 Best Free Music Streaming Apps for iOS and Android (2022) YouTube Music vs. Spotify: Which Service Better Fits Your Music Needs? 14 Best Places to Listen to Free Music Online How to Use Apple Music on iPhone and iPad 14 Best Places to Get Free Music Downloads Legally WMA File (What It Is and How to Open One) How to Play Music on Twitch The Top 10 Streaming Music Apps for the iPad How to See Your Stats and Top Artists on Apple Music (2022) Everything You Need to Know About Apple Music How to Buy Music on Android Without Google Play 13 Best Free Music Apps for iPhone How to Use Apple AirPlay With HomePod How to Stream Music to Apple's HomePod Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies