How do streaming video services automatically switch video quality without interruption?

Question

How do video streaming services like Netflix automatically adjust or switch video quality/bitrate without pausing or interrupting the video playback?

Edit: for example, when connection speeds drop (like during network congestion) and Netflix automatically switches to a lower quality stream.

In: 4

Answer 1

Almost all streaming services will buffer, even if just a fraction of a second. If there’s any issues with your or the streaming service’s connection, they can detect it and drop your quality before you get a complete interruption.