What is Buffering?

Whether you’re waiting for your favourite show to play, trying to play a game with friends online, or just waiting to access content on a website, we’ve all experienced the frustration of buffering.

But what is buffering? What causes buffering? And what to do when streaming keeps buffering?

Quick answer: Buffering definition

In technical terms, buffering refers to the process of preloading data into a reserved area of memory on your device, known as a buffer, to ensure smooth playback of audio or video streams.

When it comes to what buffering means on the internet, it allows content to load in advance, reducing interruptions during playback.

Usually when we talk about buffering, we mean we have to wait for something to load fully before we can access it. But there might be other reasons your internet is slow.

Here is a quick summary of what buffering is and how to fix it:

• Buffering preloads data to ensure smooth playback.

• Causes include slow internet, lots of devices trying to access the internet at one time, and outdated hardware or software on your device.

• You can minimise buffering by reducing video quality, using wired connections, and keeping software up to date.

• Users can improve buffering by considering higher speed plans and reducing the number of devices connected to the network at once.

What causes buffering?

There are a few different cause of buffering, including:

• Slow internet connection: This means the data cannot be delivered quickly enough to keep up with playback.

• High network traffic: Network congestion during peak times can slow data transmission. This can mean lots of people in the same home or office, or in the neighbourhood, are trying to use the internet at the same time.

• Insufficient device memory: Devices with limited memory might struggle to load content quickly.

• Outdated hardware or software: Older devices and software may not handle modern streaming efficiently.

• Interference from other devices: Wireless signals from other devices can interfere with your internet connection.

• Poor router placement: This can weaken signal strength to your devices. Find out more about extending the reach of your Wi-Fi signal.

• Server issues on the streaming platform: In some cases the issue might be with the content provider’s servers.

• Insufficient bandwidth: Higher-definition content requires more bandwidth because more data needs to be transferred at one time.

What causes buffering during streaming?

Streaming services can experience buffering due to specific factors:

• High-definition content: Streaming HD and 4K videos requires more data.

• Live streaming: Real-time data transmission can be more prone to interruptions.

• Server location: The distance between a user and the streaming service’s server can affect buffering.

If you want to minimise buffering during streaming, try these tips:

• Reduce video quality: Lowering the resolution can help if you keep experiencing buffering.

• Using wired connections: Ethernet cables provide more stable connections than Wi-Fi.

• Closing background applications: Reducing the amount of bandwidth and active memory your device is using can help speed things up.

Why is buffering needed?

Buffering is needed to ensure smooth streaming experiences. It allows data to be preloaded, which reduces the likelihood of interruptions when the video starts playing. Without buffering, even minor network hiccups could cause playback to stop, leading to a frustrating watching or gaming experience.

Buffering works by temporarily storing a portion of the video or audio file before playback begins. Preloading like this helps reduce variations in data transmission rates, which means you get continuous playback. Although it can be frustrating, buffering is essential if you want a seamless viewing experience.

Buffering across different devices

Buffering can impact different devices in different ways. Here are some general steps to improve buffering if you’re experiencing it on more than one device:

1. Consider higher speed plans or advanced routers: Faster speeds and better equipment can reduce the amount of buffering.

2. Use wired connections: Ethernet cables provide more stable internet connections. This is limited to computers, TVs and some gaming equipment.

3. Update software and hardware: Keeping your devices and software up to date means you’re much more likely to experience better performance.

4. Find the best place for your router: Position the router somewhere central, and make sure it’s away from obstructions.

I have high speed internet but slow buffering on TV

Even with high-speed internet, TVs can experience buffering, meaning slower load times. This is usually due to:

Outdated TV firmware. Make sure your TV’s software is updated.

Streaming service issues. Sometimes the problem can be coming from the platform you’re trying to use.

Network interference. Other devices might be interfering with your TV’s connection.

Common platforms that buffer on TVs include streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney +. Gaming consoles can also have issues with buffering, especially when playing live games.

What causes buffering on my phone?

Buffering on smartphones can be caused by:

Mobile data limitations. Mobile phone networks can be less stable than Wi-Fi. If possible, try switching to a Wi-Fi connection.

App updates. Make sure you keep your apps up to date for the lowest chance of buffering.

Background activities. If you have a lot of apps running in the background it can mean there’s less bandwidth available for activities in the foreground.

Platforms that frequently buffer on phones include live streaming services and social media videos.

Causes of buffering on a laptop?

You might experience buffering on your laptop. This could be because of:

Browser issues. Make sure your browser is updated regularly. If the problem persists you could try clearing your cache.

Background processes. Close any apps you aren’t using to free up memory and bandwidth.

Network settings. Make sure your phone allows you to use both roaming and Wi-Fi for the activities you’re trying to perform.

Common platforms that buffer on laptops include video conferencing software, live gaming platforms, and trying to access educational content for university or other learning.

How can streaming providers/platforms improve buffering speeds?

Sometimes, buffering may be caused by streaming providers. There are several measures the platforms can take to help improve buffering speeds, including:

• Optimise server performance: Efficient servers can handle more data and reduce buffering.

• Use content delivery networks (CDNs): CDNs distribute content across multiple servers globally, reducing load times. When a company uses a CDN, you’ll use the server closest to you to access the content.

• Improve compression algorithms: Better compression means smaller files, which load faster.

• Implement adaptive bitrate streaming: This technology adjusts video quality in real-time based on internet speed.

• Upgrade infrastructure: Investing in better technology can support higher traffic volumes.

How can I improve my buffering?

There are a few different steps you can take to improve your buffering. If you’re experiencing frequent buffering issues, try:

• Moving to a higher speed plan, or upgrading to a more advanced router. If slow internet speeds are the issue, browse Hyperoptic’s broadband deals for faster speeds. Or, find out more about how to increase your internet speed.

• Using wired connections instead of Wi-Fi. Ethernet cables, for example, offer more reliable connections.

• Closing any apps you aren’t currently using to free up resources for streaming.

• Reducing the number of devices connected to your router. Fewer devices sharing the network usually means less buffering.

• Clear your cache and make sure you keep your software up to date.

Related articles