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A video streaming service delivers video over the internet for viewing on an internet-connected device. It may offer live video, a catalogue of programmes you can choose when to watch, or both. “Streaming” describes how video reaches you—not whether it costs money or requires a subscription.
What makes a service a video streaming service?
The defining feature is internet delivery: you use a website or app on an internet-connected device to watch video provided by the service. The term covers a broad category of services, not one particular device, viewing schedule, or payment arrangement. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) uses streaming-service terminology in its 2025 consumer survey glossary, while IAB Europe’s Digital Video Framework glossary distinguishes streaming from the formats and funding models that may sit within it.
How do live, on-demand, and scheduled video differ?
On-demand video
With video on demand (VOD), a viewer selects a programme from a provider’s catalogue and watches at a chosen time. The ITU’s technical glossary describes VOD as allowing a subscriber to select or view stored video when desired (Recommendation ITU-T J.1, January 2024).
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Live streaming delivers video as an event happens. A service can combine live streams with an on-demand catalogue, so “streaming service” does not mean that every programme is available whenever you want it.
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- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Linear television
Linear television follows a schedule: viewers watch programmes at their scheduled times. The European Commission distinguishes scheduled linear services from on-demand services, where viewers choose programmes from a catalogue and watch at their convenience. That description concerns the EU audiovisual framework, not a universal legal definition (European Commission, Audiovisual Media Services Directive – general principles).
How do streaming services charge for video?
Payment models describe how viewing is funded; they are separate from whether the video is live or on demand. IAB Europe’s glossary uses these common terms:
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- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
- SVOD (subscription video on demand): access to on-demand video in exchange for a subscription. A subscription service may also offer an ad-supported tier.
- AVOD (advertising-based video on demand): on-demand viewing funded by advertising.
- TVOD (transactional video on demand): payment for an individual title, commonly by renting or buying it. ACMA also describes online pay-per-view as a one-time payment for an individual movie, show, live event, or sports match (ACMA, Annual Consumer Survey 2025 glossary).
- FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV): free-to-view scheduled channels delivered over the internet and funded by advertising. FAST is closer to channel-based scheduled viewing than to selecting any title from an on-demand catalogue.
- BVOD (broadcaster video on demand): an on-demand catalogue or catch-up service associated with a traditional broadcaster, often funded by advertising. It is not a synonym for every streaming service.
These models are not mutually exclusive. A provider may combine subscriptions, advertising, and title-by-title transactions, or offer different tiers. In other words, a streaming service is not necessarily paid, subscription-only, or on demand.
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Is a streaming service the same as Netflix?
Netflix is one example of a named streaming service, but the category is much broader. The term can also describe services focused on live programming, free ad-supported scheduled channels, broadcaster catch-up libraries, or individual rentals and purchases. Whether a particular service offers a given title, works with your device, includes ads, or is available in your location depends on that provider; those details can change.
Quick Recap
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- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
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