Here’s a glossary of streaming television (OTT) terms and abbreviations, covering platforms, content types, devices, technology, and monetization. This is designed as a master reference for consumers, content creators, and streaming professionals.
📺 STREAMING TELEVISION GLOSSARY
A
ABR (Adaptive Bitrate Streaming) – Technology that adjusts video quality in real-time based on viewer’s internet speed.
API (Application Programming Interface) – Enables apps and devices to communicate with streaming services.
AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand) – Free streaming with ads, e.g., Pluto TV.
App / OTT App – Application for accessing streaming content on TVs, mobile, or other devices.
Audio Track / Multilingual Audio – Different language or commentary options for the same video.
B
Buffer / Buffering – Temporary storage of video to prevent playback interruptions.
Bitrate / Mbps – Data rate of video or audio stream; higher bitrate equals better quality.
Bundled Services / Package – Multiple channels or subscriptions sold together.
Broadcast vs Streaming – Traditional linear TV vs internet-delivered on-demand content.
Browser Support – Compatibility of streaming services with web browsers.
C
CDN (Content Delivery Network) – Network of servers delivering streaming content efficiently.
Closed Captions / Subtitles – Text overlay for hearing-impaired or translation purposes.
Cloud DVR / Recording – Storing shows in the cloud for on-demand playback.
Cross-Platform / Multi-Device Support – Ability to watch content on TV, smartphone, tablet, or PC.
Codec / H.264 / HEVC / AV1 – Video compression technology for streaming efficiency.
D
DRM (Digital Rights Management) – Technology protecting copyrighted content from unauthorized use.
DVR (Digital Video Recorder) – Recording device or software for TV programs.
Download / Offline Playback – Saving content locally for viewing without internet.
Device Authentication / Login – Verifying user access across devices.
Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) – Placing ads in real-time during streaming.
E
EPG (Electronic Program Guide) – On-screen guide showing current and upcoming programs.
End-to-End Latency – Time delay from broadcast to viewer playback.
Encryption / Secure Streaming – Protecting data during delivery to prevent piracy.
Exclusive Content / Originals – Shows produced or licensed only for one platform.
Encoding / Transcoding – Converting video into compatible formats for streaming.
F
Free Ad-Supported Streaming / FAST – Platforms like Tubi and Plex providing free content with ads.
Frame Rate / FPS (Frames Per Second) – Video smoothness measurement.
Fallback Bitrate – Lower-quality stream used when connection is weak.
Feature Film / Episode / Series – Types of content available on streaming services.
Firmware / Device Software – TV or streaming device software enabling app usage.
G
Geo-Blocking / Regional Restrictions – Limiting content availability based on geographic location.
GUID / User Identifier – Unique ID assigned to each subscriber for personalization.
Gaming / Interactive Content – Interactive video or streaming games on smart TVs.
Gross Rating Point (GRP) – Metric measuring audience exposure for advertising.
GPU Acceleration / Hardware Decoding – Using graphics processor for smoother playback.
H
HD / 4K / UHD / 8K – Video resolution standards.
Hybrid App / Smart TV App – Apps combining streaming with live broadcast or interactive features.
Home Screen / Hub – Main navigation screen for apps or TV interface.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) – Enhances video contrast and color range.
HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) – Popular streaming protocol by Apple.
I
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) – Television content delivered via the internet rather than broadcast or cable.
Interactive Ads / Shoppable Ads – Ads allowing viewers to engage or purchase directly.
Initialization / App Launch – Starting the streaming app or device.
In-App Subscription / Membership – Paid access to premium content via the app.
Insight / Analytics / Viewer Metrics – Data collected on viewing habits and engagement.
J
JPEG / Image Assets / Thumbnails – Visuals representing shows or movies in app interface.
Join / Account Linking – Connecting multiple devices or services to one account.
Jump Cut / Clip / Highlights – Shortened video segments or recaps.
K
KPI (Key Performance Indicator) – Metric measuring streaming success (viewers, engagement, retention).
Kickoff / Premiere Event – First release of a show or movie on a streaming platform.
Key Frame / I-Frame – Reference frames used for video compression.
Kit / Device Bundle – Package of streaming device, subscription, and accessories.
L
Live Streaming / Linear OTT – Real-time video broadcast over internet.
Latency / Delay – Time between source transmission and viewer reception.
License / Content Rights – Legal permission to stream media.
Localization / Subtitles / Dubbing – Adapting content for regional languages and markets.
Load Balancer / Streaming Optimization – Server technology distributing viewer traffic efficiently.
M
Multi-Audio / Multiple Languages – Alternate audio tracks available in content.
Middleware / Streaming Platform Software – Backend software managing video delivery and user interface.
Metadata / Content Info – Data about video (title, description, cast, duration).
Monetization / Subscription / Ads – Revenue strategies for streaming platforms.
Multi-DRM Support – Compatibility with multiple DRM systems (Widevine, PlayReady, FairPlay).
N
Native App / Device App – App built specifically for a smart TV, mobile device, or console.
Network Speed / Bandwidth / Mbps – Required internet speed for smooth streaming.
Nonlinear Content / On-Demand – Viewer selects what to watch rather than scheduled broadcast.
Notification / Recommendation – Alerts about new episodes or suggested content.
Number of Devices / Simultaneous Streams – Maximum allowed concurrent playback per account.
O
OTT (Over-The-Top) Service – Video service delivered via internet without traditional TV networks.
On-Demand / VOD (Video on Demand) – Content available to watch anytime.
Overlay / UI Overlay – Interface elements displayed over video, like subtitles or ads.
Offline Mode / Download – Watching content without internet connection.
Optimization / Adaptive Streaming – Adjusting video quality based on device and network.
P
Platform / Smart TV / Device Support – Supported devices for the streaming service.
Playback Controls / Seek / Pause / Resume – User interface for controlling video.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) – Small window playback while using other apps.
Progressive Download / Streaming Protocol – Methods of delivering video to devices.
Personalization / Recommendations Engine – AI-based suggestions based on viewer history.
Q
Queue / Watchlist / Playlist – List of content saved to watch later.
Quick Resume / Continue Watching – Feature remembering playback position across devices.
Quality Settings / Resolution Selection – Manual control over video playback quality.
R
Roku / Fire TV / Apple TV / Smart TV – Popular streaming devices and platforms.
Retention Rate / Churn Rate – Metrics measuring subscriber engagement and retention.
Recommendation Algorithm / AI Suggestions – Engine suggesting content to viewers.
Regional Licensing / Geo-Restrictions – Limits on where content can be viewed.
RTMP / Real-Time Messaging Protocol – Protocol for live streaming.
S
SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) – Paid subscription service like Netflix or Disney+.
SDK (Software Development Kit) – Tools for building apps on streaming devices.
Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) – Ads stitched into content stream on the server.
Subtitle / CC / Multiple Languages – Text overlays for accessibility or translation.
Smart Recommendations / AI-Powered Content – Personalized content suggestions.
T
TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand) – Pay-per-view content.
Transcoding / Multi-Bitrate Encoding – Converting video to multiple formats and bitrates.
Time-Shifted Viewing / Catch-Up TV – Watching previously aired content on demand.
Trial Period / Free Access / Subscription Offer – Promotional access to service.
Third-Party Integrations / Apps – Connection with other apps or services (gaming, social).
U
UI / User Interface / UX / User Experience – How viewers interact with the streaming app.
Upgrade / Plan Tier – Subscription levels with different access or benefits.
Upstream / CDN Upload / Content Delivery – Sending content from source to network.
User Profile / Multi-Profile Support – Individual accounts for personalized experience.
Usage Analytics / Viewer Metrics – Data on content engagement and platform performance.
V
VOD / Video on Demand – On-demand streaming content.
Virtual Channels / Streaming Channels – Online-only channel streams.
Variable Bitrate / Adaptive Streaming – Adjusts quality based on network.
View Count / Watch Time / Engagement Metrics – Measuring audience interaction.
VR / 360° Video – Immersive video content for compatible devices.
W
Watch Party / Co-Watching / Social Viewing – Multiple users watching content together online.
Watermark / Branding Overlay – Logo or marker displayed on video to protect content.
Wi-Fi / Ethernet / Network Connection – Internet connectivity for streaming.
Web App / Browser Streaming – Accessing content through a web browser.
Whitelist / Approved Devices / Account Access – Device authorization for streaming.
X
XDR / Extended Dynamic Range – Video technology improving contrast and color.
XML / Metadata Feed / Content Catalog – File format for structuring streaming content data.
X-Factor Feature / Differentiator – Unique streaming feature (e.g., Dolby Vision support).
Y
Yield / Monetization Rate / Ad Revenue – Financial performance of streaming content.
YUV / Color Space / Video Encoding – Format for color representation in video streaming.
Z
Zero Latency / Low Latency Streaming – Minimal delay in live broadcast delivery.
Zapping / Channel Surfing – Switching quickly between live streams.
Zombie Streams / Idle Connections – Unused streaming connections consuming resources.
Published 17th Feb 2026