Streaming video from the Internet, sometimes called TV streaming, is broadcasting video over the web so that website visitors can watch it but not actually download a copy of the video file. Viewers watch the video using a video player plug-in in their web browser.

TV networks use TV streaming to show clips and full episodes of TV shows on the Internet. Web visitors use video sharing sites to share and view videos of all kinds, which include professionally-recorded videos by large companies and small businesses, as well as home-made videos. Businesses can use this technology to promote their business, taking advantage of the popularity of online videos.

1. TV streaming can handle large amounts of traffic, or users wanting to watch the same content.

2. The software can adjust for the different connection speeds of each user.

3. Broadcasting of either live events or pre-recorded video is possible.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find TV streaming providers

Look for streaming TV providers to become familiar with the content that is available and to see what companies advertise on these types of websites. Many different video websites exist, each with their own niche and their own specialized features. Find one that is closely associated with your business field.

I recommend: Find TV streaming video shows and movies from many different broadcast and video hosting sites at SurfTheChannel. Watch streaming video shows from many TV streaming provider websites at Ustream.TV. Consult a TV streaming list of various sources for online video and get user ratings and comments about each site at Online Video Guide (OV Guide). Find online TV shows from many different countries including the US at World Wide Internet TeleVision.

Advertise your business on TV streaming websites

A growing number of businesses advertise on websites that target specific groups which display TV streaming. Information on web surfing trends tells us that video streaming is one of the fastest growing aspects of the world wide web. Ads that accompany streaming video are not lost among a group of similar ads as they are on broadcast TV or radio.

I recommend: Advertise alongside streaming video to reach your desired market with WorldNow. Insert clickable and interactive ads overlaying any part of an online video with Overlay.TV.

Broadcast your video content online with TV streaming websites

Promote your website or blog by creating a short video, or series of videos, highlighting an aspect of your business. Display your talent with a performance video, if you are in a creative field. Drive traffic to your site with a how-to video or product review.

I recommend: Monetize your video content in an interactive platform with PLYmedia. Host your streaming video at iviplanet.com, where you get full control over your video with minimal technological difficulty.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Short clips with limited camera movement work best for TV streaming online, which is why TV networks often have shows available on their websites in short clips with advertisements before each section.