Among all modern forms of entertainment access, none have experienced the explosive growth of popularity of streaming. Initially massively limited even on desktop systems, the surrounding technology and infrastructure of streaming have grown to a level where it not only succeeds on its own merits but it also increasingly replaces more traditional entertainment avenues. From laptops to televisions and even mobile devices, streaming is here, and it is huge, but which is the right avenue for you?

Getting started in the world of streaming can be intimidating, especially for those of us who are a little technologically behind the times. The sheer variety of systems here can leave even longtime internet users confused, and this problem only grows when considering that it applies not just to film or television.

Still evolving on the technological front, basic modern streaming covers film, television, music, live events, and gaming, just to name the major players. Especially impressive here is the gaming front, which currently sits at the forefront of this new media revolution. While watching and commenting on live-play like that that on Twitch is not new, other forms are making far more progressive strides.

One of the more recent examples of this is the Sloty casino live games. These casino games blend in-home play with live dealers for games like roulette, blackjack, and hold'em, for a combination of convenience and authenticity never before possible. Tied into this is the area of full game streaming, as laid out by the likes of PS Now. While still in its infancy, this promising new technology will allow complete games to be streamed over the internet, giving increased accessibility on the go, and to vastly less powerful devices than the host platforms.

As for the largest of today, your choice really depends on what you want from experience. Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Twitch all offer different services, so let’s take a look at what makes each special.
Netflix

Use Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hulu if:

  • You want to stream television and movies right into your home.
These three are currently the most prominent players on this front, each with hundreds of rotating shows and films on offer.

YouTube 

Use YouTube if:

  • You're after free entertainment and the most extensive selection of user-created content.
YouTube offers millions of videos, ranging from full episodes and movies to smaller clips and music. While the range of full media can be more limited than the likes of Netflix, due to various copyright restrictions, the overall selection is still enormous. Great for both entertainment and education, YouTube is not just for fun, it is also a useful tool. You'll also find live streaming options on the same site.

Spotify 

Use Spotify if:

  • Music is your thing. 
Spotify is a great way to digitally purchase and listen to your music. Without the pain and hassle of dealing with physical media, Spotify makes keeping huge libraries simple, and can even recommend new music based on your tastes. Discovering something new or rediscovering a long-forgotten favourite is a fantastic experience, and for this Spotify is one of the best.

Twitch 

Use Twitch if:

  • You want to learn about gaming and track current tournaments and strategies
Twitch is the grand-father of video game streaming, especially for those into eSports, or those who want to watch the best of the best and learn something new. Twitch also allows you to watch streaming in real time, reacting to the action as it happens through viewer chat, and often even interacting with the presenter/broadcaster.

With the above suggestions, you should at least get an understanding of where to start your adventure of digital streaming. With many free or cheap trial offers, the hurdles to getting into this world are lower than ever before, and modern design also makes them incredibly easy to understand. Give it a go, and you'll be surprised at just how easy and engaging it can be.