Enveu Media & OTT Glossary

A practical knowledge base for OTT platforms, streaming tech, monetization, playback, analytics, DRM, FAST, and media operations. Use A–Z to browse or search to jump to a term.

Rebuffering

Rebuffering occurs when video playback stops and restarts due to insufficient data in the player buffer.

What is Rebuffering?

Rebuffering happens when a video player runs out of buffered content and must pause playback to download more data. It is experienced by viewers as interruptions during playback after the video has already started.

Why rebuffering matters in OTT platforms

Rebuffering is one of the strongest indicators of poor streaming quality. High rebuffering rates reduce viewer satisfaction, increase abandonment, and negatively impact watch time and retention.

What causes rebuffering in practice

Rebuffering is commonly caused by fluctuating network bandwidth, high latency, inefficient CDN delivery, or aggressive video quality selection. OTT platforms reduce rebuffering through adaptive bitrate streaming and optimized buffering strategies.

Where rebuffering is measured

Rebuffering is tracked through player analytics using metrics such as rebuffering frequency and total rebuffer duration. It is a key component of Video QoE analysis across mobile apps, web players, and Smart TVs.