VST

Video Start Time (VST) is a key performance metric in the digital video streaming and broadcasting industry. It refers to the duration of time it takes from when a user initiates the playback of a video to the moment the video actually starts playing on their device. This metric is critical as it directly impacts user satisfaction and engagement; longer video start times often lead to increased viewer frustration and a higher likelihood of users abandoning the video altogether.

VST is influenced by a variety of factors including the user's internet connection speed, the efficiency of the content delivery network (CDN), server performance, video encoding and compression, and the capabilities of the user's playback device. For instance, a video hosted on a slow server or a video encoded at a very high bitrate might take longer to start. Similarly, users with slower internet connections or older devices might experience longer video start times.

Content providers and streaming services strive to minimize VST to enhance user experience. Techniques like adaptive bitrate streaming, where the quality of the video is dynamically adjusted based on the user's internet speed, are often employed to ensure quicker video start times. Another common practice is pre-loading or buffering a portion of the video content in anticipation of playback. Optimizing video file sizes and utilizing robust CDN networks also help in reducing VST. As streaming services continue to compete for viewership, maintaining a low Video Start Time is crucial for user retention and overall service satisfaction.

LINKS

• Bitmovin: https://community.bitmovin.com/t/best-practices-for-optimizing-video-start-time-vst/1655

• MUX: https://www.mux.com/blog/the-video-startup-time-metric-explained