How to Start Streaming Movies & TV

There are a few steps to it, but they really aren’t difficult

By
Sandra Stafford
Headshot of Sandra Stafford
Sandra Stafford
Writer
  • Fayetteville State University
Sandra Stafford is a writer who specializes in tech and writes about all sorts of gadgets—tactical flashlights, blue light-blocking glasses, therapy lamps and more.
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Updated on November 4, 2022
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
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Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute

Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA-certified technologist with more than 10 years of experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.

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Even with a cable TV subscription, sometimes there's just nothing good to watch. Fortunately, there's a massive variety of shows and movies available to stream at any time. With streaming you can, in fact, watch your favorite shows on your timeframe instead of waiting for a network's time slot

That's why more and more people are cutting the cord from cable TV subscriptions and taking the leap into streaming movie and television content. There are a few steps to take to get started with streaming but they're pretty straightforward.

What Is Needed to Start Streaming?

You’ll need either a smart TV and an internet connection or a TV, a dedicated streaming device, and a fast internet connection that can handle video streaming. You can also stream on phones, computers, gaming consoles, and more.

How Do I Start Streaming TV and Movies?

Once you’re ready to start watching TV shows and movies whenever you like, here’s how to get started.

  1. Get a TV. You can go with a smart TV or a 'dumb' TV; smart TV's have built-in streaming capabilities while 'dumb' TVs require that you purchase a streaming device like a Roku, FireStick, or Chromecast.

  2. Get a streaming device if you need one. You can use a streaming device with a smart TV or a non-smart TV.

    While smart TVs have apps for many core services, if you can’t find the apps you want or you notice your television’s apps keep crashing, consider getting a streaming device.

    Dedicated streaming devices offer better stability and performance than some smart TV operating systems.

  3. Connect the smart TV to Wi-Fi. If you get a smart TV, the setup process will provide prompts to help you. Non-smart TVs can’t connect to Wi-Fi, but the streaming devices, which you will connect to your TV, have Wi-Fi built-in. Follow the device's instructions to connect to Wi-Fi.

  4. Set up the device. Plug the streaming device into the correct port on your TV (most likely an HDMI port) and then wirelessly connect the streaming device to your Wi-Fi connection. Read more about Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV for device-specific setup instructions.

  5. Subscribe to streaming services. Streaming devices and smart TVs will give you access to a lot of free content, but you can add subscription services for popular television networks and niche interests like anime.

    If you have a smart TV, your remote may have buttons for streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. You will still need a subscription to use those services.

  6. Download apps to your smart TV or streaming device. Find apps in the app store of your smart TV or streaming device. There are a variety of apps to stream TV shows, movies, and music.

    Your preferred streaming service may also have apps for smartphones and gaming consoles.

  7. Start watching. Once you’ve added your streaming services, it’s time to find something to watch.

How Do I Find Something to Stream?

Between smart TVs and streaming devices, there are just too many apps to look through them all. Use a website like JustWatch to see what’s streaming on many apps at once.

You can even search for specific movies and TV shows to see where they’re available and compare rental prices.

FAQ
  • How do I start streaming on PS4?

    You can link your YouTube or Twitch account for PS4 streaming. From the Playstation menu, select Settings > Account Management > Link with Other Services > choose YouTube or Twitch > and log in to the service you choose. Select Share on your controller > Broadcast Gameplay > select the channel to broadcast > Start Broadcasting to start streaming.

  • How do I start live streaming on YouTube?

    First, verify your YouTube account; log in to YouTube > select Go Live > and request and enter the verification code sent to your phone if necessary. After confirming your account for live streaming on YouTube, log in > select Create > Go Live > verify your webcam setup > and click Go Live to begin streaming. after you've done this the first time, you should be able to press Go Live > Start > Go.

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