This page includes information on what delays live streaming.
What delays live sport streaming, and how latency can make it worse? Have you ever noticed when live streaming an event over the internet that it is often seconds behind live broadcast TV? This 'streaming delay' is typical and is caused by the complexity of keeping an online video player buffer to allow the smoothest streaming experience.
Some streaming delays experienced cannot be avoided Due to the nature of live streaming technologies, some 'streaming delays' cannot be avoided, but in some cases, it can get progressively worse. Small buffering events and player events incrementally add to delay over long sessions (like watching a full match) caused by internet latency.
Live Streaming is also more susceptible to network congestion across the NBN and Mobile Networks The internet is a shared resource, and when there is a lot of traffic on the network, it slows down the delivery of live streaming data. This leads to higher latency, especially during peak times. During this congestion, you may also observe changes in video quality (rendition changes) which will trigger additional buffering incrementally, adding to the streaming delay.
The compatible device you are live streaming it on has an impact too Older compatible devices may experience a higher buffering experience throughout a match due to older software's longer processing time, which can increase the latency of game play.
Here are a few tips for reducing latency and incremental delay when streaming live sport:
- Try and use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi, whether at home or work
- Select the Live stream, "Watch from start" is a larger file that may have more frequent incremental delays
- Consider turning off, disconnecting or closing other applications and devices that are streaming at the same time on your connection in your house
- Make sure your compatible device and Optus Sport app is up to date with the latest app software and operating system (currently Optus Sport iOS app version 5.18 on iOS 17; or Optus Sport Android app version 5.13 on Android 13)
For more information on Optus Sport compatible devices, click here.
Please see the Optus Sport Support Hub for further help and support.