If you love to stream but also want to save your data, then it's a good idea to know how much data your streaming uses. Here we dive into how much data streaming uses, which is dependent on how long you stream, which platform you're using and – most importantly – what resolution you’re watching in. 

Different Platforms And How Much Data They Use

Different streaming platforms consume varying amounts of data. The below breakdown will give you an idea of what to expect from some of the most popular ones, giving you an idea of how much data you should be getting for streaming purposes. 

MyDSTV

If you stream in low resolution (up to 360p) on MyDSTV, that’ll use up about 210MB per hour (MB/h). For a less grainy medium-res picture (up to 576p), you’re looking at about 720MB/h. For high res (up to 720p) you’ll go through 1.3GB/h, and for the highest res (up to 1080p) it'll be 2.3GB/h.  

Netflix

If you’re streaming Netflix, the same rules apply. The amount of data you’ll use per hour depends on the video quality. Netflix’s standard definition (SD) uses up to 1GB/h; while high definition (HD) uses up to 3GB/h. Ultra-high definition (4K) is very thirsty, using up to 7GB/h.  

Amazon Prime Video

The Amazon streaming video service uses about 380MB/h for its standard definition (SD) streaming. UHD or 4K streaming will, again, use as much as 7GB/h.  

Disney Plus

Disney Plus has two streaming resolution options: default setting (Automatic) and Save Data. The former uses about 2GB/h, while the latter streams a lower resolution video quality that will use roughly 600MB/h.  

Things To Remember When Choosing Your Resolution

Bear in mind that 360p is very low resolution. If you’re watching soccer, for example, you’ll struggle to see where the ball is… and if you’re watching a blockbuster movie, the amazing special effects will be lost in a low-resolution image on your tiny smartphone screen.  

On the other hand, 1080p is very high resolution, which isn’t as effective on a small smartphone screen as it would be on a full HD 60-inch TV. So your best bet is around 720p, which is the common standard resolution on a smartphone.

The secret is to use enough data to make your streaming experience enjoyable, but not so much that you completely blow your monthly data bundle, however, if you want to tailor your data bundle to match your consumption try Vodacom's Just4You bundles. Looking for more data-saving tips? Check out these #datawyze articles.