buffering
Video playback delay
Buffering is the process of preloading data to ensure smooth playback or transmission.
When streaming video or audio, buffering builds a reserve so interruptions in the data flow don't cause stuttering: The video keeps buffering—my connection must be slow.
The familiar spinning circle has made buffering shorthand for any digital delay or loading state.
Adding weight or cargo
- lagPeriod of falling behind
- latencyDelay in system response
- bandwidthData transmission capacity
- rebufferingRepeated data preloading
playback · preloading · stuttering · connection speed · low resolution · wait time · progress bar · Netflix
Delay until later
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- interruptionBreak in continuity
- lagPeriod of falling behind
- holdupTheft by threat
loading time · stalling · hiccup · freeze · slowdown · timeout · hang · bottleneck
Small sealed portions
- throughputProcessing rate over time
- TCPConnection-oriented network protocol
- UDPConnectionless transmission standard
- jitterSmall, rapid variation
packet loss · transmission · flow control · congestion · protocol · handshake · data transfer · network latency
Concealed storage spot
Proton donor-acceptor chemistry
- neutralizationCanceling opposing forces
- equilibriumState of balance
- bicarbonateAcid-neutralizing salt
- titrationMeasuring concentration by addition
loading
Adding weight or cargo
rebuffering · playback · preloading · stuttering · connection speed · low resolution · wait time · progress bar · Netflix · YouTube
wait
Delay until later
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- interruptionBreak in continuity
- lagPeriod of falling behind
holdup · loading time · stalling · hiccup · freeze · slowdown · timeout · hang · bottleneck · anticipation
packets
Small sealed portions
- throughputProcessing rate over time
- TCPConnection-oriented network protocol
- UDPConnectionless transmission standard
jitter · packet loss · transmission · flow control · congestion · protocol · handshake · data transfer · network latency · queueing
cache
Concealed storage spot
acid-base
Proton donor-acceptor chemistry
- neutralizationCanceling opposing forces
- equilibriumState of balance
- bicarbonateAcid-neutralizing salt
- digital annoyancesspam, pop-ups, ads, malware, viruses
- internet problemsslow connection, lag, no signal, weak signal, timeout
- video call problemsfrozen screen, connection lost, lag, pixelation, video lag
- internet servicebroadband, modem, router, download, upload
- loading indicatorsloading bar, loading spinner, loading indicator, loading dots, loading icon
- playback errorsfreezing, lag, glitch, stutter, stuttering
bufferingstreaming
Real-time digital delivery
playing · real-time · continuous play · flowing · loaded
bufferinginstant
Briefest unit of time
instantaneous · responsive · immediate · snappy · ready
bufferingunbuffered
Without intermediate storage
direct exposure · unmediated · unfiltered · direct · immediate
- buffering iconProgress indicator during delay