Why it matters

Wrong approach hurts UX or infrastructure. Understanding shape architecture.

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The architecture

HLS/DASH audio: fMP4 or MPEG-TS segments; manifest lists them; client fetches.

Icecast: persistent HTTP connection streams audio continuously. Radio-style.

Audio streaming methodsHLS/DASH audiochunks + adaptiveIcecastcontinuous streamWebRTC audiosub-second real-timeChunk-based for VOD + live radio; continuous for classic radio; WebRTC for interactive
Streaming approaches.
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How it works end to end

Adaptive: HLS/DASH audio switches bitrate based on bandwidth.

Live: rolling manifest same as video.

Codec selection: AAC for compat, Opus for open, MP3 for legacy.

WebRTC audio: for interactive (calls, live audio interactions).