How do I stream movies, video and music through my TV?

In this article, we’ll explain the various ways you can stream media through your TV.
4 minute read

What is a smart TV?

A smart TV is a television that can connect to the internet using your home internet service. Most TVs sold these days are smart TVs, but if you’re not sure, you can check the user manual.  Or for more help, check the Be Connected course How to tell if you have a smart TV.

Your smart TV often comes with some streaming apps already on it so you can stream media directly from the internet without the need for any external devices.

Some popular video streaming service apps already on your smart TV could include Netflix, Foxtel, Disney+, Apple TV+ and YouTube. If your smart TV doesn’t have the one you’re looking for, you can install it by following the instructions in the user manual.

You can even install music streaming apps like Spotify, some radio stations and more.

How do I stream video and audio content on my smart TV?

Here are some basic instructions to help you get started streaming:

  1. Connect your smart TV to your internet Wi-Fi (if not already connected) and go to your smart TV’s home screen (press the home icon on the TV remote)
  2. Open the streaming app (e.g. YouTube) you want to use. You may be asked to sign up or sign in
  3. Choose from the list of movies, videos, audio, radio or TV shows you want to stream.
Good to know:

Most streaming services require an ongoing subscription fee.

Read more about this in the "What is media streaming?" article

Do I need a streaming device to stream on my TV?

If you have a smart TV, you can stream directly from the internet and you won’t need another device.

You may consider using another streaming device:

  • if your TV is not a smart TV
  • if you have a smart TV, but it’s not letting you install the apps you want
  • if you have a smart TV, but it’s not easy to use.

If you don’t have a smart TV, there are other ways you can make it smart, check the training course from Be Connected How to make a TV smart.

What are some examples of other streaming devices?

A set top box

A set top box is a separate box that plugs into your TV. It can connect to the internet and you can install apps on it, which means you can stream media from the set top box directly to your TV. Many brands have set top boxes, like the Apple TV from Apple.

A streaming stick

Streaming sticks are compact devices that you can plug directly into your TV. The stick will allow you to connect to the internet so you can stream media to your TV. Popular examples are the Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast. These sticks essentially turn your TV into a smart TV. Just make sure to check you’re able to plug the stick into your TV.

A gaming console

If you have an Xbox or PlayStation gaming console, you may be able to use it to stream media to your TV. Like the other streaming options, a gaming console connects to the internet and lets you install apps on it. Some even come with apps of popular streaming services like Netflix pre-installed.

What’s next?

Find out how to display other content like family photos and videos on your  smart TV with Chromecast. Check the Be Connected course Displaying your content on a smart TV.
 

Return to ‘Introduction to smart TVs and streaming’