Streaming 101: how to watch movies, television, and videos online

Gone are the days when you would have to buy a movie ticket or turn on the television set to watch the latest movies and shows. Now, it’s all accessible through online streaming. Thanks to services like Netlifx, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max, it’s possible to watch thousands of programs without leaving home.

In order to stream content, you’ll need an internet connection, an account for the service of your choice, and a computer or smart television.

Signing up for a streaming service

There are tons of options for streaming, so you’ll first need to figure out which service you want to purchase. You can browse each service’s library by doing a quick online search. Some of the most popular online streaming services include:

• HBO Max: $10 with ads, $16 without ads
• Netflix: $9 a month for basic, $18 a month for premium
• Disney Plus: $8 a month or $80 a year
• Hulu: $7 a month with ads, $13 a month without ads
• Amazon Prime: $13 a month or $119 a year

Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll need to create an account using an email address and enter your credit card information to make the purchase.

The price for each service varies based on the package you choose and its duration. If you end up not liking the service, you can always cancel easily through your account on the website.

Access your streaming service

If you have a smart TV, like a Roku, Amazon Fire, or Apple TV, then you can add apps directly to your TV’s home screen. All you need to do is search your TV’s app store, download the streaming service of your choice, and sign in to your account.

On your computer, the process is the same except you’ll need to type in the streaming service’s URL, like “hulu.com,” then log in to the website.

Once you’re logged into your account, you’re free to stream, as long as you have a strong and consistent wifi connection. You can use the search bar to find the exact programs you’re looking for, or simply browse the home screen or suggested genres.

Live streaming services

For those who still want access to live television, providers like YouTube TV, DirectTV, Sling, and Hulu with Live TV provide access to broadcasts in your area. These options will be more expensive than streaming services without live TV options, ranging from $40 to $140, depending on the package you choose.