When do users experience buffering when watching online video content?

Users experience buffering when there is a delay before the video starts playing. Buffering occurs because the video player is trying to preload enough of the video file to ensure smooth playback, especially if there are limitations in the internet connection or server speed. When a video is selected for playback, the player begins to stream data, and it may need to pause briefly to accumulate the necessary data to deliver uninterrupted viewing. This delay can happen due to factors like slow internet speed, congestion on the network, or a high-quality video file requiring more data to stream.

In contrast, when the video is paused, or once playback has finished, there is no need for buffering as the player is not actively trying to load new data. The size of the video file does not directly cause buffering unless it affects the loading speed; a small file might even load quickly, preventing the need for buffering. Thus, selecting the moment when a video begins to play is typically when users notice buffering issues.