What Is MPEG-DASH? And MPEG-DASH vs. HLS

MPEG DASH header

What Is MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP)?

MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) is an international standard for adaptive bitrate streaming that delivers high-quality video over regular HTTP servers. Like Apple’s HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), it breaks video content into small, time-segmented chunks that adjust dynamically to a viewer’s available bandwidth and device performance.

With MPEG-DASH, playback devices can switch between different bitrate versions of the same content in real time. This ensures smoother viewing experiences with fewer interruptions, especially during fluctuating network conditions.

How Does MPEG-DASH Work?

MPEG-DASH relies on Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR). A single video is encoded into multiple versions at different quality levels, which are then divided into short segments, typically lasting 2 to 4 seconds. As the video plays, the client device’s MPEG-DASH player (such as dash.js) selects and downloads the best-suited segment based on current bandwidth and CPU resources.

This dynamic adjustment helps prevent buffering and ensures viewers receive optimal quality, regardless of if they’re using a high-speed connection or mobile data.

Pro Tip

Consider Cloudinary’s Adaptive Bitrate Streaming

Adaptive bitrate streaming is a video delivery technique that adjusts the quality of a video stream in real time according to detected bandwidth and CPU capacity. This enables videos to start quicker, with fewer buffering interruptions, and at the best possible quality for the current device and network connection, to maximize user experience.

-> Learn more about Cloudinary’s Adaptive Bitrate Streaming

MPEG-DASH offers several key benefits for both developers and viewers. Its adaptive streaming capabilities allow video quality to adjust automatically based on the user’s network conditions, ensuring smooth playback without buffering interruptions.

As an open standard, MPEG-DASH supports a wide range of codecs, giving developers greater flexibility and making it easier to future-proof their media delivery pipelines. It also provides lower latency options, which is especially valuable for live streaming scenarios where real-time performance is critical. Additionally, MPEG-DASH is widely compatible with HTML5 video players such as Video.js, THEOplayer, Bitmovin, and VLC.

MPEG-DASH and Cloudinary

Cloudinary fully supports adaptive bitrate streaming with both MPEG-DASH and HLS, making it easy to deliver high-quality video tailored to each viewer’s network conditions and device. The platform automatically handles video transcoding and generates multiple renditions, ensuring smooth playback across bandwidth levels. It also creates MPEG-DASH manifest (MPD) files to streamline content delivery.

Videos can be embedded using Cloudinary’s customizable player or integrated into third-party players, offering flexibility in implementation. By managing the complexities of segmenting and encoding behind the scenes, Cloudinary allows developers to focus on creating seamless, scalable media experiences without the need for manual setup.

QUICK TIPS

Kimberly Matenchuk

In my experience, here are tips that can help you effectively choose between MPEG-DASH and HLS for your streaming needs:

Choose MPEG-DASH for flexibility in codec support
If you need a streaming protocol that supports various codecs beyond Apple’s H.264 and H.265, MPEG-DASH is the better choice. It is codec-agnostic and can work with a wide range of coding standards, making it ideal for diverse content and delivery needs.
Leverage HLS for Apple-centric ecosystems
If your audience primarily uses Apple devices, HLS is the best option. It is natively supported on all Apple platforms, including iOS, macOS, and tvOS, ensuring seamless playback without additional plugins or third-party players.
Consider MPEG-DASH for international standards compliance
For projects that require adherence to international standards, MPEG-DASH is a more appropriate choice. As an open standard, it is widely adopted outside the Apple ecosystem and provides a reliable solution for global streaming services.
Use shorter segment lengths with MPEG-DASH for low-latency streaming
MPEG-DASH allows you to customize segment lengths, with an optimal range between 2 to 4 seconds. This can reduce latency, making it suitable for live streaming scenarios where real-time interaction is critical.
Implement HLS for broad browser support
HLS has broader support across various web browsers, especially when considering Apple’s dominant market share. This makes HLS a safer bet for ensuring compatibility across different user environments.
Optimize with adaptive bitrate streaming
Both HLS and MPEG-DASH support adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR). Leverage this feature to dynamically adjust video quality based on the viewer’s bandwidth and device capabilities, ensuring a smooth viewing experience without buffering.
Utilize Cloudinary’s built-in player for seamless HLS and MPEG-DASH integration
When embedding HLS or MPEG-DASH streams into your application, use Cloudinary’s video player. It simplifies the delivery of adaptive bitrate streams and automatically adjusts quality based on real-time bandwidth and device performance.
Test performance on target devices
Before committing to either MPEG-DASH or HLS, test your content across the devices and browsers your audience uses. This will help you identify any compatibility issues and ensure the best user experience.
Consider segment length for content type
For on-demand content, HLS’s default 6-second segments may work well, but for live content, shorter MPEG-DASH segments can provide smoother, more responsive streaming, especially for high-action events like sports.
Plan for future scalability
MPEG-DASH is gaining traction and is becoming more widely adopted for scalable video streaming solutions. If your project is expected to grow, consider using MPEG-DASH for its flexibility, codec support, and international standardization, ensuring long-term viability.

Last updated: May 9, 2025