Bit rate is a measure of the amount of digital data that is transmitted over a given period. It is typically measured in bits per second (bps) or kilobits per second (kbps). Bit rate plays an important role in determining the quality and speed of streaming media, such as audio and video files.

When streaming audio or video, the bit rate determines how quickly data can be transferred from one point to another. Higher bit rates result in smoother playback with fewer pauses during buffering while lower bit rates experience more frequent interruptions due to buffering time needed for downloading additional content. Additionally, higher bit rates allow for better sound quality when listening to music or watching videos online since there are more bits being sent at once which allows for greater detail and clarity compared to lower-bitrate streams where some details may be lost due to compression techniques used by services like YouTube or Spotify.

In addition, certain devices may require different minimums when it comes to their preferred streamable file formats; if you’re trying to watch a movie on your phone but its maximum supported resolution requires higher than what your internet connection can provide then you won’t get optimal picture quality even though it might still play without interruption thanks largely because modern codecs are designed with variable bitrates that help adjust playback depending on available bandwidth so that users don’t have too much trouble accessing content regardless of their connection speeds. Ultimately, understanding how various types of media use different levels of bandwidth will help ensure smooth viewing experiences no matter what type of device you’re using!