You’ve got the best compression, the latest AI-driven encoding, and a GPU-accelerated pipeline – so why are your viewers still seeing the buffering wheel? Compression makes files smaller, but that doesn’t matter if your storage can’t keep up. Video retrieval speed determines whether your viewers see a crisp, uninterrupted stream or the dreaded buffering wheel.

At ACM Mile High Video 2025, Beamr CEO Sharon Carmel highlighted how video compression has evolved from low-res streams to AI-driven workflows that shape how we create, deliver, and experience video. These workflows are transforming video at every stage, from automated scene detection and content personalization to real-time upscaling and adaptive bitrate encoding, allowing streaming platforms to tailor video delivery to the user’s device, network conditions, and even viewing habits. 

AI-driven workflows like real-time upscaling and adaptive bitrate encoding require instant access to high-resolution video segments. Without fast retrieval, these enhancements fall apart – leading to buffering and a frustrating viewing experience.

GPU-accelerated encoding makes compression more efficient, but storage and retrieval speeds are just as critical for real-time playback. For example, real-time upscaling depends on instantly fetching high-resolution segments – something traditional storage struggles to do. Even the best-compressed video segments will cause buffering if stored in systems that aren’t built for rapid retrieval.

Why compression alone won’t prevent buffering

Buffering isn’t just a compression issue – it’s a retrieval issue. Even the most efficient codecs can’t prevent interruptions if video segments take too long to load.

Modern streaming services require a combination of efficient compression and extremely-low latency storage and retrieval. Compression ensures that video files are reduced in size without sacrificing quality, while high-performance storage makes video segments instantly available for seamless playback.

Without the latter, even the most optimized streams can lag, increasing buffering rates and causing viewers to drop off.

Why storage and retrieval matter in high-quality streaming

Most cloud object storage solutions, like Amazon S3, weren’t designed for real-time video retrieval. They excel at archiving, but introduce latency when retrieving segments on demand. Every millisecond counts in streaming. If your storage isn’t fast enough, viewers leave. This is why streaming platforms need a storage solution for real-time delivery, not one built for cold storage archiving. 

Momento Media Storage is built for ultra-low latency video storage and retrieval. Here’s how:

• 100x faster than object storage: Real-time retrieval with sub-millisecond response times.
• Segment-level caching: Instantly serves frequently accessed content, eliminating delays.
• No retries, no buffering: Reliable access ensures smooth playback every time.

The future of streaming is optimized pipelines

We heard this week at ACM that AI-powered compression reduces storage and bandwidth costs, but that efficiency is wasted if content delivery slows things down. A GPU-accelerated encoder may shrink file sizes, but if storage retrieval lags, buffering still happens. The future of streaming is all about the ultimate viewer experience—a world where video starts instantly and plays without interruption.

As the industry moves toward real-time, seamless video experiences, how quickly encoded data gets delivered is just as important as encoding. Momento Media Storage ensures that every component of the streaming pipeline—from encoding to playback—works in perfect sync, delivering video without interruptions.

Companies investing in AI-powered workflows can’t afford for storage to be the weak link. That’s why Momento Media Storage is built for streaming at scale – delivering every segment instantly.

Buffering isn’t just frustrating, it’s avoidable! Momento Media Storage delivers every segment instantly, keeping your viewers engaged and your streams running smooth. See the difference in real time – request a demo now.

Happy coding!

Allen Helton

Author

Allen is an Ecosystem Engineer at Momento. He comes from over a decade of experience working in the public sector tech industry where he played a key role in advancing the adoption of modern technology in the space. Allen drives API-first development and pushes for best-in-class developer experience for customers. When he’s not talking about serverless, you can find Allen tending to his homestead. Between feeding the chickens, working in the garden, or building fences, Allen is always outside learning something new and teaching his kids some lessons along the way.