SpeedTest’s iOS app can now measure the quality of video streaming from your internet, Ookla announced today. While the service usually checks general connection statistics such as maximum download speed and upload speed and delay, the new test is specifically focused on video. It tries to stream at different resolutions and then measures load times and buffering.
Ookla explains that it added the new test due to the amount of time we spend on the internet streaming video. Although the standard speed tests give a general idea of your overall network bandwidth, Ookla points out that ISPs often prioritize video traffic differently from other traffic. This means that the best way to measure video streaming performance is ultimately to stream video samples only, as this cannot be simulated by a network.
The video streaming test is currently only available in the service’s iOS app, although Ookla says it will be coming to more platforms soon. During the test, the app streams a video in different resolutions before it contains details, such as the maximum resolution of your internet connection and the loading time of video streaming. If you still cannot stream video, even though your internet speed is fast enough to support it, Ookla says the app will call DownDetector to see if a service is having problems.
SpeedTest’s standard for video streaming is available with the latest iOS update to the service, along with a slightly redesigned interface.