The digital storage space a motion picture consumes on Netflix varies based on several factors. These include the video quality (resolution), audio quality, and the duration of the film. A standard definition movie typically requires less storage than a high-definition or ultra-high-definition (4K) film. Similarly, films with complex audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, will generally require more storage.
Understanding the size requirements of streamed video content is important for managing bandwidth usage and data consumption, particularly for users with data caps or those relying on mobile internet connections. Historically, video streaming was limited by bandwidth constraints, leading to lower quality and smaller file sizes. As internet infrastructure improved, higher resolutions and more immersive audio became more commonplace, resulting in larger file sizes and increased data usage.