> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fanfare.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Real-Time Updates
> How consumers see instant updates during their experience
Fanfare provides **near real-time updates** so consumers typically see current information within seconds. This is important for high-demand scenarios where queue positions change rapidly, auctions have competing bids, and availability can shift quickly.
## What Updates in Real Time?
### Queue Positions
Consumers see their position update as the line moves:
* Current position in line
* Estimated wait time
* When they'll reach the front
### Auction Bids
Bidders see competition instantly:
* Current high bid
* Whether they've been outbid
* Time remaining
* Bid extensions when activity is high
### Draw Entries
Participants see confirmation:
* Entry confirmation
* Total entries (if shown)
* Time until selection
### Countdowns
Timing updates automatically:
* Time until experience opens
* Time until draw selection
* Time remaining to complete checkout
## The Consumer Experience
### Waiting in a Queue
### Bidding in an Auction
## Multiple Browser Tabs
When consumers have multiple tabs open, state stays synchronized:
* Join a queue in one tab → other tabs show the same position
* Receive access in one tab → other tabs update immediately
* Place a bid in one tab → reflected across all tabs
This prevents confusion and duplicate actions.
## How It Works (Simplified)
Fanfare uses efficient techniques to keep consumers updated:
### Adaptive Frequency
Update frequency adjusts based on context:
| Situation | Update Frequency | Why |
| ------------------- | ---------------- | ------------------------ |
| Actively in queue | Frequently | Position changes often |
| Waiting for draw | Less frequently | Fewer changes expected |
| Has checkout access | Occasionally | Just tracking expiration |
| Tab in background | Reduced | Save resources |
## What Consumers Experience
### Smooth Updates
* Position changes smoothly, not abruptly
* Countdown timers stay accurate
* No page refresh needed
### Clear Notifications
* "It's your turn!" when they reach the front
* "You've been outbid!" when someone bids higher
* "2 minutes remaining" as checkout time runs low
### Reliable State
* Refresh the page → still see correct position
* Close and reopen → session continues
* Multiple devices → stays in sync
## Handling Edge Cases
### Connection Issues
If a consumer's connection drops:
1. Updates pause temporarily
2. Reconnection happens automatically
3. Latest state is fetched when connection returns
4. Consumer sees accurate information
### High Traffic
During peak demand:
* Updates continue to flow
* The system is designed to handle load spikes
* Consumers see their current positions
### Tab Visibility
When a browser tab is hidden:
* Updates slow down (saves battery/data)
* Returns to full speed when tab is visible
* Immediate refresh when consumer returns
## What to Expect
### Smooth Experience
Fanfare handles updates automatically, so you can expect:
* Positions update without refreshing the page
* Countdown timers stay accurate
* Notifications appear when status changes (outbid, your turn, etc.)
### If Something Seems Off
Occasionally, a connection hiccup may delay updates:
* Refresh the page to get the latest status
* Check your internet connection
* Updates resume automatically when reconnected
### For Technical Teams
If you're building a custom integration, see [Events and Resume](/sdk/core/events-and-resume) for implementation guidance on journey events and restored state.
## Related Concepts
* [Queue Distribution](/concepts/distributions/queue) — Queue positions and wait times
* [Auction Distribution](/concepts/distributions/auction) — Real-time bidding
* [Draw Distribution](/concepts/distributions/lottery) — Entry status and selection notifications