diff --git a/templates/zerver/help/stream-permissions.md b/templates/zerver/help/stream-permissions.md
index a22d0122e1..0a08a4799a 100644
--- a/templates/zerver/help/stream-permissions.md
+++ b/templates/zerver/help/stream-permissions.md
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 # Stream privacy settings
 
-There are three types of streams in Zulip.
+Streams are similar to chatrooms, IRC channels, or email lists in that they
+determine who receives a message. There are three types of streams in Zulip.
 
 * **Public**: Anyone can join, and anyone can view the complete message
   history without joining.