In various embodiments, an ensemble prediction application computes a quality score for re-constructed visual content that is derived from visual content. The ensemble prediction application computes a first quality score for the re-constructed video content based on a first set of values for a first set of features and a first model that associates the first set of values with the first quality score. The ensemble prediction application computes a second quality score for the re-constructed video content based on a second set of values for a second set of features and a second model that associates the second set of values with the second quality score. Subsequently, the ensemble prediction application determines an overall quality score for the re-constructed video content based on the first quality score and the second quality score. The overall quality score indicates a level of visual quality associated with streamed video content.