The optimal bitrate for streaming depends on several factors, including the platform you’re using, the resolution and frame rate of your stream, and the speed of your internet connection. Here are some general guidelines for different resolutions and frame rates:
1. Twitch Streaming:
– 720p at 30 fps: 2,500 – 4,000 kbps
– 720p at 60 fps: 3,500 – 5,000 kbps
– 1080p at 30 fps: 4,500 – 6,000 kbps
– 1080p at 60 fps: 5,000 – 6,000 kbps
– 1440p at 60 fps: 6,000 – 10,000 kbps
– 4K at 30 fps: 13,000 – 20,000 kbps (Twitch supports 4K streaming only for selected partners, and it’s highly dependent on your internet speed and encoding settings.)
2. YouTube Streaming:
– 720p at 30 fps: 1,500 – 4,000 kbps
– 720p at 60 fps: 2,500 – 4,000 kbps
– 1080p at 30 fps: 3,000 – 6,000 kbps
– 1080p at 60 fps: 4,500 – 9,000 kbps
– 1440p at 30 fps: 6,000 – 13,000 kbps
– 1440p at 60 fps: 9,000 – 18,000 kbps
– 4K at 30 fps: 13,000 – 34,000 kbps
– 4K at 60 fps: 20,000 – 51,000 kbps
3. Facebook Streaming:
– 720p at 30 fps: 2,000 – 4,000 kbps
– 720p at 60 fps: 3,000 – 4,500 kbps
– 1080p at 30 fps: 4,000 – 6,000 kbps
– 1080p at 60 fps: 5,000 – 8,000 kbps
Key Considerations:
– Internet Upload Speed: Ensure your upload speed is higher than the bitrate you’re streaming at. For example, if you’re streaming at 5,000 kbps, your internet upload speed should be at least 6,000-7,000 kbps to account for overhead and any fluctuations.
– Encoding Settings: The encoder you use (e.g., x264, NVENC, or AMF) and the encoding preset can affect the quality at lower bitrates. Using a faster preset will result in lower quality at the same bitrate, and a slower preset will improve quality but put more strain on your CPU.
– Resolution vs. Frame Rate: Higher resolution (e.g., 1440p or 4K) requires higher bitrates to maintain good video quality. Similarly, higher frame rates (e.g., 60 fps) also need more data.
Ultimately, finding the right balance between video quality, bitrate, and your internet connection speed is key. Start with the recommended bitrate for your resolution and frame rate, and adjust based on performance and feedback.
