Video Bitrates requirement
Updated 2 months ago
by
Chioma Okenwa
It's important to make sure your live stream is high quality. Choosing a quality with reference to your internet connection will result in a reliable stream.
Bitrate plays a crucial role in streaming as it directly affects the quality, buffering, and overall user experience.
Bitrate
For streaming, bitrate determines the amount of data required to represent the content over a specific duration. Higher bitrates result in larger file sizes but can also offer better quality and more detail in the media stream.
Key impacts of bitrate on your live stream
In this section we will be explaining some of the major impacts that Bitrate could have on your Live stream:
Video Quality
Bitrate determines the amount of data transferred per second for video playback. Higher bitrates will result in better video quality with more detail, clarity, and smoother motion. On the other hand, lower bitrates can lead to pixelation.
InEvent platform supports various resolutions, with our recommended streaming resolution being 720px, and our maximum resolution being 1080px.
Video Format | Streaming Resolution | Video Bitrate Range |
1080p @ 60 fps | 1920x1080 | 4,500–9,000 Kbps |
1080p @ 30 fps | 1920x1080 | 3,000–6,000 Kbps |
720p @ 60 fps | 1280x720 | 3,000–6,000 Kbps |
720p @ 30 fps | 1280x720 | 1,500–4,000 Kbps |
480p @ 30 fps | 854x480 | 500–2,000 Kbps |
360p @ 30 fps | 640x360 | 400–1,000 Kbps |
240p @ 30 fps | 426x240 | 300–700 Kbps |
Bandwidth Requirements
Higher bitrates require more bandwidth to transmit the data. The viewer or speaker's internet connection quality and speed will impact the amount of bandwidth required. Poor internet connection or network congestion may lead to buffering or lower quality streams. In contrast, lower bitrates consume less bandwidth, making it more accessible for viewers with slower internet connections or limited data plans.
Buffering and Playback
Buffering occurs when the streaming device temporarily downloads a portion of the video before playing it back. Higher bitrates demand a larger buffer size to maintain a smooth playback experience. Insufficient buffering can result in frequent pauses or interruptions, especially if the viewer's internet speed is unable to keep up with the selected bitrate.
Compatibility and Device Support
Different devices and platforms have varying capabilities and restrictions when it comes to bitrate support. Some devices may have limitations on the maximum supported bitrate or may struggle to decode higher bitrates efficiently. It's essential to consider the target audience and their devices when selecting an appropriate bitrate to ensure compatibility and optimal viewing experience.
To optimize the performance of your live stream, it's important to choose an appropriate bitrate that balances video quality, bandwidth availability, and the target audience's internet connections
How do I calculate my bitrate?
When streaming video, bitrate is described in megabits per second (Mbps), and for audio in kilobits per second (kbps). In its most simple form, you can calculate the bitrate as follows: 1000 kbps equals 1 Mbps.
