Stream Bitrate Calculator

For YouTube 1080p 30fps streaming, use 4,500-6,000 Kbps. For 1080p 60fps, use 6,000-9,000 Kbps. YouTube accepts up to 51 Mbps but recommends lower bitrates for stable streams. Higher isn't always better - it increases bandwidth needs without visible quality improvement.

Buffering usually happens when your bitrate exceeds your stable upload speed. Use a bitrate that's 70-80% of your upload speed maximum. Also check for packet loss and ensure your encoder settings match your resolution. Lower bitrate with good settings often looks better than high bitrate with poor encoding.

720p or 1080p at 30fps is ideal for 24/7 streaming. It balances quality with bandwidth efficiency. Higher resolutions require more processing power and bandwidth, which can cause issues over extended periods. Most viewers can't distinguish higher resolutions on typical screens.

Not always. Bitrate has diminishing returns - beyond a certain point, viewers can't see the difference. A well-encoded 4,500 Kbps stream often looks better than a poorly-encoded 8,000 Kbps stream. Focus on matching bitrate to resolution and using good encoder settings (CBR, preset medium or slow).

CBR (Constant Bitrate) maintains steady bitrate, ideal for streaming as it's predictable for viewers. VBR (Variable Bitrate) adjusts based on content complexity, better for recordings. For live streaming, always use CBR to prevent buffering during complex scenes.