What can I stream?
Supported targets use your selected platform, codec, content type, audio bitrate, and headroom setting.
OBS Video Bitrate Calculator
Stream target
Use a wired speed test result if possible. For mobile streaming, use a recent test from the same location.
Headroom keeps bandwidth free for stability, chat apps, alerts, or Wi-Fi swings.
OBS-ready settings
Recommended:
Video bitrate
Audio bitrate
Rate control
Keyframe interval
Upload needed
Total stream bitrate
Estimated data per hour
How to choose a stream bitrate
Streaming quality depends on bitrate: the amount of data your encoder sends every second. Too low, and motion looks blocky or blurry. Too high, and your upload route cannot keep up, leading to dropped frames and stuttering video. This OBS bitrate calculator combines platform guidance, selected codec, resolution, frame rate, content type, audio bitrate, and upload headroom.
The basic idea is to leave some headroom so your stream stays stable when your network fluctuates. If your speed test shows 15 Mbps upload, do not spend all 15 Mbps on video. Keeping 20-30 percent free makes room for audio, chat, alerts, browser sources, and normal Wi-Fi swings.
Step-by-step
- Choose the streaming platform first, because Twitch, YouTube Live, Kick, Facebook Live, and TikTok Live do not use the same bitrate targets.
- Select the codec your platform and encoder support. H.264 is the safest option; AV1 and HEVC/H.265 can be more efficient where supported.
- Choose your target resolution and FPS from the preset list, such as 1080p60 or 720p60.
- Pick the content type. Gaming and sports lean toward the upper end; talking head and screen share can use less.
- Enter your measured upload bandwidth from a recent speed test.
- Review the OBS-ready video bitrate, audio bitrate, CBR setting, 2 second keyframe interval, and upload needed.
Practical streaming bitrate guide
Best bitrate by platform
Twitch is commonly treated as a 6,000 kbps H.264 video target with 160 kbps audio. Kick allows up to 8,000 kbps and lists 6,000-8,000 kbps for 1080p60. YouTube Live recommends much higher H.264 settings for high-resolution streams, including 12,000 kbps for 1080p60 and 24,000 kbps for 1440p60.
What upload speed do I need?
Add video bitrate and audio bitrate, then divide by the share of your upload you are willing to use. A 6,000 kbps video stream plus 160 kbps audio needs about 7.7 Mbps upload at 20 percent headroom.
Why bitrate causes dropped frames
Network dropped frames happen when OBS sends more data than your route to the platform can sustain. Lower bitrate first, then reduce FPS or resolution if warnings continue.
CBR vs VBR
Use CBR for live streaming unless your platform says otherwise. CBR keeps ingest predictable and is the normal OBS bitrate setting for Twitch, YouTube Live, Kick, Facebook Live, and TikTok Live.
Audio bitrate
Audio is small compared with video, but it still counts against upload. Use 160 kbps stereo for Twitch-style settings and 128 kbps stereo when a platform recommends it.
Keyframe interval
Use a 2 second keyframe interval for live platforms. YouTube says 2 seconds is recommended and not to exceed 4 seconds; Twitch and Facebook guidance also centers on 2 seconds.
When to use 720p60 instead of 1080p60
If your platform cap or upload speed leaves too few bits per pixel, 720p60 can look cleaner than 1080p60. It is a common move for fast games, sports, and unstable connections.
How this calculator works
- Safe upload budget = upload Mbps x (1 - headroom %)
- Total stream bitrate = video bitrate + audio bitrate
- Recommended upload speed = total bitrate / target utilization
- Estimated data per hour = bitrate Mbps x 0.45 GB/hour
The result shows the limiting factor as platform cap, upload bandwidth, or selected codec guidance when one of those constraints changes the recommendation.
Guidelines used
Last reviewed: June 7, 2026. Platform guidance changes, so treat this as a starting point and confirm unusual workflows in the platform dashboard before an important stream.
About this video bitrate calculator
This calculator helps streamers choose a bitrate that balances quality with stability. Select a platform, codec, resolution, FPS, content type, measured upload bandwidth, and headroom. The tool returns a kbps-first video bitrate, audio budget, total stream bitrate, upload needed, and practical OBS settings.
Everything runs locally in your browser. The supported quality grid updates immediately so you can see whether your upload speed is better suited to 720p60, 936p60, 1080p60, 1440p60, or 4K.
Run a brief unlisted or private test stream at the suggested value and watch OBS for network dropped frames. If problems appear, lower the bitrate by 500-1,000 kbps or step down resolution before going live.
FAQ
What bitrate should I use for Twitch 1080p60?
Use 6,000 kbps video, 160 kbps audio, CBR, and a 2 second keyframe interval for Twitch 1080p60. If the stream drops frames, switch to 936p60 or 720p60 rather than pushing bitrate higher.
What bitrate should I use for YouTube 1080p60?
YouTube lists 12 Mbps as the H.264 recommendation for 1080p60 live streaming. That is 12,000 kbps video before audio; AV1 or HEVC can use lower codec-specific ranges.
How much upload speed do I need for 6000 kbps?
For a 6,000 kbps video stream plus 160 kbps audio, use at least 7.7 Mbps upload with 20 percent headroom. More headroom is useful on Wi-Fi or mobile connections.
Should I use CBR or VBR?
Use CBR for most live platforms and OBS streaming. CBR keeps the stream bitrate predictable, which helps platform ingest servers and reduces dropped-frame risk.
Is 720p60 better than 1080p60?
720p60 is often better when upload speed or platform bitrate caps are tight. A clean 720p60 stream usually looks better than a blocky 1080p60 stream.
What audio bitrate should I use?
Use 160 kbps stereo audio for Twitch-style streams and 128 kbps stereo audio for platforms that recommend it, such as YouTube and Facebook Live.
Why is my stream dropping frames?
Dropped frames usually mean your encoder or upload route cannot sustain the selected bitrate. Lower video bitrate, reduce resolution or FPS, use CBR, and keep a 2 second keyframe interval.