Understanding Common FPS Values: The Advanced Guide to Video Frame Rates [2022 Update]

We don’t have to convince anyone that streaming live video online is more popular than ever. More than 85% of all internet users in the United States watch online video content monthly on their devices. As a brand or a broadcaster, If you’re not creating online content, you could miss out on 85% of possible leads. 

Demand for video content, in particular, is rising. It’s a highly versatile communication channel but does get a bad rep for being difficult to master. Many broadcasters get intimidated by video industry jargon such as common FPS value, stream frames, and picture resolution.

If you’re one of them, don’t let technical difficulties keep you from maximizing video and live-streaming in favor of your organization or brand. Dacast is a platform that simplifies video making and sharing of all types. Read on as we break down the details of camera settings, common FPS values and discuss the best frame rate for live streaming. 

As we said, streaming is trending big-time currently. How do you ensure that your content will stand out among other online viewing options? By delivering a viewer experience that’s a niche above the rest. 

Creating engaging content is how you get new views and stay relevant to your current audience. But the steps you take to maintain these viewing numbers and the all-over experience you deliver ultimately decide how your videos perform in the long run.

Competition is getting tougher on the live-streaming front, with new channels, creators, and broadcasters competing for viewers’ attention. The quality of content is no longer the only gauge of video-making a broadcaster must work on. Learning the common FPS values helps you stream better and sets a distinct vibe and style for your videos. 

Contrary to popular belief, higher FPS video quality isn’t always better or even more necessary. In fact, not understanding the proper applications of common FPS values can seriously impact your views. It’s a commonly believed myth that higher-picture quality is always better. 

High-quality videos come at the expense of streaming speed. They might cause your live stream to lag, especially if your internet latency is less. Constantly buffering videos is a top reason you might be experiencing viewers leaving your live stream without getting to the end. 

That’s why learning how common FPS values work and how they are used in video-making is an investment worth your time and effort. 

Understanding the difference between common FPS values and how different stream frames appear on your viewer’s screen can give you a huge leg-up in the live-streaming arena. Once you know what goes into making a great video, upload away, and utilize your streaming platform as much as possible.

Table of Contents

• What is a Frame Rate?
• What are (FPS) Frames per Second?
• Why Does Frame Rate Matter?
• What is a Good Frame Rate in Video?
• Do Higher Frame Rates Mean Better Quality?
• The Differences Between Common FPS Values: 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps
• How to Choose the Best Common FPS Values and Frame Rate for Your Videos
• Frame Rates and Live Streaming
• Recommended Live Encoder Settings
• Final Thoughts

According to HubSpot, 81% of businesses are using video as a marketing tool. That’s up from 63% over the last year. If you’re looking to enhance business communication with video, there is no better time to begin. Frame rates cannot be ignored when it comes to online video content.

Getting viewers to continue watching your video content till the end means retaining their interest and engaging them; that’s where video stream frames come into play. 

Correctly using the common FPS value for your content is crucial for creating professional-looking videos that play seamlessly on your audience’s screens. If the incorrect one is used, the editing of your video can look amateur and unrefined, meaning people may become uninterested.

What is a Frame Rate?

Video is a series of still images that, when viewed in order at a certain speed, give the appearance of motion. Frame rate refers to the number of individual frames or images displayed per second of film or video.

Frame rate is the speed at which those images are shown. Each image represents a frame. To create the perception of motion, the brain automatically adds or fills in the missing information. This speed tricks your brain into thinking the video is playing in one smooth motion. 

What is (FPS) Frames per Second?

Frames per Second (FPS) measures how motion video is displayed. With the way our brain adds missing information to create motion, the higher the FPS, the smoother the motion appears before the eyes. For example, if a video is captured and played back at 24 frames per second, that means each second of the video shows 24 distinct still images. 

In general, the minimum FPS needed that helps avoid any jerky motion is 30 frames per second. You’ll be looking at around 60 frames per second for high-motion content. But, more on  selecting the correct FPS for your videos from among the common FPS values later.

Why Does Frame Rate Matter?

Video making has been simplified dramatically in recent years thanks to innovations in video recording equipment and software related to editing and special effects. That increases the importance of understanding frame rates before you shoot a video, especially when it comes to producing high-quality business content. The frame rate dramatically impacts the style and viewing experience of a video. 

When considering the best frame rate for your content, you are choosing between how realistic you want your video to look or whether or not you plan to use different techniques or effects like slow motion or transitions. 

What is the Best Frame Rate for Live Streaming Video?

The best frame rate for live streaming should be at least 30fps for live video. While common FPS values are one of the most critical technical aspects of online streaming, they’re not as important as video quality.

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) standardized frame rates in TV and movies, but frame rates in video content haven’t been. Frame rates are used in digital cameras used on DSLR, mirrorless, and smartphone devices. 

These indicate the quality of the camera when capturing video. Cameras have a base frame rate, which you will need to check in your settings before you start capturing content. You can also find frame rate examples in the settings of your video encoder.

Video-making is very diverse, so There isn’t just one best frame rate for video per se. Each frame rate example has a specific use. So the best frame rate for your video will depend on your niche, video settings, and overall vibe you want for your content. Here are some use cases for common FPS values used in the video-making industry:

• 24 frames per second is the industry standard for videos on the web, most TV and film,
• 30 frames per second is mostly used for live TV like news programs, concerts, sports, and soap operas. These six extra frames per second make for a much smoother video feel that works great for a less cinematic video. 
• 60fps and 120fps are used for recording video to be played back in slow motion

To figure out the best frame rate for your videos, you will have to determine what type of content you’re looking to create. Content should be encoded and uploaded in the same frame rate in which it was recorded when uploading to a hosting platform like Dacast.

Do Higher Frame Rates Mean Better Quality?

Higher frame rates do not necessarily mean better quality. As we mentioned previously, each frame rate example has a specific purpose. The higher frames per second, the slower the slow motion will be. 

For example, videos recorded at 120fps can be slowed down to a 24-frame rate, which creates that smooth slow-motion effect. The notion that higher resolution video looks better with higher frame rate examples is dependent on the display capabilities. An OLED display with 60-120 frames per second will show the content much better compared to an LCD at 24-30fps.

Some cameras may be able to film at 120 frames per second; they can only film at 720 pixels instead of 1080. So, the higher the frame rate, the higher the cost of video quality. 

Consumers have a low tolerance for bad streams and video quality. For many, 90 seconds is the most they will tolerate when it comes to low-quality content. If, after 90 seconds, the video is still low quality, they will look for a different video.

What’s the Difference Between Common FPS Values: 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps?

The most common FPS values in videos are 24, 30, and 60 fps. Since there are three major frame rates to consider for uploading business video content online, we’re explaining each.

That’ll help ensure your encoder, camera, and other live streaming equipment settings are optimized before you hit “record.” 

24fps

This frame rate is the one used by most in Hollywood. It makes video content seem more cinematic. While an average person may be unable to tell the difference between this frame rate and a higher one, most professional video makers can. 

One of the main disadvantages of filming in 24fps is that it can look quite choppy and unprofessional if slowed down. If a broadcaster plans to shoot footage to slow it down in post-production, we always recommend filming at a higher frame rate.

30fps

Many modern cameras can film video content in 30 frames per second. Traditionally, this is the best frame rate for live streaming (fps live) for TV video content in the USA. As your camera is capturing more still images per second than it was with 24fps footage, this is ideal for sports and other fast-moving videos.

If you bought your video camera between 2000 and 2010, will likely only have the option to film in 30fps for live streaming fps.

60fps 

The 60 frames per second setting is nearly equivalent to 50 frames per second. If the camera you’re planning to create video content on was manufactured in the US, it would likely offer the ability to film at 60 fps rather than 50. Some cameras will have the option to film in both.

This live video FPS is a high frame rate mainly used for slo-mo. Typically a video is recorded at 60fps and is then slowed down to 24 or 30 fps post-production. That allows for a smooth slow-motion effort during post-production. 

Any frame rate over 60 frames per second is considered a high-speed frame rate. Some cameras on the more professional side will go as fast as 1,000 frames per second. You may have seen video examples like a bullet going in slow motion or a water balloon popping.

Which is Better: 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps?

After learning the differences between the most common FPS values, you may be wondering which is the best frame rate for live fps streaming: 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps?

All three common frames per second rates have a place in today’s digital world. There isn’t one answer to which is better, 24fps or 60fps, or better, between 30fps or 60fps. Your frame rate choice depends on your video camera, your encoder settings, post-production, the type of content you’re creating, and where you will be hosting it. Shooting at either 24 or 30fps should give you your camera’s best performance and quality it has to offer.

How to Choose the Best Common FPS Values and Frame Rate for Streaming Video

Since you will choose your live FPS rate based on what you’re shooting, here are the best use cases per streaming frame rate: 

24fps

• If someone is speaking
• Landscapes 
• Video where you need to get details and textures 
• HD video
• Reviews
• Podcasts
• Most live-streams

30fps 

• Can be used as-is and can be slowed down to 24fps
• Sports and other fast-moving content 
• TV shows and vlogs
• HD video
• Cinematic shots
• Action shots
• Shots that require you to capture extra details

50fps

• This is the interlaced field rate of PAL. Some 1080i HD camera record at this frame rate
• HD video
• High-speed games
• Gaming reviews and playbacks

59.94fps

• HD cameras can record at this frame rate. While it’s sometimes referred to as 60fps, it’s best to use 59.94 unless you mean 60fps
• Compatible with NTSC video

60fps

• When the subject needs a more graceful appearance 
• Adds emotions to the shot
• Great to slow down video shots during sporting events
• Can be slowed down to the perfect slow-motion ability 
• HD video
• Fast-paced content
• Action content 

When you know the type of content that you’ll be shooting, ensure that your camera setting is correct and so is your video encoder. Once those are dialed into the correct streaming frame rate, you have chosen the best frame rate for your video. 

If all this still seems confusing to you, try using a lower FPS value to ensure your live-stream plays without lag for your viewers. Unless a specific requirement calls for a higher FPS, steer clear of it. For newbie broadcasters, a simple rule of thumb to keep in mind is:

You can get away with lower FPS (which would also lower the amount of bandwidth you are using) if you are streaming slow-motion content. You will probably want a higher FPS to make the motion feel more fluid if there is heavy motion.

Frame Rates and Live Streaming FPS

When it comes to video frame rates for live video (FPS live) there are many factors to consider. Suppose you’re a business interested in live streaming video content to your employees or your clientele. In that case, you will have to know the settings that create the best-finished video product. 

Most online streaming platforms will back 60fps. At a minimum, you should try stream video content at least 30fps. 

As with video resolution, frame rates affect video bandwidth requirements. Video content with a higher frame rate has more data to transmit than content with a lower frame rate. 

Other reasons why FPS live streaming frame rates matter in video streaming include 

• When the live stream concerns something fast-paced like a sports event stream or a concert, a stream with higher frames per second will produce better video. The event’s fast-moving motion can be captured using more frames per second.
• For live streams where the event isn’t high-paced, like educational content, tutorials, a church service, or a government meeting, high frame rates aren’t typically required as most of the motion can be adequately captured by a lower fps as well. 

Higher frame rates are becoming the new norm as increased video bandwidth capability reaches more viewing devices. That means until it’s the norm, it’s critical to pay attention to all the settings on your devices and encoders to ensure the proper live FPS rates are being chosen. 

Streaming Frame Rates and Encoders

According to HubSpot, online video was the number one media format in 2020. While video technology continues to advance, the quality of the captured images has never been better. But, the file sizes have also grown exponentially. That brings the various types of live video encoders to light.

Encoders are either hardware or software that brings raw video and converts it into a digital format and size that becomes compatible with online players and devices. There are two types of encoders – software encoders and hardware encoders. Let’s discuss the differences. 

Software encoders

• Video conversion programs that run on a computer 
• Have a graphic interface to manage the conversion process
• Allow control over elements such as video bitrate and stream quality 
• Low cost and easy operation

Hardware encoders

• Standalone, dedicated devices that do not require a computer to use
• The only purpose is to encode raw video into streaming data
• Small, portable case but can also be set up as large, permanent fixtures 
• Include specialized internal components that don’t share resources with any other processes

To upload your content, your must encode your video to fit the needs of your video hosting platform. 

Recommended Live Encoder Settings

At Dacast, we use the real-time messaging protocol for RTMP ingest of live streams. The platform transcodes that live video content into the HLS streaming protocol. Finally, that streaming content reaches your viewers via top-tier CDNs. 

Most live stream frames move from the encoder to the online video platform in RTMP format. Then the platform transcodes this video into HLS. RTMP encoders are all configured in the same basic manner. To ensure your live stream is stable and fully functional, if you’re planning to live stream the video content you’re creating, you will have to configure your encoder to use the settings below.

First, ensure you are following everything in the Common Settings section. Then select the most appropriate bitrate & resolution (depending on your needs) and configure all settings for that size exactly.

Common Settings:

The following settings are recommended for optimal live streaming FPS, regardless of your selected resolution and bitrate:

VIDEO CODEC	H.264 (X.264 may work)
FRAME RATE	25 or 30
KEYFRAME INTERVAL	2 secs (or 2x frame rate)
SCANNING	Progressive
ENCODING BITRATE	Constant (CBR)
AUDIO CODEC	AAC
AUDIO BITRATE	128 kbps
AUDIO CHANNELS	2 (Stereo)
AUDIO SAMPLE RATE	48 kHz (48,000 Hz)

Resolution & Bitrate Settings:

Select one of the following configurations and ensure your encoder is set up with these exact settings for optimal live streaming:

	ULD	LD	SD	HD	FHD
Name	Ultra-Low Definition	Low Definition	Standard Definition	High Definition	Full High Definition
Video Bitrate (kbps)	350	350 – 800	800 – 1200	1200 – 1900	1900 – 4500
Resolution Width (px)	426	640	854	1280	1920
Resolution Height (px)	240	360	480	720	1080
H.264 Profile	Main	Main	High	High	High

Video and audio codec:

• The video codec profile we recommend using for H.264 is High. You may also see an X.264 option; this is simply another implementation of the same protocol. You can use either one.

Audio bitrates:

	ULD	LD	SD	HD	FHD
Name	Ultra-Low Definition	Low Definition	Standard Definition	High Definition	Full High Definition
Video Bitrate (kbps)	350	350 – 800	800 – 1200	1200 – 1900	1900 – 4500
Audio Bitrate (kbps)	64	64	128	256	256

Bitrate Recommendation:

• We recommend a standard or low definition (480p/360p) under 1000kpbs (audio and video bit-rates included based on the table above).

Frames per second (FPS):

• Simply put, most users should generally set frames per second (fps) at 30. For people in certain regions of the world, however, 25 frames per second are standard. However, 30 fps will work anywhere.

Connecting to your Online Video Platform:

Generally, this requires gathering a few pieces of information. With Dacast, this necessary information includes

• Stream name
• Stream URL
• Log in code (unique for each stream)
• Log in password

Every platform is different and will require different settings. These are the correct settings for Dacast. At Dacast, we believe in simplifying live streaming and creating video content. And that’s why we offer easy-to-operate streaming solutions for businesses. Even if you have a limited workforce or knowledge of the technical aspects of video recordings and streaming, you can do both successfully via Dacast.

The platform offers everything from video hosting to advanced paywall and monetization capabilities. Our online video solution is built around the largest and most powerful Content Delivery Networks in the world. No matter which geographical location your viewers wish to stream your content, the content will play smoothly without glitches.

We can help you live stream video content or host the video content for Video on Demand (VOD). Let your end-users find your videos when they need them, while you relax, knowing your frame rate is correct and your video content will look great for them when they click play.

Final Thoughts

With the increased time spent online due to COVID-19, the right time to set your business up for digital video success is now. If you’re looking for more information on frame rates, hosting platforms, and live streaming solutions, visit the Dacast knowledge base to grow your skill as a video content creator. 

We write articles to help businesses and broadcasters take charge of their online video content. These articles are designed to help you better understand the basics of video, live streaming, and the differentiating factors that make broadcasters successful.

Learning the basics of frame rates for online video content can help you elevate your content to the next level and maintain better quality. Whether you’re looking to stream sporting events online or simply host training videos for your employees, your video will need to be filmed at a certain frame rate. 

Getting common FPS values wrong means you’ll miss out on a lot of business due to people clicking away from a lower-quality video. You no longer need to take that risk, especially when you have a platform like Dacast that supports your broadcaster work. 

We also offer a 14-day free trial for business professionals like you to try our streaming solution for free. No credit card is required.

If you’re interested in a powerful online video platform with a hosting solution with scalable live streaming delivery, check out our streaming solution plans or start a free 14-day trial below.

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