FAQ - Stream Bitrate & Bandwidth Calculator
Everything you need to know about streaming bitrate and bandwidth optimization:
1. What bitrate should I use for Twitch?
For Twitch (2025): 1080p60 (6000 kbps max), 1080p30 (4500 kbps), 720p60 (4500 kbps), 720p30 (3000 kbps). Twitch doesn't support above 1080p. Your upload speed should be at least 1.5x your bitrate for stable streaming.
2. How much bandwidth does streaming use?
Streaming bandwidth usage depends on your bitrate. A 6000 kbps stream uses about 2.7 GB per hour. For a 4-hour daily stream at 1080p60, expect to use around 324 GB per month. Formula: (bitrate in kbps ÷ 8 ÷ 1024²) × 3600 seconds = GB per hour.
3. What's the difference between bitrate and bandwidth?
Bitrate is the amount of data per second in your stream (measured in kbps). Bandwidth is your total data usage over time. Higher bitrate means better quality but more bandwidth usage and higher data costs.
4. What are the best OBS settings for streaming?
For OBS: Use x264 encoder, CBR rate control, 2-second keyframe interval. Bitrate depends on platform and resolution. Our calculator provides specific OBS settings based on your chosen platform and quality.
5. How much upload speed do I need for streaming?
Your upload speed should be at least 1.5x your streaming bitrate. For 6000 kbps (1080p60), you need minimum 9 Mbps upload. For Facebook Live (4000 kbps max), you need 6 Mbps minimum. We recommend 25% extra buffer for stability.
6. What affects streaming quality the most?
Bitrate has the biggest impact on quality, followed by resolution and frame rate. Content type also matters - gaming needs higher bitrates than talking streams due to motion complexity.
7. Can I reduce data usage while streaming?
Yes! Stream at 720p30 instead of 1080p60 to save ~40% bandwidth. Use hardware encoding, stream fewer hours, or use single-platform streaming instead of multistreaming to multiple platforms.
8. What's the best encoder for streaming?
x264 (software) provides best quality at high bitrates. NVENC (NVIDIA) and AMD VCE (AMD) hardware encoders are great for lower-end systems, offering good quality with less CPU usage.
9. Why does my stream keep buffering/dropping frames?
Usually caused by insufficient upload speed, unstable connection, or bitrate too high for your internet. Ensure your upload speed is 1.5-2x your bitrate and use a wired connection when possible.
10. How much does it cost to stream with mobile data?
Mobile data streaming is expensive! At typical rates of $10/GB, a 6000 kbps stream costs about $27 per hour (2.7 GB/hour). A 4-hour stream would cost $108. Unlimited plans or fixed broadband are essential for regular streaming.