Dive into our step-by-step guide for optimizing your streaming settings. Learn how to conduct an internet speed test, choose the right resolution and frames per second (fps), and adjust your bitrate to match your internet speed.

Looking to stream online content but unsure how to optimize your settings? Here's our step-by-step guide to help you tailor your stream to your internet speed.

Step 1: Conduct an Internet Speed Test

The first step is to conduct an internet speed test. You can do this by typing "speed test" into Google and using Google's speed test or Ookla's test. Click "GO" and note down your download and upload speed.

Step 2: Choose the Resolution and Frames per Second (fps) for Your Stream

This choice depends on the platform you are streaming on (e.g., Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live) and your internet speed. Google search "[platform name] encoding chart streaming" and find the appropriate settings for your internet speed. For example, to stream in 1080p 60fps, you need an internet speed that supports a bitrate of 6000 kilobits per second.

Step 3: Convert Your Upload Speed to Kilobits per Second

The upload speed from the speed test is given in megabits per second, but the encoding chart is in kilobits per second. Simply multiply your upload speed by 1000.

Step 4: Provide a Buffer for Other Internet Activities

If you stream at full internet speed, any other internet activity (e.g., Spotify, Netflix, online gaming) can cause you to exceed your maximum speed and cause lag in your stream. Therefore, it is recommended to multiply your upload speed result by 0.8 to keep 20% of the speed for other activities.

Step 5: Choose Your Resolution and Frames per Second Based on Your Available Internet Speed

For example, if your available speed after accounting for the buffer is 4800 kilobits per second, you could stream in 1080p 30fps (which requires 4500 kilobits per second) or in 720p 60fps (which also requires 4500 kilobits per second).

Step 6: Set Your Resolution and Frames per Second in Your Streaming Software

For example, in OBS Studio, set both resolutions to the same and choose your frames per second.

Step 7: Set Your Bitrate in Your Streaming Software

In OBS Studio, go to the "Output" tab, change the output mode to "Advanced", go to the "Streaming" tab, and set your bitrate to the value you calculated earlier. Make sure your bitrate control is set to CBR (Constant Bit Rate).

Remember, these instructions may vary depending on the streaming software you use.

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