How to use the Stream Bitrate Calculator
- Choose where you stream, plus the resolution and frame rate you want.
- Enter your upload speed. Run a speed test and use the upload number, not download.
- Copy the recommended settings into OBS under Settings → Output (set Output Mode to Advanced).
- Do a short test stream and check the OBS status bar for dropped frames.
Recommended bitrates at a glance
| Resolution | Twitch | YouTube (H.264) |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p 60 | 6,000 kbps | 12,000 kbps |
| 1080p 30 | 4,500 kbps | 10,000 kbps |
| 720p 60 | 4,500 kbps | 6,000 kbps |
| 720p 30 | 3,000 kbps | 4,000 kbps |
| 1440p 60 | (not supported) | 24,000 kbps |
| 4K 60 | (not supported) | 35,000 kbps |
YouTube figures are from YouTube’s live encoder help page. Twitch figures are Twitch’s widely used broadcasting guideline; Twitch’s Enhanced Broadcasting can go higher. Kick accepts up to about 8,000 kbps, CBR only.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I use for Twitch?
Twitch’s commonly cited guideline is 6,000 kbps for 1080p60, 4,500 kbps for 1080p30 or 720p60, and 3,000 kbps for 720p30. If your upload speed is limited, 720p60 at 4,500 kbps usually looks better than a starved 1080p stream.
What keyframe interval should I use?
2 seconds. Twitch, YouTube and Kick all expect a 2-second keyframe interval. In OBS it’s under Settings → Output → Streaming (set to 2, not 0/auto).
How much upload speed do I need?
Aim for at least 1.5× your total bitrate (video + audio), so a 6,000 kbps stream needs around 9–10 Mbps of stable upload. The extra headroom absorbs network spikes and anything else using your connection.
CBR or VBR?
Use CBR (constant bitrate) for live streaming. Platforms expect a steady bitrate, and Kick only accepts CBR.
Why does my stream look blocky in fast games?
Fast motion needs more bitrate than the platform allows at 1080p. Drop to 936p or 720p, or choose a slower encoder preset (or NVENC “Quality”) to get more detail from the same bitrate.