Many people rely on video streaming to watch their favorite shows, allowing them unfettered access from any location. The market size of the video streaming industry is expected to reach around USD 1,721.4 billion by 2030. So undoubtedly, the video streaming industry has huge potential and can be profitable with the right strategies. If you ignore this industry, you will miss out on a lot of opportunities.
With the rise of this industry, people are becoming more aware of the importance of video streaming quality. One important factor that affects video streaming quality is the frame rate. It’s also known as frames per second (FPS). A video is a series of images that are played in quick succession. The frame rate is the number of images displayed per second in a video. A high frame rate results in smooth playback, while a low frame rate can make videos appear choppy.
This blog post looks at the concept of video frame rate, what it is, and how it affects streaming quality. Let’s get started!
What is Video Frame Rate or FPS?
A video is a collection of multiple still images played while streaming. The rate at which these images are displayed is referred to as frames per second (FPS). Video frame rates are measured in FPS and refer to the number of still images shown every second. In streaming technology, each still image is referred to as a frame.
A higher frame rate refers to more images being displayed in a second, resulting in smoother video quality. Higher FPS also results in improved video quality and reduced motion blur. On the other hand, low frame rates may lead to choppy playback and poor image quality.
How to Calculate the Video Frame Rate?
There are multiple ways to calculate the video frame rate. A video streamer can calculate it manually and using tools also. The simple way to calculate the FPS of a video is to divide the total number of frames in it by the length (in seconds). Suppose you have a 20 seconds video with a total of 400 frames. Then the fps of this video would be:
400/20= 20 frames per second (FPS)
You can check it using software like VLC media player or Adobe Premiere Pro.
Why Does Frame Rate Matter?
The amount of frames per second, or the frame rate, is an important factor that affects video streaming quality. While streaming video content, your device needs to decode and render each frame in real time. A higher frame rate means more frames per second, resulting in smoother video streaming quality. But it also depends on your device’s capabilities since it needs to support the frame rate. For example, if the frame rate is 30 fps and your device supports 24 fps, then the video quality will not be as smooth.
Do Higher Frame Rates Mean Better Quality?
There is much debate about how important frame rate is to video quality. Some say that a higher frame rate means better quality, while others argue that the difference is negligible. So, what is the truth?
Both camps are right to some extent. A higher frame rate ensures better quality by reducing motion blur and providing smooth playback. However, a higher frame rate causes slow-motion video, which can be off-putting for some viewers. Streaming also requires more processing power and bandwidth, which can lead to buffering issues. Moreover, a higher fps streaming demands a device with better display resolution for quality viewing.
Does Frame Rate Affect the File Size of a Video?
Simply the answer is yes, the video frame rate affects its size. For better understanding, let us take an example. Suppose you have a video file of 1-minute duration with 30fps. Now let’s calculate the individual number of images:
- 30fps*60sec=1800 Pictures
Now let’s twice the frame rate by 60fps and calculate the individual still images:
- 60fps*60sec=3600 Pictures
So definitely, a 60 fps video will need more file size than a 30 fps video of the same length.
Most Used Video Frame Rates
It’s tough to select one frame rate suitable for all types of videos. Generally, the most used video frame rates are:
- 16fps
- 24fps
- 30fps
- 60fps
- 120fps
- 240fps
- 480fps
- 960+fps.
Each of these rates is suitable for different types of videos. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It all depends upon your video’s purpose and the device you are using to watch it.
Which Frame Rate is Best for Video?
The best frame rate for video streaming can depend on multiple factors. For example, a high-end gaming video should have more frames per second than a casual conversation video. 24-30 fps is considered optimal for most videos. But you need a higher frame rate if you’re doing a slow-motion video. Here are multiple frame rates with their purpose.
- 16fps: Low-quality video
- 24fps: Movies and television shows
- 30fps: Live TV broadcasting
- 60fps: High-quality video that can show candles’ blown
- 120fps: Slow-motion video that captures video games
- 240fps: Super slow-motion video
How to Choose the Right Frame Rate?
Choosing the right frame rate depends on multiple factors. These are the most important aspects you need to consider:
Purpose of Your Content:
Firstly, consider your video content and its purpose. The frame rate for video game recording and slow-motion video will be different. Similarly, the film industry’s frame rate is unsuitable for live TV broadcasting. So defining the purpose of content before a recording process is very important. You should not record with film cameras if the purpose is live broadcasting.
Device Capability:
Real-time frame decoding and rendering is the second and most crucial frame rate factor. More frames per second mean smoother playback. The video may look choppy if your device can’t decode and render each frame.
Therefore, pick a frame rate your device can handle. Video streamers should research viewers’ devices.
Movement in Video:
Video movement is the third important factor in determining video frame rate. More movement requires a higher frame rate. High-speed car races require higher fps than casual dialogue videos. So, before selecting the frame rate, ensure which type of movement is present in your video.
Internet Speed:
Internet speed matters when it comes to determining the correct video frame rate. Live streaming requires a fast internet connection to provide a smooth viewing experience. A slow internet connection can result in frequent stuttering, buffering, and dropped frames, which can significantly lower the quality of your video stream. An unstable internet failed to support higher frame rates.
Wrapping up
A streamer will have the best experience if they know more about the bitrate, codecs, bandwidth, resolution, and frame rate. When these aspects of streaming video aren’t considered, it can cause poor video quality, buffering, and slow streaming. To have a good streaming experience, you need to know how video streaming works. This blog discussed frame rates and how they work for streaming. Get in touch with Castr for a complete streaming solution and tips.
