What you need to know about video bitrate

Video bitrate sounds like a challenge you don’t want to deal with on a monday morning without coffee (or tea). Setting your ideal video bitrate is all about take or leave it when it comes to video quality and file size. 

Today we want to take you on a (speedy) journey through video quality measurements to better understand how to have optimal speed for streaming.

What is video bitrate

Video bitrate is a measure of the number of bits of information that are being transmitted in a video file per second. It is typically measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), or megabits per second (mbps). Higher bit rates generally result in higher quality video, but also result in larger file sizes. The appropriate bitrate for a particular video will depend on a number of factors, including the resolution and frame rate of the video, the complexity of the content, and the desired level of quality. In general, higher bitrates are more suitable for higher resolution and/or higher frame rate video, and for video with complex content. Lower bitrates may be appropriate for lower resolution or lower frame rate video, or for video with simpler content.

Types of bitrate measurements

As mentioned above there are three main bitrate measurements:

1. Bits per second (bps) is a unit of data transfer rate equal to 1 bit per second.
2. Kilobits per second (kbps) is a unit of data transfer rate equal to 1,000 bits per second.
3. Megabits per second (mbps) is a unit of data transfer rate equal to 1,000,000 bits per second.

For example, a bitrate of 1 megabit per second (1 Mbps) is equal to 1,000,000 bits per second. This is a commonly used unit for measuring the bitrate of video files and internet speeds.

Importance of video bitrate for streaming 

Video bitrate affects both the quality of the video and the amount of data that is transmitted. Higher bit rates generally result in higher quality video, but also result in more data being transmitted. This is of importance when it comes to streaming because it affects the user's experience of the video. If the bitrate is too low, the video quality may suffer, and the user may have a poor viewing experience. On the other hand, if the bitrate is too high, it may be more difficult for the user to stream the video, especially if they have a slower internet connection. Therefore, finding the right balance between video quality and data transmission is important for streaming.

The right video bitrate for you

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right video bitrate for streaming:

1. Video quality: Higher bit rates generally result in higher quality video, but also result in larger file sizes. You should consider the desired level of video quality when selecting the bitrate.
2. Target audience: The appropriate bitrate will also depend on the device and internet connection of your target audience. For example, if you are targeting users with high-end devices and fast internet connections, you can use a higher bitrate. On the other hand, if you are targeting users with lower-end devices or slower internet connections, you may need to use a lower bitrate.
3. Video content: The complexity of the video content will also affect the appropriate bitrate. Videos with complex content, such as fast-moving action or lots of detailed graphics, will require a higher bitrate to maintain good quality.
4. Available bandwidth: You should also consider the amount of bandwidth that is available for streaming. If you have a limited amount of bandwidth, you may need to use a lower bitrate to ensure that the video can be streamed smoothly.

In general, it is a good idea to start with a bitrate that is suitable for your target audience and the complexity of your video content, and then adjust up or down as needed based on the available bandwidth and the desired level of video quality.

The right video bitrate for HD streaming

The best video bitrate for HD streaming will depend on a number of factors, including the resolution and frame rate of the video, the complexity of the content, and the desired level of quality. In general, a bitrate of 3-5 Mbps is sufficient for most HD videos with a resolution of 1080p. However, higher bit rates may be required for videos with higher resolutions or for videos with very complex content. Lower bitrates may be appropriate for lower resolution or lower frame rate video, or for video with simpler content.

It is important to note that the appropriate bitrate will also depend on the device and internet connection of your target audience. 

In general, it is a good idea to start with a bitrate that is suitable for your target audience and the complexity of your video content, and then adjust up or down as needed based on the available bandwidth and the desired level of video quality.

At Kinescope we offer you stable and ultra-low latency live streaming available in HD quality. Upon request we can further provide you with a 4K resolution option for standart videos for an even clearer video experience.