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Do you know what the worst situation is for gamers? It is when their streaming ends up because of buffering and lagging. It’s worse for streamers and their audience when you’re showcasing your gameplay on a platform like Twitch with 30 million daily visitors.
The common perception is gamers only need a good gaming setup. Well, there’s more to it than that. The other thing that every gaming streamer needs other than a good gaming station is a stable internet connection.
Required Internet Speed for Streaming Twitch
What we mean by a stable internet connection are the fast download and upload speeds. You might be thinking of what could be the internet speed for streaming twitch? Or what is the difference between download and upload speed? Here are the answers.
Difference Between Download and Upload Speed
Our data transfer through the internet and Internet speed is calculated in MBPS (Megabits Per Second).
Upload speed means the MBPS speed of your internet connection when you’re streaming (transferring the data from your computer).
However, download speed means the MBPS speed while you’re downloading (receiving data from into your computer) images, video, or any other form of data on your computer.
Live Streaming is All About Upload Speed
There is no doubt that the gaming industry has a bright future ahead. Do you know out of 7.6 billion people, we have 2.8 billion gamers around the world? That’s why we’ve seen the emergence of gamers recently on all social media platforms, particularly on Twitch.
As I said above, Upload speed means your internet connection’s MBPS speed when you’re streaming. If we compare what matters most, the upload speed or download speed while live streaming? Simply speaking, the answer is upload speed.
If you are reading article on twitch streaming, read our guide on how to use twitch stream key during streaming.
Whenever someone goes live on social media platforms, they share their data through the internet. If someone is streaming on Twitch and sharing his gameplay means he’s constantly sharing data at the time playing.
For example, while playing a game, whenever you sit in the game, wherever you shoot, whenever you run in the game, you send your data to game servers. That’s where the future of streamers depends on upload speed.
If upload speed is low, then be ready for lagging and buffering because you can’t share your data quickly.
Upload Speed Requirements for Live Streaming Across Video Platforms
Live streaming is not only about bandwidth. Some more things can affect upload speed, such as your frame rate (FPS), your video resolution, and most importantly, platforms can also affect your stream.
One other thing to keep in mind is that every platform requires a different internet speed for all resolutions. For instance, if you want to go live on Twitch, you have to know the internet speed needed for twitch streaming.
Frame rate (FPS) stands for the frame rate per second. It shows the number of pictures per second in a video.
For example, if the frame rate is 30, it signifies that your video shows 30 images per second in the video. Another thing that affects is the resolution of your video. You can’t stream in 720p in 500-2,000 Kbps (Kilobytes Per Seconds).
Below, I’ll write about the recommended speed suggested by each platform for different resolutions and FPS (Frame Per Second).
More Twitch Tips: 7 Tips to Help Start and Grow on Twitch
Twitch
- Twitch’s recommended internet speed for 720p is 3000 kbps at 30 FPS and 4000 KBPS at 60 FPS.
- 1080p resolution requires 4500 kbps at 30 FPS and 6000 kbps at 60 FPS.
- If you have decided to start streaming on twitch, read our guide on saving live twitch streams.
Facebook Live
- Facebook recommends 3000 Kbps for 720 resolution and 30 to 60 FPS.
- For 1080p, you need 6000 kbps at 30 to 60 FPS.
YouTube
- For 480p, you need a bitrate between 500 and 2,000 Kbps.
- For 720p, you need a maximum bitrate of 1,500-4,000 Kbps.
- For 1080p videos, you must have 2,250 to 6,000 Kbps.
You Need Extra Internet Speed for a Stable Video Stream
Remember one thing: extra internet speed means extra upload speed, not download speed. Most often, people think that download speed is essential, more than upload speed.
Yes, download speed is essential, but upload speed is more significant when it comes to streamers. So, whenever you think of a live stream, make sure that you meet the upload speed requirements aside from download speed.
If possible, always choose the internet package that offers more upload and download than required. It is necessary when you’re showcasing your gameplay in your streams.
In this way, you’ll not have to worry about the lagging issue while streaming. It is a fact that the audience doesn’t prefer to watch live streaming with poor-quality and lagging issues.
What Type of Internet is Best for Live Streaming?
Are you wondering what type of internet is most suitable for live streaming? Just like the internet speed, the type of internet connection is also valuable. Streamers are always concerned about the internet speed while playing.
Finding a stable connection and high-speed internet connection is the only way to resolve the lagging problems. Slow internet connection is the reason for many failed live streams.
As they say, “there is no use crying over spilled milk.” So let’s find the solution.
Fiber is the better and preferable solution for live streaming since it has the lowest latency rate. The problem is it doesn’t become available worldwide.
Lucky you if you’re living in a city where you can get a fiber connection. However, if you don’t live in that area, you can rely on DSL and cable internet connection.
How Does Latency Affect Live Streaming?
Latency signifies the time of your action (while paying the game) and the response rate from the network. For example, when you click on the buy option to purchase something in your game. Your game server identifies your request and starts the process of buying.
When the latency effect starts, the server replies to your buying query quickly if the latency rate is low. If it is high, you’ll have to wait.
That’s why the lower the latency, the more enjoyable the gaming experience. Then we suggest you Fiber internet connection because it has the lowest latency rate of 11 to 14 MS (Milliseconds).
Key Takeaways
- For gaming, upload speed is more important than download speed.
- Every social media platform require different internet speed for different video resolutions and FPS (frame per seconds)
- Recommended internet speed for streaming Twitch for 720p is 3000 kbps at 30 FPS and 4000 kbps at 60 FPS.
- If feasible, always choose the internet connection that offers more upload and download speed than requirements.
- Latency means the time of your action (while playing games, watching videos, etc.) and the response rate from the network.
- The lower the latency, the more you can enjoy your game.
- Fiber internet has the lowest latency compared to all internet connections.
- Remember Fiber internet connection is not available worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 10 Mbps upload good for streaming?
10 MBPS is equal to 10000 KBPS, and that is an excellent speed for streaming even if you’re demonstrating your gaming skills through live stream. With this internet speed, you don’t have to worry about anything. You can enjoy your game without any hindrance.
Is 100 Mbps fast enough for streaming?
100 Mbps is an enormous speed for anything, even if you’re streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and twitch at a time. 100 Mbps is equal to 100,000 Kbps, and remember, we only need 6000 kbps (6 Mbps) speed for streaming in 1080 resolution with 60 FPS (Frame Per Seconds).
What Internet speed do I need for live streaming?
Every platform recommends a different speed for live streaming. For example, twitch 3000 to 4000 kbps for 720p and 4000 to 6000 kbps for 1080p.
You need to check the required speed from the official site of the platform. However, if we talk about the average speed for live streaming, you need 3000 to 4000 Kbps (3 to 4 Mbps).
Is 500 Mbps good for streaming?
500 Mbps is a tremendous speed for live streaming. You can quickly go live on many platforms at a time in 4k quality.
Final Words
Well! That’s all about the internet speed for streaming twitch so far. If you don’t have a Fiber internet connection in your area, you can rely on a DSL and cable internet connection. But make sure that you choose a package that offers the required upload and download speed.