How to Set Frame Rate on Facebook Live

A choppy or blurry live broadcast can cause viewers to tune out in seconds, but achieving a smooth, professional stream on Facebook Live is easier than you might think. A huge part of that video quality comes down to frame rate. This guide will walk you through exactly what frame rate is, how to set it in your streaming software, and how to choose the right setting for your specific content.

What is Frame Rate (FPS) and Why Does It Matter for Facebook Live?

Before changing any settings, it helps to understand what you’re actually adjusting. Frame rate, measured in Frames Per Second (FPS), is the number of individual images, or frames, that are displayed on screen every second to create the illusion of motion. Think of it like a digital flipbook - the more pages you flip per second, the smoother the animation appears.

In the world of video, there are a few standard frame rates:

• 24 FPS: This is the standard for movies and gives content a classic, "cinematic" feel. It’s generally not used for live streaming because it can look slightly jerky with fast motion.
• 30 FPS: This has long been the standard for broadcast television and online video. It provides a clean, smooth look that works for almost any type of content and is very forgiving on most internet connections and computers.
• 60 FPS: This is a higher frame rate that results in incredibly smooth, fluid motion. It’s ideal for content with a lot of fast action, like video games, sports, or fitness tutorials.

So, why does this matter for your Facebook Live stream? It’s all about balancing quality with performance. A higher frame rate looks better, but it also requires more from your computer’s processor and your internet’s upload speed. If your hardware or internet can't keep up, your stream will start dropping frames, leading to stuttering and lag. A smooth, stable 30 FPS stream is always better than a stuttering, unstable 60 FPS stream.

Before You Go Live: Facebook's Recommended Settings

Facebook provides official guidelines to help creators get the best results. While you can sometimes push these limits, sticking to their recommendations is a great starting point for a stable broadcast. You can't set these directly on Facebook, you'll configure them in your streaming tool.

Here are Facebook’s key video specifications:

• Resolution: Up to 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels). 720p (1280 x 720) is also a fantastic, less resource-intensive option.
• Frame Rate: Recommended maximum of 60 FPS. They specifically suggest 30 FPS for most streams to balance quality and stability.
• Video Bitrate: This is the amount of data dedicated to your video stream. For 1080p at 30 FPS, Facebook suggests a range of 3,000 to 6,000 Kbps. A higher bitrate generally means better quality but again, requires more upload speed.
• Keyframe Interval: Set this to 2 seconds. A keyframe is a full image that's sent to the server every few seconds. In between, your software only sends the parts of the image that have changed. A 2-second interval is the industry standard.

With these guidelines in mind, you can now dive into your software and get everything configured correctly.

How to Set Frame Rate on Facebook Live (Using Streaming Software)

Your frame rate isn’t set on Facebook's website itself. Instead, you configure it within the third-party broadcasting software you use to send your video feed to Facebook. Most creators use tools like OBS Studio or Streamlabs Desktop. The process is very similar for both.

Setting Your Frame Rate in OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a powerful, free, and popular choice for live streaming. Changing your frame rate only takes a moment.

1. Open OBS Studio on your computer.
2. In the top menu bar, navigate to File >, Settings. (On a Mac, it's OBS >, Settings).
3. In the Settings window, click on the Video tab on the left-hand menu.
4. You'll see a few dropdown menus here. Look for the one labeled "Common FPS Values."
5. Click the dropdown and select your desired frame rate. You’ll see common options like 30 and 60. Select one of these. It's best to avoid the "Integer FPS Value" or "Fractional FPS Value" unless you have a specific technical reason to use them.
6. Once you've made your selection, click Apply at the bottom right, and then OK.

That's it. OBS will now send your stream to Facebook at the frame rate you specified.

Setting Your Frame Rate in Streamlabs Desktop

Streamlabs Desktop is another popular streaming tool built on the OBS engine. The steps are just as straightforward.

1. Open Streamlabs Desktop.
2. Look for the gear icon (Settings) in the bottom-left corner of the application and click it.
3. In the Settings panel, select the Video tab.
4. You will find the "Common FPS Values" dropdown right below the resolution settings.
5. Click the dropdown and choose your target FPS, typically 30 or 60.
6. Click Done to save your changes.

Just like with OBS, Streamlabs will now output your stream at your chosen frame rate.

A Note for Other Broadcasting Tools

If you're using other software like vMix, Ecamm Live, or Restream Studio, the principle remains the same. Search for the "Video Settings," "Output Settings," or "Quality" section within the application’s preferences. You will almost always find a clear option to set the frame rate (FPS).

Which Frame Rate is Right For You? 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

Now that you know how to change your frame rate, which one should you choose? Your decision should be based on your content and your technical capabilities.

When to Use 30 FPS: The Reliable Standard

For the majority of content creators, 30 FPS is the perfect choice. It provides a clear, smooth image that looks professional without being overly taxing on your system.

Use 30 FPS for:

• Talking-head streams: Q&,As, interviews, podcast recordings, webinars.
• Tutorials and Demos: Product demonstrations, cooking shows, or art tutorials where motion is controlled.
• Most general broadcasts: If you’re not sure what to pick, start with 30 FPS. It’s compatible with a wider range of devices and internet speeds, meaning more of your viewers will have a great experience.

The primary benefit of 30 FPS is stability. It’s much easier for an average computer and internet connection to consistently deliver a 30 FPS stream without dropping frames.

When to Use 60 FPS: For High-Action Content

A 60 FPS stream looks visually stunning and remarkably fluid, making it the preferred choice for content with fast-paced action. That buttery-smooth look can make your stream stand out - if you have the power to support it.

Use 60 FPS for:

• Video Game Streaming: Essential for capturing fast, fluid gameplay.
• Sports and Fitness: Great for broadcasting live games, dance classes, or workout sessions.
• Live Events: Concerts or other performances with a lot of movement on stage can benefit from the added smoothness.

Before you commit to 60 FPS, be warned: it is very demanding. You need a powerful modern computer and a fast, wired internet connection with plenty of upload bandwidth (at least 6-10 Mbps upload dedicated just to streaming).

Troubleshooting: What to Do When Your Stream is Choppy

If you've set your frame rate but your stream is still laggy, stuttering, or dropping frames, don’t panic. This is a common issue with a few simple fixes. Your streaming software (like OBS) typically shows a warning or a "Dropped Frames" statistic at the bottom - if that number is climbing, it means your connection isn't keeping up.

Here’s what to check first:

• Too ambitious? Lower your settings. If you tried streaming at 1080p and 60 FPS, your system or internet might be overwhelmed. Try lowering the frame rate to 30 FPS first. If it's still choppy, try reducing the resolution to 720p. A stable 720p30 stream is far more watchable than a lagging 1080p60 stream.
• Use a wired connection. Wi-Fi is convenient but notoriously unstable for live broadcasting. Always plug your computer directly into your router with an Ethernet cable for the most reliable connection.
• Test your upload speed. Go to a website like speedtest.net and run a test. Your upload speed is what matters for streaming. You need it to be consistently higher than the bitrate you set in your streaming software.
• Close unnecessary applications. Your web browser, file-sharing apps, and other software can eat up valuable CPU power and bandwidth. Close everything you're not using for the stream.

Final Thoughts

Mastering your Facebook Live frame rate is about finding the sweet spot between visual quality and performance reliability. By understanding what FPS is and how to adjust it in your broadcasting software, you have the control to create a stable, professional-looking stream that keeps your audience engaged. Always start with 30 FPS as a solid baseline, and remember to test your settings before going live to your full audience.

Managing the fine technical details of a live broadcast is just one piece of creating a successful online brand. We know how much work goes into planning a full content strategy, which is why we built our tools at Postbase to simplify the rest. In a single visual calendar, you can plan your live broadcasts alongside all your other social media content - your Reels, stories, and videos across every platform - so you have a clear view of your entire strategy at a glance.