Getting the bitrate right is key to a smooth stream. Too low? Blurry. Too high? Laggy AF or completely fails.
Here’s how to dial in the perfect bitrate based on your resolution, platform, and network.
🎯 What is Bitrate?
Bitrate = how much video data you send per second (measured in Mbps).
- Higher bitrate = better quality, but needs a stronger connection
- Lower bitrate = more stable, especially on mobile data
You can select your bitrate in the Go Live screen under Settings → Bitrate.
✅ Castream Bitrate Recommendations
Resolution | Standard Bitrate | High Bitrate (Pro Plan) |
720p | 1.5–3 Mbps | 3.5–4.5 Mbps |
1080p | 4–5 Mbps | 5.5–6 Mbps |
If you’re unsure — 720p @ 2.5 Mbps is a solid sweet spot for most streams.
📡 Choose Based on Your Network
📶 Strong Wi-Fi
- Use High Bitrate
- Great for 1080p
- Most stable option
📱 Mobile Data (LTE / 5G)
- Stick to Standard Bitrate
- Use 720p if you’re on the move
- Watch out for throttling after heavy usage
🛑 Weak Signal?
- Drop to 720p / 1.5 Mbps
- Close other apps
- Avoid switching networks mid-stream
⚙️ Platform Bitrate Limits
Platform | Max Recommended Bitrate |
YouTube | 6,000 Kbps (6 Mbps) |
Twitch | 6,000 Kbps (non-partner) |
Facebook | ~4,000–6,000 Kbps |
TikTok | ~2,500–4,000 Kbps |
Instagram | ~3,500 Kbps |
Castream makes sure you don’t go over most platform limits — but it’s good to know the ceilings.
🧠 Pro Tips
- Always test first (use Facebook’s "Only Me" privacy or YouTube unlisted mode)
- Don’t max it out — leave headroom for network dips
- Bitrate ≠ resolution — 1080p with low bitrate looks worse than 720p done right
- Use High Bitrate only if your signal is rock solid
🔥 TL;DR Bitrate Cheatsheet
Situation | Suggested Setting |
Wi-Fi, strong | 1080p @ 5–6 Mbps |
Mobile data | 720p @ 2.5 Mbps |
Sketchy connection | 720p @ 1.5 Mbps |
Going everywhere | 720p @ 3 Mbps (safe) |
That’s it — pick the right bitrate, test your setup, and stream with confidence.
Need help figuring out what’s best for your setup? Hit up support@castream.io and we’ll help you dial it in.