Resolution and frame rate explained

Resolution and frame rate are the two settings that decide how your stream looks. Here is what each one does, in plain English, and what to pick when you are out on mobile data.

What resolution is

Resolution is the number of pixels in the picture. You will see it written as 720p (1280x720) or 1080p (1920x1080). The more pixels you have, the sharper and more detailed the image looks.

1080p packs in roughly twice as many pixels as 720p, so text and fine detail come through cleaner. That extra detail is not free, though, which is where your connection comes in.

What frame rate is

Frame rate is how many frames per second, or fps, you send. For IRL streaming this is usually 30 or 60. The more frames you send each second, the smoother motion looks.

At 30 fps, motion is perfectly watchable. At 60 fps, panning shots and quick movement look noticeably smoother, because there are twice as many frames filling in the gaps.

They both cost bitrate

Here is the key thing to remember: higher resolution and higher frame rate both need more bitrate to look good. And more bitrate needs a stronger, steadier connection to carry it without stuttering.

• More pixels means more data per frame.
• More frames means more of those frames every second.
• Both push your bitrate up, and on mobile data your connection is the main limit.

So the highest numbers are not always the best choice. If you set a high resolution and frame rate but your connection cannot keep up, your stream will drop or turn to mush.

Recommended for IRL

720p at 30 fps is a great, reliable default. It looks good, uses less bitrate, and holds up well when you are moving through weaker signal.

• Resolution: stick with 720p for mobile, and step up to 1080p when your connection is strong and steady.
• Frame rate: choose 60 fps for fast motion, like walking briskly or fast games, and stick with 30 fps for talking or slower content to save bitrate.

Match the settings to the moment. A relaxed chat stream does not need the same settings as a fast walk through a busy city.

Setting them in the app

In Super Simple IRL, the Advanced settings let you pick your resolution and frame rate directly.

• Resolution: choose 720p, 1080p, or Native.
• Frame rate: choose 30 or 60 fps.

Match them to your connection, not just the highest numbers. If your stream looks unstable, dropping the resolution or frame rate is often the quickest fix. For more on how bitrate ties into all of this, see what is bitrate.

Frequently asked questions