Online video platforms: What is the Max Bitrate to Set in OBS or any other transcoder?

When streaming or recording videos using Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), setting the appropriate bitrate is crucial to ensure optimal video quality and smooth playback. While Apple recommends a maximum bitrate of 7800 Kbps for its devices, which can be a good basis to start with, different online video platforms have their own requirements and limitations. In this article, we will explore the recommended maximum bitrates for popular platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Understanding Bitrate

Bitrate refers to the amount of data transmitted per second in a video stream. It directly affects the video's quality and file size. Higher bitrates result in better image fidelity but also larger file sizes and increased bandwidth requirements for streaming.

Max Bitrate Recommendations for Different Platforms

Twitch

Twitch is a leading platform for live streaming and has specific guidelines for bitrate settings. For most streamers, the maximum recommended bitrate on Twitch is 6000 Kbps. However, Twitch does support Partners and Affiliates to go beyond this limit, up to 8000 Kbps, as long as their encoding settings and hardware can handle it. It's important to consider the viewers' internet connections and device capabilities to ensure a smooth viewing experience.

YouTube

YouTube allows for higher bitrates compared to many other platforms. While it recommends a maximum bitrate of 8000 Kbps, it also supports up to 51,000 Kbps for 4K resolution videos. However, keep in mind that excessively high bitrates can cause playback issues for viewers with limited internet speeds or older devices. It is often recommended to set the bitrate to match the resolution of the video being streamed or recorded.

TikTok

TikTok is primarily a mobile-oriented platform, and it employs various compression techniques to optimize video playback. It is advisable to use a bitrate of around 3000 Kbps for TikTok videos to ensure compatibility and fast upload times. Higher bitrates are unlikely to provide noticeable improvements in quality due to TikTok's compression algorithms.

Facebook

For streaming on Facebook Live, the recommended maximum bitrate is 4000 Kbps. While Facebook supports higher bitrates, it is advisable to consider the average internet speeds of viewers and the potential for buffering issues. Keeping the bitrate within the recommended range ensures a wider audience can enjoy the stream without interruptions.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Live is a professional-oriented streaming platform. It recommends a maximum bitrate of 3500 Kbps for 1080p resolution videos. Similar to other platforms, maintaining a balance between video quality and a smooth viewing experience is essential. Higher bitrates can strain viewers' internet connections, especially in corporate environments.

While Apple's HLS specification suggests a maximum bitrate of 7800 Kbps for its devices, different online video platforms have varying limitations. When using OBS to stream or record videos, it is important to consider the platform you are targeting and its recommended maximum bitrate. Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn each have their own guidelines.

For online video platforms with advanced features, please have a look at our comparison guide for more insight

Article written by
Sylvain Corvaisier

Independent streaming and iOS engineer

Last modified: February 3rd, 2025