Twitch Bitrate Calculator
Twitch caps non-partner streams at 6,000 Kbps — this calculator finds the best quality you can fit under that cap and warns you the moment your settings exceed it.
Settings
Results
1920×1080 @ 60fpsVideo Bitrate Range
Use These Settings in OBS
OBS → Settings → Output → Streaming
Codec Comparison
| Codec | Bitrate | File Size | vs H.264 |
|---|---|---|---|
| H.264 (AVC)active | 12.13 Mbps | 5.08 GB | 100% |
| H.265 (HEVC) | 7.33 Mbps | 3.07 GB | 60% |
| VP9 | 7.33 Mbps | 3.07 GB | 60% |
| AV1 | 6.13 Mbps | 2.57 GB | 51% |
| ProRes 422 | 42.13 Mbps | 17.66 GB | 347% |
| ProRes 4444 | 60.13 Mbps | 25.20 GB | 496% |
Recommended Settings at a Glance
| Scenario | Video Bitrate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 720p 30fps | 2,500–3,000 Kbps | Minimum viable; very safe |
| 720p 60fps | 4,000–4,500 Kbps | Great for fast games on weak upload |
| 900p/936p 60fps | 5,500–6,000 Kbps | Sharpest motion under the cap |
| 1080p 30fps | 4,500–5,500 Kbps | Best for slower content |
| 1080p 60fps | 6,000 Kbps (max) | The standard competitive setting |
How This Calculator Works
Twitch is the only major platform with a hard bitrate ceiling that affects every streamer: 6,000 Kbps for non-partners, with transcoding (quality options for viewers) not guaranteed even for partners above that. That changes the whole optimization problem — instead of asking "what bitrate do I need?", you're asking "what's the best quality I can deliver inside 6,000 Kbps?".
For most channels the answer is 1080p 60fps at exactly 6,000 Kbps with H.264, or 936p/900p 60fps if your content is very fast-moving — downscaling slightly concentrates the same bitrate into fewer pixels, which looks sharper in motion than starved 1080p.
The calculator preselects Twitch so its cap and per-resolution recommendations apply automatically. If the warning banner appears, lower resolution, frame rate, or motion setting until you're inside the limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the max bitrate for Twitch?
Twitch recommends a maximum of 6,000 Kbps video bitrate for non-partners. Streams above it may be rejected or fail to get transcoding options, so viewers on slow connections can't drop to a lower quality.
Is 6000 bitrate good for 1080p 60fps on Twitch?
It's the best you're allowed. 6,000 Kbps at 1080p60 works well for moderate-motion content, but for very fast games (shooters, racing) many streamers get visibly better results at 936p or 900p 60fps with the same 6,000 Kbps.
Does Twitch support HEVC or AV1?
Twitch's enhanced broadcasting beta has experimented with HEVC/AV1, but standard RTMP ingest is still H.264. Assume H.264 at 6,000 Kbps unless you're in the beta program.
What upload speed do I need for Twitch at 6,000 Kbps?
At least 8–10 Mbps upload. Your stream (about 6.1 Mbps with audio) should stay under 70–80% of your measured upload speed to survive network fluctuations.