Have you been planning on uploading your videos on YouTube but are confused on what is the best frame rate for YouTube and video editing?
As you know, a frame rate impacts the size of your video to how your audience watching experiences the video will be like.
Understanding frame rates for a beginner can be a bit tricky but it’s important to get them right especially if you are a YouTuber.
The truth is that when it comes to YouTube you can use any of the frame rates between 24 to 60FPS with a maximum of 8K support when editing your videos. Just know that mostly – 30FPS is the standard rate used in YouTube videos as well as other online platforms.
However, depending on the desired effect you are looking to achieve in your videos, you need to know which frame you should use for YouTube videos.
What‘s Frame Rate and Why It Is Important?
A-frame rate is the number of still images (frames) that appear on a screen. The rate is measured in frames per second (FPS).
Every video we watch consists of a number of still images that are displayed at a certain rate to show picture motion.
For instance, at 30 FPS, 30 distinct images will appear in sequences within one second meaning the video is flipping 30 images per second to display the video. The same goes for other frame rates per second like 24, 25, 50, 60, and 120FPS.
Note that, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of frames per second. Just know that if you increase the number of frames per second the figures in the shot will appear to be moving slower. Likewise, if you decrease the frame rate the characters in the shot will move faster.
Therefore, slow motion will occur when the capture fps is higher than the projection fps, for example, 48/24. Likewise, fast motion occurs when the capture fps is lower than the projection fps for example 12/24.
Keep in mind, when editing a video from multiple sources; it is good to stick to the same frame rate. Otherwise, some parts of the video will look choppy when you export the video since the video can only play in one frame.
Why Frame Rate is Important in Videos?
Frame rates are important in videos since they have a huge impact on the style of the videos you shoot. As you know when it comes to videos, different speed has different effects and this is all made possible by choosing the right frame rate.
For example, if you want to shoot a movie, the best frame rate to use is 24FPS because of its natural cinematic effect. However, for fast action sports, you need a higher rate like 60FPS so to avoid motion blur in your video.
Also, other types of video such as live streaming podcasts and gaming videos tend to use different frame rates. All these differences are meant to keep your videos smooth and clearly detailed.
Always remember, the standard frame rate is 24FPS. Therefore, shooting below 24FPS will give your videos a choppy appearance giving an impression of low-quality footage.
So, by the end of the day, you need to choose the right frame right for your videos.
Most Popular Frame Rates
- 24FPS– This is one of the most popular frame rates in the world. With the vast majority of Hollywood movies being displayed in 24FPS, that makes videos seem more cinematic. Just note that if you want to slow down your footage you need to go for more than 24FPS.
- 25FPS – It is usually a standard frame rate used for TV video content in the UK and other countries that use 50Hz power standards such as Australia, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. Point to note, a lot of modern DSLR cameras offer the option to film in 25FPS which can be confusing if you are used to using 24FPS. However, unless your video content is being played on UK television, just stick to 24FPS.
- 30FPS – is a power standard in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and other countries using 60Hz. Usually used for TV video content in the USA. The 30FPS is also used by content creators in live streaming, daily vlogs, and sporting events. What’s more, since the result in footage feels smoother, the 30FPS is ideal for fast-moving videos too.
- 60FPS – 60FPS is mostly used to record films and applied for slow motion. It provides smoother motion since it’s possible to slow it down to 24 or 30FPS in post-production. The fps is often used to showcase a more cinematic moment such as dramatic scenes.
- 120FPS – A high-speed frame rate, which makes it ideal for slow-motion videos. This means this frame rate is perfect for smooth cinematic events happening quickly in real life like a moving car or someone running.
What is the Lowest Frame Rate for YouTube?
The lowest frame rate recommended by YouTube is 24 or 25FPS depending on which country you are shooting your video from.
Keep in mind, if you go below 24FPS (unless you are recording old silent movies that are made in 8-16FPS), your video will look choppy.
This either gives the viewers the impression of your footage being low quality or there being possible internet connectivity issues.
What Frame Rate Should I Use for Videos?
Basically, there is no one best frame to use for videos as different frame rates serve different purposes. In short, the best frame rate for gaming videos is different from travel videos or slow-motion videos.
So, to answer your question we are going to look at the right frame rate that will make your video podcasts, gaming videos, and academic videos among others look great.
Video Podcasts – 24 or 30FPS
The best frame rates for video podcasts are either 24 or 30FPS.
These provide a smooth, high-quality video on most displays. Do note that live stream podcasts such as Facebook and YouTube have their own maximum limit of fps.
For Facebook, the maximum is 30FPS while YouTube is 60FPS. Keep in mind; these frames are also good for webinars and interviews too.
Gaming Videos – 60FPS
When it comes to gaming, different fps are used to play different types of video games. For instance, 30FPS is suitable for slow-paced games while 60FPS is the ideal frame rate for most gaming and video editing at the same time.
120FPS is used in high-end gaming PCs for fast responsiveness, smoothness, clarity, and an amazing viewing experience. Finally, 240FPS is ideal for e-sports games and is usually reserved for the fastest 240Hz monitors. So, basically, you could play as high fps as you want but we would recommend rendering it to 60FPS for YouTube uploading.
Makeup Videos – 60FPS
If you are aiming for your viewers to enjoy video smoothness and clarity then use 60fps. Although some makeup content creators use 30FPS, the videos have a jagged feel on especially when watching on a smartphone that is capable of 60FPS.
Academy Videos – 24 or 30FPS
Just like video podcasts, academic videos can be shot between 24 to 30FPS. Since the sole purpose of the video is teaching, you won’t need to add any extra frame as slow-motion scenes aren’t necessary.
Please note, additional animation parts can also be accommodated in the given frames.
Health and Fitness Videos – 24 or 30FPS
If you want to focus more on your workouts or the equipment then you should capture your videos using 24 or 30FPS.
On the other hand, if you are going for slow-motion workouts 60FPS will work out great.
Daily Vlogs – 30 or 60FPS
30FPS is the typical frame rate for daily vlogs which don’t have any action sequence or slow-motion explosions.
Anyway if you usually do some extra stuff on your vlogs, traveling, visiting places, filming on the go, 60FPS is ideal for that.
YouTube Shorts – 30FPS or 60FPS
Even if the length limit for the YouTube shorts video is 60 seconds, the best frame to use for YouTube shorts is 30 or 60FPS and it depends on your content.
If you are just talking and giving information on YouTube short video – use 30FPS and if you create videos that are in action without talking – 60FPS is a way to go.
Slow Motion Videos – 120FPS
There are several fps you can use to shoot slow-motion videos. However, 60FPS is the lowest frame rate to use to ensure your footage isn’t choppy while the super slow motion can go up to 1000FPS.
For example, 60FPS is suitable if you want to slow down someone blowing candles on a cake or walking. For things to appear moving slightly faster like in sports or a dog running, the 120FPS is ideal.
On the other hand, 240 to 480FPS is great at slowing down sports that happen too quickly for the eyes to see such as fast sports, golf swings, and water splashing among others. For 960 to 1000FPS, you get to see in slow motion explosion scenes, balloon popping or breaking of things.
Note that, slow-motion occurs when the shooting video frame rate is higher than the playback frame rate. For example, when you shoot a video at 120FPS and play it back at 30FPS, the footage will appear four times slower.
Travel Videos – 60FPS
For travel videos the perfect frame rate is 60FPS. The frame rate ensures your travel videos look smoother and professional, overall, making it easier to for your viewers to watch your adventures.
What Equipment is Required for Making Best Frame Rate Videos?
First off, to achieve the best frame rate in videos you need to have the best camera as well as a monitor and video editing software by your side. Yes, just about every camera that shoots video supports common frame rates of 24, 30, and 60FPS.
But, if you are interested in adding shooting slow-motion videos, you need a camera that supports high frame rates. In this section, we are going to share some cameras with different rates.
Compact, lightweight, and versatile camera, Z6 II is one of our top picks. The camera is perfect for shooting fast-moving action and even slow-motion videos as it can push 1080p footage to 120FPS.
What‘s more, the camera records 4K full-frame at up to 30FPS. Therefore, this mirrorless camera is suitable for videographers shooting daily vlogs, video podcasts, interviews, as well as fast-moving action videos.
The camera can shoot Cinematic 4K videos at a rate of 60 frames per second or 1080p at up to 240FPS. Also, you can record slow-motion and fast motion videos with up to a 2.5 x slow-motion effect for 4K and up to 10x slow-motion effect for Full HD content.
The best part is that the camera is capable of shooting at 4K UHD with a full-frame at 24, 25, or 30FPS as well as 1080p at up to 120 fps for slow-motion videos.
Interestingly enough, the a7 III is able to interpret footage in-camera, an example is it can capture 1080p at the highest 120FPS, but interpret it for playback at 24FPS.
- The Razer Kiyo maintains even and flattering lighting and eliminates harsh shadows with a multi-step ring light with adjustable lighting levels
- With 720 p resolution at 60 fps, the Razer Kiyo maintains visual fidelity during streaming
- The Razer Kiyo supports streaming on popular platforms like open broadcaster software and Xsplit
- Fast and accurate autofocus for seamlessly sharp footage
- The Razer Kiyo is easy to pack and take along when travelling or heading to a gaming convention
Monitors for Editing
It run-ups to a 60Hz refresh rate which is plenty fast enough to display for editing 60FPS videos. Notably, though it’s not quite the high speed for serious gamers, the monitor is suitable for everyday video editing as well as photo editing.
What’s more, the monitor has a low input lag that makes it very responsive as well as a fast pixel response time that enables it to display fast-moving videos with very little blur.
Super thin, 4K UHD resolution, HDR support and AMD FreeSync technology helps you to make super quality YouTube videos. Definitely one of the best monitors for video editing.
Aside from that, the monitor has a 27-inch panel with a native resolution of 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) capability. With a 60Hz refresh rate and 12 ms response time, the monitor is truly strictly for content creators as well as photo editors.
Quick Summary
Keep in mind, that most of the time the best frame rate for YouTube videos is 60FPS.
Glen Beker
I am Glen and I’m a 100% tech-addicted guy, Blogger, Video Editor and Entrepreneur. I spent a lot of my time learning how to properly edit videos, I've tested a lot of vlogging equipment and now with my team, I share all these tips with you.
