Dropped frames on Twitch can be incredibly frustrating. When your stream starts to lag, it can be hard to keep your viewers engaged. In this article, we will discuss some tips that show you how to stop dropped frames on Twitch and improve your streaming experience!
7 Ways to Stop Dropped Frames On Twitch
1. Reduce your Resolution In OBS
Higher-resolution streams generally require computers with powerful CPU usage. This is because the streams are of a higher quality and resolution than standard streams. In this regard, it is essential to match the quality of the live streaming equipment you use and the stream resolution.
In case you are using a laptop or computer to live stream, consider reducing the stream resolution to a smaller size. This may help to reduce or fix frame drops. Here’s how to reduce your resolution in OBS:
- Open your OBS streaming software and click on File at the upper-left corner of your screen. Then, click on Settings. On the pop up, go to the left menu and click on Video.
- You should see the current stream resolution next to Output (Scaled) Resolution on the right panel. To reduce your resolution, click on the drop-down arrow to the right and select the resolution you prefer.
- Once done, click Apply, then click OK.
2. Reduce Your Bitrate in OBS
Alternatively, you may be sending more stream data than your internet connection is capable of taking up. The amount of stream data sent to Twitch per second is referred to as bitrate or internet speed. If your connection is unstable, some data is lost. On the other hand, if you’re confident in your internet speed, you’re more inclined to stream higher-quality videos.
Unfortunately, determining the proper balance between stream data and internet speed is difficult. The easiest way to do this would be by trial and error. So, here’s how to adjust your bitrate in obs.
- Open your OBS streaming software and click on File at the upper-left side of your screen. In the menu that appears, click on Settings.
- Navigate to the left-side menu of the Settings window, and click on Output. Then, go to the Streaming section, and adjust the Video Bitrate value to your liking.
- Once done, click Apply, then click OK.
3. Use A Hardwired Connection Instead Of WiFi
Although it is easier to connect to your Wi-Fi wirelessly than using cables, the latter may provide higher stream quality. We recommend using an Ethernet cable to connect your router or modem. This helps to eliminate the inconsistencies in signal strength that are typical with wireless connections. Afterward, the number of frames dropped in your streams will most likely decrease or cease to exist.
4. Close Any Unnecessary Apps On Your Computer
A not-so-obvious cause for dropping frames is the simultaneous use of other applications on your computer while streaming. You would want to achieve the strongest, most stable internet connection while streaming. Having unnecessary applications running on your computer takes up your network resources and internet bandwidth. Therefore, before you start steaming, make sure to close all the unnecessary programs on your computer. This is how.
- Go to the taskbar on your computer and right-click on any empty space. Then, click on the Task Manager.
- The Task Manager will allow you to scan which applications are consuming the most traffic. Make sure to close the ones you don’t need by right-clicking on each application and clicking End Task.
- Once done, restart your streaming software and assess if the dropping frames stop.
5. Check your firewall settings
You may want to confirm there is no firewall blocking your stream video. Here’s how.
- On Windows, go to the global navigation on your computer and search for the windows firewall. Then, click on Windows Defender Firewall.
- On the Windows Defender Firewall window that appears on your screen, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
- Check the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) boxes for both Private and Public network settings. Once done, click OK.
- Now, go back to your streaming software and see if the dropping frames have stopped. If the dropping frames have stopped, you can temporarily disable windows firewall while streaming or add an obs32.exe/obs64.exe exception to your firewall setting and reactivate it. If not, make sure to turn the windows firewall setting back on for your computer’s protection.
6. Stream to A Server closest to you
A general rule of thumb is that servers closest to you will have a stronger connection than farther ones. If you’re not sure which server gives the optimal performance, you can try changing them manually and comparing them. A useful way to find the best server is through TwitchTest.
7. Don’t Watch Videos Or View Your Own Stream While Streaming
Similar to closing unnecessary applications while streaming, make sure to avoid watching videos or your own stream. This will ensure that your internet bandwidth is used optimally to stream your feed. Optimum bandwidth then translates to reduced or no dropping frames.
Stream Settings For Low-End PCs
Even with a low-budget stream setup, you can still achieve the highest stream quality. For best case stream quality, we recommend an Output Scaled Resolution of 1280×720 with a minimum of 852x480p. Any less and the stream video quality will be extremely poor.
Wrap Up
There you go, these settings and quick fixes should help you reduce or get rid of dropping frames. With the removal of dropping frames, your viewers are likely to return for more seamless streaming experiences. In case you have any more concerns, feel free to leave us a comment below.
Read More From Get On Stream:
