What Internet Speed You Need For Live Streaming?

Let's cover some basics before we get started. There are two types of data transfers on the Internet—uploads and downloads.

Uploading is the process of sending data to the Internet from your local device. Posting an image on Facebook, sending an email, and broadcasting live are all examples of content uploading.

What Internet Speed Do You Need To Live Stream?

Like download speeds, upload speeds depend on the size and bandwidth of the video file. For live streaming, the size of the video file depends on the quality of the content. We recommend the speed of upload of:

• 3 Mbps for 480p
• 6 Mps for 720p
• 13 Mbps for 1080p

Upload the speed requirements for live streaming through video platforms

We recommend a minimum upload speed of 100 Mbps for live streaming. On most platforms, this will give you a slight buffer to account for upload speed fluctuations. Different streaming platforms have different video quality requirements. Some are optimised so that you can broadcast low-resolution video from your cell phone whenever you want, while others try to make it possible for viewers to tune to TV-quality streams.

Twitch

Facebook Live

YouTube

What Can Affect Your Internet Connection?

There could be many factors impacting internet speed and we have outlined them here for you.

1. Your broadband network

   ACT Fibernet delivers internet service to your home through fibernet. However, DSL and lower broadband services are usually wired using copper. Most high-speed broadband services deliver internet via a hybrid fiber and copper network. ACT Fibernet provides the internet directly to your home using a 100% fiber network.

2. Home network

   Many factors inside your home can affect the rate at which you send or receive data over the internet. These include:

   1. If the wiring is older, the connection tends to get weaker.
   2. Distance between the router and your device. It is always advisable to place your router in a central location.
   3. Duration and type of router that you have been using. It is recommended that you replace your router every few years and upgrade your router based on your internet plan.
   4. Number of devices connected to the internet. The number of devices using your internet bandwidth can congest the network causing slow speeds.
   5. Type of connection used

3. Connection types

   You can connect your home internet through a wired ethernet cable or a wireless connection. Wired cable connections use Cat5e or Cat6 wires connected to the ethernet port on your wall or router. Wired connections give consistent performance and speed. Wireless connections provide you flexibility to move through your home, but they are not as fast as a wired connection. You get the best Wi-Fi signal closest to your router, and, with fewer devices running.

4. Type and number of devices

   All devices have a maximum internet speed they can reach. However, that internet speed may not be as fast as your internet service plan. For example, if your older laptop or mobile only supports 20Mbps and you have 1Gbps internet plan, your laptop will never be able to reach more than 20 Mbps internet speed.

5. TV and internet speed

   In a lot of cases, TV and the internet connections in your home come in through the same cable. Using both services at the same time takes up more available bandwidth and can take a toll on your internet download speeds. For example, watching multiple HD shows at the same time as very high data consumption internet usage, such as downloading a complete HD movie file on your computer, may lead to lower internet speeds as compared with internet speeds when no other uses are happening on your home internet network.