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Understanding Internet Requirements for Live Streaming

When you go live on CommentSold, your device encodes video and audio into a data stream that is sent to CommentSold's servers and delivered to your viewers in real time. 

Recommended Bitrate Settings


Higher bitrate produces a sharper, smoother picture. A minimum of 2.5 mbit are required to live stream. A rate lower than that will surface a low speed warning on your dashboard and you may experience issues. 

Resolution Frame Rate Video Bitrate
720p (HD) 30 fps 2.5 - 4 mbit
1080p (Full HD) 30 fps 4 - 6 mbit
1080p (Full HD) 60 fps 6 - 8 mbit

Upload Speed Requirements


Your upload speed determines the amount of data your device can send. 

Your upload latency (pingms) determines how quickly that data travels from your device to the internet. 

Stream Quality Target Minimum Upload Speed Recommended Upload Speed Recommended Latency (Ping)
720p / 30 fps 5 Mbps 10 Mbps 20 - 50 ms
1080p / 30 fps 8 Mbps 15 Mbps under 20 ms
1080p / 60 fps 12 Mbps 20 Mbps under 20 ms

To check your current upload speed, visit a speed test site such as fast.com or speedtest.net from the same network and device you'll be streaming from. Run the test two or three times and use the average result. Here's an example of where you can find the data listed above in a speed test dashboard. 

Upload Speed

 

 

 

Latency

 

 

 

Tips for Improving Stream Stability


  • Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi whenever possible. Wi-Fi introduces variable latency and is sensitive to interference from other devices.
  • Move closer to your router. 
  • Switch your source. Try switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data or vice versa. 
  • Stream on a dedicated network or ask others on your network to pause heavy downloads and video calls during your show.
  • Restart your router before going live if you've noticed sluggish internet performance earlier in the day.
  • Close background apps on your streaming device — browser tabs, cloud sync services, and software updates all consume upload bandwidth.

Frequently Asked Questions


Can I stream from my phone?

Yes. For the best results, connect to a strong Wi-Fi network and stay within range of the router during your show.

My upload and latency speed looks fine, but my stream still drops. What should I check?

Speed tests measure a single moment in time. Sustained streaming requires a consistent connection over the entire duration of your show. Run the test two or three times and use the average to get a clearer result. Make sure no other devices are consuming bandwidth, and try switching from Wi-Fi to a wired connection. 

My upload speed looks fine, but my latency is very high. What should I do?

The fastest way to resolve latency issues is to switch to a wired Ethernet connection, close background apps, and restart your router. If your latency remains high after that, you will need to contact your internet provider. 

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