What is the Correct Keyframe Interval Setting in OBS Studio?

Introduction

A keyframe interval, also known as an i-frame interval, is an encoding setting that determines how often the entire picture is transmitted. This setting is crucial for maintaining the quality and latency of your stream.

Recommended Keyframe Interval

We typically recommend a keyframe interval of 2 seconds for most streaming scenarios.

Keyframe Interval Settings in OBS Studio

1. Default Setting

   • Setting the keyframe interval to 0 seconds in OBS Studio changes it to ‘AUTO’, which is approximately 8 seconds. This can affect both the quality and latency of your stream.

2. Static Scenes

   • For static scenes, such as a news desk or talk show, a keyframe interval of 2 seconds is sufficient.

3. Action-Packed Streams

   • For action-packed streams, like sporting events, use a shorter keyframe interval of around 1 second.

Importance of Keyframe Interval

• Quality and Latency: A shorter keyframe interval can improve the quality and reduce the latency of your stream.
• HLS Playback: For HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) playback, video chunks must start on a keyframe.
• Adaptive Bitrate Streaming: A set keyframe interval is required as a seek point for the player.

Additional Tips

• Check Your Settings: Ensure your keyframe interval is correctly set in OBS Studio to avoid quality and latency issues.
• Consult the Guide: For more information on encoding best practices, refer to our Encoding Best Practices Guide.