What is bitrate, and how does it affect the quality of a livestream?

Bitrate refers to the amount of data used per unit of time to encode a video or audio stream, typically measured in bits per second (bps) or kilobits per second (kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps). It essentially determines the amount of information contained within the stream. The bitrate directly impacts the quality of a livestream because a higher bitrate allows for more detail and accuracy in the video and audio, resulting in a sharper, clearer, and more vibrant image and a richer, more detailed sound. Conversely, a lower bitrate results in a less detailed and potentially pixelated or blurry image and a compressed or distorted sound. For example, a livestream encoded at 5 Mbps will generally have significantly better video quality than a stream encoded at 1 Mbps, assuming all other factors, like codec and resolution, are equal. However, a higher bitrate also requires more bandwidth for both the streamer and the viewers. If the viewer's internet connection is too slow to support the bitrate, they may experience buffering, lag, or other playback issues. Therefore, choosing an appropriate bitrate involves balancing quality with bandwidth considerations, taking into account the target audience's internet capabilities and the platform's recommendations.