4K Bitrate Explained: Best Settings for 4K Videos, YouTube, and 60FPS

Introduction

To define video quality using a 4K bitrate, you should consider two different factors: 4K, which refers to resolution with more pixels, and bit rate, which refers to the amount of data processed per second in a video. The perfect balance between 4K and bit rate makes the video streaming experience seamless and satisfying. So, let's explore 4K Video bitrate in various dimensions with a video upscaling option from 4K to 8K.

What is 4K Bitrate? 

In the term 4K bitrate, 4K defines video resolution with 3840(Width) × 2160(Height) pixels and around 8.3 million pixels total. On the other hand, Bitrate refers to the number of data transmitted in a video per second. 

So, since 4K has more pixels, which means more data, to process or transmit more data in any video, you need a higher Bitrate. However, a higher Bitrate leads to large file size, more bandwidth, more device storage, etc., and with a lower Bitrate, you will end up with blurry or pixelated video with the same 4K resolution. 

So, to balance 4K and adequate Bitrate, you have to consider several other factors such as video format, video compression process, frame rate, content matter, display device, streaming platform, etc. So, let's get a detailed analysis of why and how to select the suitable Bitrate for a 4K video. 

What Are the Best Uses of 4K Video Bitrate? 

The best 4K bitrate combination has been used in various ways to meet various streaming purposes. So, let's see some of the most common fields where the best 4K video bitrate combination gives the best streaming satisfaction. 

• OTT Streaming Service: To ensure high-quality streaming, the leading OTT services, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, etc., offer high Bitrates to provide a crystal-clear 4K streaming experience. 

• Live Streaming: To enjoy live matches, sports events, or live concerts with seamless streaming satisfaction, you need the best 4K Bitrate combination. 

• Video Gaming: With a perfect 4K bitrate, gamers can enjoy any video game in an exciting and engaging manner. Twitch is one of the best platforms for uploading or downloading various gaming assets and playing video games using the best 4K video Bitrate. 

• Presentation or Project Video: Whether it's your office presentation or any academic project video, the best 4K Bitrate will excel in video quality with a crisp image and professional appeal. 

• Post Production & Video Editing: To edit movies in post-production, filmmakers use the high Bitrate for 4K video to balance quality with efficiency. 

Why to Select a Suitable Bitrate for 4K?

Before getting into the guide on how to select the best Bitrate for a 4K video, you must know why you need to select the correct Bitrate for any 4K video. 

• Excel viewing experience: The perfect 4K bitrate combination will enhance the video streaming experience on various device displays, giving it a more professional appeal and high viewer engagement. 

• Increase video quality: The same 4K video with a different bit rate will give you a different visual experience. A higher Bit Rate will provide you with sharper, clearer, and more detailed video images, while a low bit rate will give you pixelated and blurry video.

• Device storage compatibility: You need to know the best 4K bitrate combination to fit the video into your device's storage. More Bitrate means a larger file size that requires more device storage, and vice versa. 

• Lossless Compression: While using advanced compression to reduce any video file size, with adequate Bitrate, the video will not lose any essential data. The reduced compressed file will have original video quality without losing any data. 

Best Bitrate for 4K Streaming: How to Choose

When you know the best uses and most common reasons for 4K Bitrate compatibility, it's time to select the most appropriate Bitrate to stream your preferred 4K video, depending on your specifications.

• Follow the guidelines of the streaming platform: If you are streaming, uploading, or downloading any 4K video on a specific platform such as YouTube, Social media, OTT, Twitch, etc., you must follow the specific guidelines about the Bitrate selection option and process of that particular platform to make the most of your streaming purpose. 

• Select Bitrate depending on your internet speed: Streaming a 4K video with a high Bitrate will be easy and seamless if you have a high-speed internet connection, as a higher Bitrate needs high bandwidth to process more data without buffering. On the contrary, with low internet speed, you must go for a low Bitrate to stream the same 4K video. Otherwise, with low internet and a high Bitrate, you will end up with a video with huge buffering. 

• Try with various exported outputs and compare: Export the same 4K video file in various Bitrates and then compare the video quality and file size according to your streaming requirement. Choose the most suitable 4K Bitrate combination that balances the video quality and efficiency. 

• Prioritize the video content: If your selected 4K video has lots of motion, such as action scenes, gaming clips, etc., you definitely need a higher Bitrate for flawless streaming. However, you can easily go for a low Bitrate if the 4K content has static videos, such as podcasts, tutorials, etc. 

• Bitrate Calculator: The ready-to-use bitrate calculator is one of the smartest ways to select a suitable Bitrate for 4K video. It will help you adjust the Bitrate depending on the resolution and frame rate. 

• Display Device Compatibility: If you are streaming 4K on high-end HD devices, you should select a high Bitrate for a high-quality streaming experience. Otherwise, if you have an average-quality display device, you can go for an average or low Bitrate for a standard-quality streaming experience. 

Pros and Cons of 4K Bitrate

To get the best analysis on 4K Bitrate, you must read about its fascinating pros and cons. This will guide you in taking the necessary actions while selecting the best Bitrate for 4K.

How to Upscale Video to 4K Using UniFab Video Upscaler AI

UniFab Video Upscaler AI is one of the most powerful programs for upscaling any poor video quality to HD, 720p, 1080p, and even up to 4K or 8K resolution. With AI automation support, this video enhancer software allows you to upscale damaged, outdated, or old videos instantly without any technical steps or knowledge. In the process of auto-upscaling, you can also enhance the video quality by sharpening, restoring video details, and optimizing colors. Let's see what you can explore in the video upscaling process. 

Key Features of UniFab

• Universal Model

Using this model, you can automatically upscale and enhance any low-resolution video to 4K or 8K without compromising the original video quality. 

• Animation Model

This dedicated model is used to upscale anime, cartoon videos, or motion graphics. It is precise and perfect in preserving minute details of the characters’ features and other textures. 

• Enhance Video Quality Instantly

UniFab Video Upscaler uses advanced AI to fix issues like detail loss, compression artifacts, noise, halos, jagged edges, and blurriness, delivering clear and polished visuals.

• 50x Faster Processing with GPU Acceleration

Powered by GPU acceleration, the upscaler enhances and converts videos up to 50 times faster than traditional software.

• Simultaneous Processing

A batch processing option allows you to upscale multiple low-quality videos in one go, saving you time.

• Effortless Format Conversion

Easily convert video formats to MP4 or MKV with UniFab Video Upscaler for smooth playback on any device. 

• Parameters Customization

This AI tool offers various parameters, such as codec, resolution, frame/sample/bit rate, audio channel, etc., to customize your video according to your streaming specifications, device compatibility, storage capacity, etc. 

• Built-in Editor

This function allows you to personalize the output of an upscaled video by cropping, trimming, adding subtitles, and adding a watermark, among other things. 

Steps to Upscale Video to 4K

Conclusion

When you have a brief idea about 4K bitrate with all its dimensions and dynamics, you must select the best Bitrate for 4K video while keeping all the analysis in mind. Now, if you want to enjoy your low-quality old video collection in 4K quality with perfect Bitrate, UniFab Video Upscaler AI is all you need with its automatic functions and professional service. 

FAQs about 4K Bitrate

What is the Perfect YouTube 4K Bitrate? 

YouTube has recommended a Bitrate range of 35 to 68 Mbps for 4K video, 53 to 68 Mbps at 60fps for 4K SDR video, and 35 to 45 Mbps at 30fps for 4K SDR video.

What is the best Bitrate for 4K 60fps? 

The suitable Bitrate for 4K 60fps is 10 Mbps with a minimum bitrate setting of AV1 and H.265. It is also recommended to select the best Bitrate for 4K 60fps with 35 Mbps while using the setting of H.264.

Is 12000 bitrate too high?

Whether 12,000 bitrate is too high depends on your video’s resolution and purpose:

For 4K Videos: 12,000 kbps is too low; 4K usually requires 35,000-100,000 kbps for good quality.
For 1080p Videos: It’s suitable for high-quality streaming or uploads.
Is Higher Bitrate Better? Higher bitrate improves quality but increases file size and bandwidth usage.