What is the Best Frame Rate for 4K Video [Complete Guide 2024]

24fps: This frame rate is perfect for narrative videos as it renders a film-like motion blur. If you want to capture a realistic motion video, then 24fps is the bare minimum. However, it might not serve you well while shooting busy scenes such as fighting sequences or road traffic. 

30fps: This is the best frame rate for 4K video broadcasted on television for vlogs, interviews, etc. Despite offering higher sharpness than its 24fps peer it can look unnatural while filming high-motion scenes. 

48fps: This can be the perfect middle ground through which videos can offer a high cinematic feel while reducing the strobing effect that is common in 24fps video. 

60fps: If you are wondering what is the best frame rate for 4k video, then 60fps can serve you well for action sequences, sports, gaming, and reality TV. 60 frames appearing per second can result in crisp visuals especially when a large number of movements is happening on screen. 

120fps & more: This super high frame rate is supported by advanced cameras and can result in excellent slow-motion stills like a football kick, cricket bat swing, and even car drifting scenes. 

Variable FPS: Just as the name suggests, the frame rate is dynamically adjusted in the shot. Advanced cameras support variable fps to render results specifically for sections that can benefit from the same. 

1. Degree Of Motion

4K videos can range from slow-motion to action-packed sequences. 24 or 30fps can render a cinematic look for shots with minimal movement. If you are shooting a documentary where you will be facing the camera and sharing facts, then you can stick to a lower frame rate. This differs from a travel video, which calls for crisp detailing at every frame. High frame rates of 60fps are perfect for complex motion, such as sports featuring quick camera movements. 

2. File size

A video shot at a higher frame rate will result in a larger file size comprising a larger number of still images. This might not serve you well while shooting content for your social media channel. Smaller frame rates of 24 to 30 are the best frame rate for YouTube channels.

3. Shutter Speed

As a rule of thumb, your shutter speed should be twice the best frame rate for 4K video. This helps reduce the motion blur prevalent in 4K clips. Thus, if you are working with 24fps video, your shutter speed needs to be 1/48s. 

4. Regional Requirements

The target region's playback equipment and broadcast standards also play a big role in determining the quality of 4K content. NTSC regions like Japan and North America have been using 30 and 60fps for playing 4K content on television. PAL regions like Australia, Europe, and some parts of Asia use legacy frame rates of 25 and 50fps. Lastly, SECAM regions like France and Russia use 25fps to broadcast 4K content. 

5. Visual Dynamics

The best frame rate for 1080p video is determined largely by the type of visual aesthetics you plan to achieve. Lower frame rates produce cinematic motion blur, whereas higher frame rates can render smoother footage, allowing you to make the smallest of details, like open pores on the actors' faces. 

6. Device Capabilities and Storage

Consumer cameras may max out at 60fps, while higher-end models offer 100fps or more. Higher frame rates generate massive file sizes that quickly fill storage, requiring ample fast memory cards when shooting and performance computer drives when editing.

1. Standard Cinematic 4K Footage

24fps can be traced back to the initial days of the silver screen, when 35mm film cameras were used. This frame rate delivers motion blur that can beautifully complement narrative content.

2. 4K Slow Motion Footage

As has been already discussed, a higher frame rate results in more dramatic slow-motion visuals in the post-production stage. However, this can only be completed when you have the support of technically advanced equipment. Picture your favorite hero throwing a punch at the villain. Won't the scene look much more dramatic if you could relish the scene in slow motion as a solid punch lands on the villain's jaws and drops of sweat and blood oozes out? 60fps is the minimum standard for getting slow-motion footage, as it allows 50% slowdown without frame blending artifacts. 120fps is recommended as it provides up to 50% slow motion for more realistic results. Hollywood action flicks rely on 240fps as they can generate detailed slow motion at 10-25% of their original speed. 

3. 4K Time Lapse Footage

1 frame per second is common for 4K time lapses. But if you are shooting shorter videos requiring more time compression, you can opt for 5-10fps. Slower frame rates of 0.1fps are better for extended sequences. Maintaining consistent exposure and interval timings is pivotal to reducing the chances of jitter and flicker during video playback. 

4. 4K Social Media Footage

YouTube is the solitary social media platform supporting 4K 60fps videos. While 30fps is common among social media platforms, you can also work with 24 or 60fps. Let's take a detailed look at the supported resolution and frame rates of different social media platforms in a tabular form:

When choosing the best frame rate for YouTube, content creators consider different factors such as the type of content, camera equipment used, and the target audience. 30fps is the best fps for YouTube video podcasts and talk shows, whereas the ideal YouTube frame rate for makeup tutorials and gaming highlights is 60. While 40-60 is the best fps for YouTube sports highlights, the best frame rate for YouTube learning videos and fitness channels is between 24 to 30. 

5. 4K Live Streaming

A constant frame rate of 30fps is recommended for live streaming 4K video as it guarantees reliable performance across different platforms. 60fps is impractical for 4K live streaming as it has heavy data demands that might need to be fixed with the playback quality. Influencers aren't expected to choose 30 fps as the best frame rate for 1080p video during live streams to deal with unstable frame rates. 

6. 4K iPhone Video 

iPhone models are launched yearly to try to deliver unparalleled performance compared to their ancestors. While 4K 30fps was the standard for iPhone X and its predecessors, you can expect 4K at 60fps in the iPhone 11 model. It even supports 1080p slow-motion video at 120fps. However, the resulting huge file size can deplete your storage space. 

7. 4K Gaming Video

30fps is the minimum rate for playing games, but 60fps is the standard choice as it can play high-motion sequences with optimal clarity. 60fps also supports slow-motion editing while guaranteeing smooth playback on social media platforms where you can live stream your gaming skills. The frame rate you select depends to a large extent on whether you are playing a 'thinking type' or 'twitch reaction' game. Role-playing, card, and strategy games fall under the first variant, in which 30fps can suffice. In contrast, adventures, racing, or fighting games pertain to the second category, making 60fps the mandatory choice. 

8. 4K VR Video

60 fps is the best frame rate for 4k video in VR applications. While you can also choose 90 or 120fps, 60 is the perfect choice as it can beautifully capture action sequences while offering maximum flexibility in the post-production stage. 60fps is compatible with most 360-degree cameras and can help perfect the harmony between visual excellence and file size. 

9. 4K HDMI

If you want to play 4K video using an HDMI cord on your monitor or TV, match the original frame rate with the output frame rate. This helps avoid frame rate conversion issues. 

Now that you have learned about frame rate, different frame rates available, and the best frame rate for 4k video, you should alter your frame rate as deemed necessary. This mostly happens when the fps you shot the video isn't the same as the one you want while playing 4K content. Such discrepancies generally originate due to camera incompatibility. However, you can easily change the frame rate to enjoy smooth 4K footage using UniFab Smoother AI. Let's learn more about this tool and how it can help you get the best frame rate for 4k video.  

Frame Interpolation Options
Choose from integer multiples of frame interpolation (2x, 3x, 4x) or specify a target frame rate (60 FPS, 120 FPS) for personalized video smoothness.

Slow Motion Feature
Reduce video speed by 2x or 4x, generating extra frames to deliver a smooth, natural slow-motion effect.

High-Quality Performance
Achieve smooth video playback with minimal artifacts, powered by True AI Frame Interpolation for optimal visual quality.

Up to 50x GPU Acceleration
Utilize GPU acceleration (NVIDIA CUDA, AMD, Intel Quick Sync) to boost frame rate processing speed by up to 50x, optimizing performance for large files.

Batch Processing
Efficiently process multiple videos at once, saving time on large-scale video enhancements.

Built-In Editing Tools
Customize sound effects and crop videos easily to achieve your desired results, all within the interface.

Customizable Output Settings
Advanced users can fine-tune output settings such as bit rate, codec, and other parameters for precise video enhancement.

Smooth Conversion: The transition from 30fps to 60fps is effective, delivering high-quality results with minimal frame distortion.
Slow-Motion Handling: Minor artifacts may appear in slow-motion but are typically minimal, with overall quality maintained.
High Fidelity Interpolation: The AI interpolation closely matches the original footage, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.