How to Fix Dropped Frames in OBS

Dropped frames in OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) can disrupt your live streaming experience, leading to buffering issues and poor-quality content. Whether you are a content creator using multistreaming platforms or focusing solely on OBS recording, this step-by-step guide will help you optimize your setup and resolve dropped frames effectively.

What Are Dropped Frames in OBS, and Why Do They Happen?

Dropped frames occur when OBS Studio fails to send video data to the server at a steady rate. This can be caused by:

• Insufficient internet bandwidth
• High CPU or GPU usage
• Incorrect OBS settings
• Network congestion

Identifying the root cause is crucial to applying the right fix.

Step 1: Test Your Internet Connection

Why is Internet Speed Crucial for OBS?

Live streaming software like OBS heavily relies on upload speed. Insufficient bandwidth often leads to dropped frames.

Steps to Test and Optimize Internet Speed

1. Run a Speed Test: Use tools like Speedtest.net to measure your upload speed.

2. Compare Your Speed to Streaming Requirements: Check if your upload speed meets the following:

3. Switch to a Wired Connection: Ethernet connections are more reliable than Wi-Fi.

4. Reduce Network Usage: Close unnecessary apps and devices using bandwidth.

Step 2: Optimize OBS Settings

What Are the Best OBS Settings to Avoid Dropped Frames?

Adjusting your OBS settings ensures smoother streaming without overloading your system.

Steps to Adjust OBS Settings:

1. Encoder Settings:

• Go to Settings > Output > Streaming.
• Use hardware encoders (e.g., NVENC, AMF) if available.
• Lower the bitrate incrementally (e.g., from 6000 Kbps to 4500 Kbps).

2. Video Settings:

• Go to Settings > Video.
• Reduce the base (canvas) and output resolution (e.g., from 1920x1080 to 1280x720).
• Lower the FPS (e.g., from 60fps to 30fps).

3. Advanced Network Settings:

• Enable Dynamically Change Bitrate to adjust automatically during bandwidth fluctuations.
• Enable New Network Code in Advanced Settings.

Step 3: Monitor Your Hardware Resources

How Does Hardware Impact Dropped Frames?

High CPU or GPU usage can cause OBS Studio to skip frames, leading to poor performance.

Steps to Monitor and Reduce Hardware Usage:

1. Use Task Manager:

2. Lower OBS Resource Demand:

• Close unnecessary applications.
• Reduce browser tabs, especially if using browser-based live streaming software.
• Disable preview in OBS (Right-click preview > Enable Preview).

Step 4: Configure Your Network for Stability

How to Ensure a Stable Network for Streaming?

Networking issues are a common culprit behind dropped frames.

Best Practices:

1. Use Quality of Service (QoS):

• Configure your router to prioritize streaming traffic.

2. Stream During Off-Peak Hours:

• Reduce the likelihood of network congestion.

3. Check Multistreaming Platforms Settings:

• Ensure platforms like Yostream are optimized for OBS.

4. Stream Server Selection:

• Choose the closest streaming server to reduce latency.

Step 5. Verify Multistreaming Platform Configuration

If you’re using OBS to stream on multistreaming platforms, ensure each platform's settings align with your system's capabilities.

• Check individual platform guidelines for optimal bitrate and resolution.
• Avoid streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously if your hardware or internet connection is weak.

Step 6: Check for OBS Updates

Why Keep OBS Updated?

OBS regularly releases updates to improve performance and fix bugs.

Steps to Update OBS:

1. Open OBS.
2. Navigate to Help > Check for Updates.
3. Install the latest version and restart OBS.

FAQs About Fixing Dropped Frames in OBS

1. What are dropped frames in OBS, and why do they happen?

Dropped frames occur when OBS cannot send data to the streaming server quickly enough, usually due to poor internet connection, incorrect settings, or system performance issues.

2. How can I check if my internet is suitable for streaming on OBS?

Run a speed test using tools like Speedtest.net. Ensure your upload speed is at least 5 Mbps for 1080p streaming and use a wired Ethernet connection for more stability.

3. What bitrate should I use in OBS to prevent dropped frames?

For 1080p streaming, use a bitrate of 2500–6000 Kbps, depending on your internet speed. Lower the bitrate if you experience dropped frames, but don’t go below 2500 Kbps for decent quality.

4. Can hardware affect dropped frames in OBS?

Yes, high CPU or GPU usage can lead to dropped frames. Ensure your hardware meets OBS’s recommended requirements, and use hardware encoding (e.g., NVENC) to offload processing tasks from your CPU.

5. How do I enable dynamic bitrate in OBS?

Go to Settings > Advanced > Network and enable the Dynamically Change Bitrate to Manage Congestion option. This allows OBS to lower the bitrate temporarily when network congestion occurs.

6. Why does OBS show "encoding overloaded," and how do I fix it?

This happens when your system cannot handle the encoding workload. Fix it by reducing your resolution or frame rate, switching to hardware encoding, or lowering your bitrate.

7. Does OBS support multistreaming platforms, and can they cause dropped frames?

Yes, OBS supports multistreaming via plugins or external tools. However, streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously requires a strong internet connection and powerful hardware. If you experience dropped frames, try streaming to a single platform.

8. How can I optimize OBS for low-end PCs?

Use a lower resolution (e.g., 720p), decrease FPS to 30, choose hardware encoding (if supported), and close all unnecessary background applications to free up system resources.

9. Can OBS dropped frames affect recordings as well as live streams?

Yes, dropped frames can impact recordings, especially if your storage drive is overloaded or your system is underpowered. Ensure you have sufficient storage and adjust OBS settings to match your system's capabilities.

10. How do I identify the root cause of dropped frames in OBS?

Check the OBS log file by going to Help > Log Files > View Last Log. Look for warnings or errors related to encoding, network issues, or hardware performance to pinpoint the problem.