How to increase upload speed for streaming? Try out 10 easy ways

We’re in 2021, it will be annoying if we still experience buffering and waiting for online content while streaming. How to increase upload speed for streaming in 10 easy steps? Find out what's a good upload speed for streaming as well as upload speed for Twitch streaming. If you are finding these questions, this article is for you.

What is good upload speed for streaming?

What is a good upload speed?

Upload rates of 5Mbps or above while utilizing a wired connection on a single device are typically rated "good”. This recommended speed will support most online activities that take up uploading bandwidth such as HD video calls, broadcasting streams, and online gaming. 

If you want to consume more upload bandwidth on multiple devices at the same time or predominantly use Wi-Fi, reach upload rates of 10Mbps or more.

What is a good upload speed for streaming?

Livestreaming is one of the rare examples in which download speed (the speed advertised by your internet provider) is irrelevant. All you need to be concerned about is your upload speed.

When you're live streaming, you broadcast your content video from your house to video servers elsewhere on the internet. Because most individuals consume more internet video material than they generate, video data frequently flows in the other direction.

What's a good upload speed for streaming? That said, you should have a minimum upload speed of 10 Mbps. This will provide you with a little buffer to accommodate for variations in upload speed on most systems.

What is good upload speed for streaming?

When it comes to video quality, each live streaming platform requires different criteria. Some platforms let you broadcast low-resolution video from your phone anytime you want. Others attempt to allow people to tune in to TV-quality streaming. While you may theoretically stream as long as you fulfill the basic criteria, good streaming upload speed needs at least an extra 5 Mbps to accommodate for speed changes.

Upload speed for streaming on Twitch

Twitch is one of the most popular video game streaming platforms all over the world. If you want to become a professional streamer with billions of fans, this is a great choice you should try. Fortunately, Twitch doesn’t require too fast upload speed so that most internet connections are affordable to stream

Take a look at recommended upload speed for streaming Twitch:

Resolution	Min. upload speed
720p (30 fps)	3 Mbps
720p (60 fps)	4.5 Mbps
1080p (30 fps)	4.5 Mbps
1080p (60 fps)	6 Mbps

Data from highspeedinternet.com

Good upload speed for streaming on Youtube 

What is good upload speed for streaming on Youtube? This is also a good streaming platform with billions of users in the world. For each type of resolution, Youtube recommends different speeds. It can be seen easily that the minimum upload speeds required range from 0.3 Mbps to  20 Mbps. 

However, you should shoot for somewhere in the middle such as 1080p, 1440p, and 4K content. That's a high enough resolution for anything from cell phones to TV screens to appear well.

Resolution	Min. upload speed
240p	0.3 Mbps
480p	0.4 Mbps
720p (60 fps)	2.2 Mbps
1080p (60 fps)	3 Mbps
1440p (60 fps)	9 Mbps
4K/2160p (30 fps)	13 Mbps
4K/2160p (60 fps)	20 Mbps

Data from highspeedinternet.com

10 easy ways of improving upload speed

What if your upload is not good enough? Try out 10 easy steps below.

#1. Limit the number of devices connecting to your network

Do you have multiple users connecting to your home network? If you see the choppy, stuttering video while streaming, you should find whether their use of bandwidth impacts your streaming or not.

Too many devices connecting to the same network

Limit those number of devices or you are able to change your schedule, even you can switch upper internet plan. 

#2. Limit Wifi interference

Wifi signals are not perfect because there are some interferences that can diminish signals to drop off. That can be thick walls, concrete walls, fish tanks, etc. Bluetooth devices work at 2.4 GHz that is also frequency Wifi work at. Thus, you should place the router far from these interferences to have better performance.

#3. Replace your router

If your router is placed in some hidden corner, it can not work well as it should be. Place it in the middle of your house, hang it in a higher position as well as avoid electronic devices to get wide signal spread.  

Hang a router in the wall

#4. Check your video streaming resolution

Streaming on the highest video resolution is not always the best. In some cases, lowering the resolution you’re streaming will bring in more effective results. Your network provides adequate bandwidth and your video stream is still broadcasted smoothly.

#5. Update your apps

If using apps for a long time, you may discover that some optimization has not taken place or that the previous version is not performing as effectively as it might with the content you are attempting to watch. Update them. This is a low-effort potential option that might significantly improve your streaming.

#6. Disable VPN

When using a virtual private network (VPN), your connection is diverted along the way, causing the slow, lag connection. Thus, turn off the VPN while streaming and check this is a reason for your poor video stream. 

Turn off the VPN

#7. Use Ethernet cable

You can skip all interference like fish tanks, Bluetooth devices if you use an Ethernet cable to connect to the Internet. This way is able to speed up your internet speed twice. Besides, a wired connection is more stable, reliable. If possible, you should consider this tip.

#8. Upgrade your devices

Outdated devices might be a reason for slow internet performance and poor content stream. Check your router, modem, and wifi extender (if have one). What is the maximum speed your modem can support? How long have you used your router? Are there any positive changes when using a wifi extender? If you’re having trouble, find it out and solve it. 

Upgrade your devices

#9. Terminate bandwidth-hogging apps

When you stream and others also open bandwidth-hogging apps such as watching Netflix or playing games online. As consequence, your bandwidth is delivered to many devices and of course, your stream content is difficult to be good. Terminate those apps or avoid live streaming at that time.

#10. Change your ISP

Sometimes, your poor connection is due to the quality of your internet provider. If you are not happy with covering areas and performance, it’s time to shop around for a new choice. Consider price, customer service along with other factors to get a better provider.  

For more information about internet issues, upload speed, and good speed for streaming, visit MySpeed.