Let’s try to start streaming! One potential concern is the size of the streaming screen. Different streaming platforms have varying recommended sizes, so it’s important to check each platform’s guidelines in advance to select the optimal size.

This article categorizes and introduces the streaming screen sizes for major streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

Essential to Know! Why Choosing the Right Streaming Screen Size Matters

For VTubers, the screen size for streaming is a crucial factor directly impacting the viewer’s comfortable viewing experience. By choosing the appropriate size, you can offer high-quality video and a pleasant viewing experience, which helps retain viewers.

Basic Knowledge of Streaming Screen Sizes

The size of a streaming screen is determined by the width and height represented in pixels. For instance, “1920×1080” indicates a screen size with a width of 1920 pixels and a height of 1080 pixels. This is known as Full HD (Full High Definition) and is the standard for high-quality streaming.

Benefits of Choosing the Right Size

Benefits	Description
High Quality	With the correct size, the image won’t be blurry or pixelated, allowing you to stream in high quality.
Comfortable Viewing Experience	By choosing the size best suited for the streaming platform, viewers can watch comfortably without the need to resize the screen.
Streaming Stability	Setting an unnecessarily large size can burden the stream, possibly causing delays or freezing issues. Appropriate size settings also contribute to streaming stability.

What If You Get the Size Setting Wrong?

If the size setting is incorrect, viewers may not be able to watch the stream comfortably. For example, if the size is too small, it may be difficult to distinguish text or characters, and if it’s too large, parts of the screen might be cut off. Additionally, streaming in a size unsuitable for the platform can result in reduced image quality or screen distortion, leading to viewer drop-off.

Recommended Streaming Screen Sizes for Each Platform at a Glance

Recommended streaming screen sizes differ depending on the VTuber platform. Choosing a size suitable for the platform ensures a comfortable viewing experience for the audience.

Platform	Recommended Size	Note
YouTube (Live/Regular Videos)	1920×1080 (16:9)	Enables high-definition streaming in Full HD
Twitch	1920×1080 (16:9)	Ideal platform for game streaming
TikTok	1080×1920 (9:16)	Primarily a short movie platform with vertical videos
Instagram	1080×1920 (9:16)	Vertical videos are mainstream on Stories and Reels
Facebook	1280×720 (16:9)	Platform with broad age demographic reach

The sizes mentioned above are recommendations. It’s crucial to choose an optimal size based on the streaming content and equipment setup. In mobile streaming, the device’s screen size will be the streaming screen size.

Consider the viewers’ device environment and choose the optimal streaming screen size to ensure a smooth stream.

About Aspect Ratios of Streaming Screens

The aspect ratio of the streaming screen is a key factor in VTuber activities. Opting for the right aspect ratio can provide the viewer with a comfortable viewing experience, maximizing the allure of your stream. We will explain the basics of aspect ratios, major ratios, and how to select the best aspect ratio for platforms and content here.

What Is an Aspect Ratio?

An aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between a screen’s width and height, typically expressed using a colon (:). For example, “16:9” means the screen’s width is 16 units relative to a height of 9 units.

About Major Aspect Ratios like 16:9, 4:3, and 9:16

Aspect Ratio	Description	Use Case
16:9	Currently the most common aspect ratio, ideal for many video sites and games	PC game streaming, YouTube, etc.
4:3	Aspect ratio used in traditional TVs and monitors	Retro game streaming, etc.
9:16	Optimal aspect ratio for smartphone viewing	Vertical video streaming, TikTok Live, Instagram Live, etc.

Choosing the Best Aspect Ratio for Platforms and Content

The recommended aspect ratio varies by streaming platform. For instance, while 16:9 is standard on YouTube, 9:16 dominates on TikTok Live and Instagram Live.

The optimal aspect ratio also depends on streaming content. For PC game streaming, 16:9 is suitable, but for mobile game streaming or talk shows, 9:16 might be an option. Select the best aspect ratio considering the viewer’s environment and streaming content.

Where Can You Set the Streaming Screen Size?

The streaming screen size is primarily configured on the streaming software side. Using OBS Studio as an example, here’s how to configure it.

OBS Studio Configuration Method

In OBS Studio, you can change the streaming screen size by setting the Output (Scaled) Resolution and Base (Canvas) Resolution via “Settings” → “Video” tab.

The Output (Scaled) Resolution is the size of the streamed video, and the Base (Canvas) Resolution is the size used for editing within the streaming software. It is common to set both values the same. For example, setting it to 1920×1080 results in Full HD streaming, while 1280×720 results in HD streaming.

Click the “Apply” button to apply any changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Streaming Screen Sizes

Here are common questions about streaming screen sizes along with their answers.

What If the Image Quality Worsens After Changing the Size?

Changing the streaming screen size can sometimes degrade image quality. The reason behind this is the enlargement beyond the original video size, reducing the information per pixel. To prevent image quality degradation, it’s vital to correctly set the output size in the streaming software. Bigger output sizes result in better image quality but impose higher strain on your PC. Check the manual of the software you are using for specific configuration methods.

Solution	Details
Set the Output Size Properly	Adjust the output size in your streaming software to the recommended size for your streaming platform.
Increase the Bitrate	Raising the bitrate can improve image quality, but it also increases the load on your PC.
Use Upscaling Features	Some streaming software includes upscaling features that can enhance image quality.

What is the Optimal Size for My Streaming Style?

The optimal size varies depending on the streaming style. For game streaming, a horizontal 16:9 to match the game screen is common. For chatting or singing streams, you could try a vertical format in 9:16 to foster closeness with viewers, as well as the traditional horizontal format.

Tips for Mobile Streaming

Mobile streaming can often suffer from unstable connection speeds. Lowering the image quality can help achieve a stable stream. Be mindful of battery consumption as well and utilize external batteries to ensure uninterrupted streaming.

Conclusion

Streaming screen sizes are vital because they directly affect viewer clarity and image quality. Platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok have different recommended sizes and aspect ratios, so it’s crucial to adjust your settings according to where you’re streaming and the content you’re delivering. By selecting the correct size and ratio, you ensure your characters and screen layout are displayed correctly, enhancing the viewing environment for the audience.
Use this article as a reference to find the best settings that suit your streaming style.

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