If you experience dropped frames or intermittent disconnections while streaming, there is a network issue between your computer and the remote stream ingest server. Such issues can arise for a variety of reasons these are typically out of OBS Studio's control.
This guide can help you diagnose and resolve some of these issues.
Dropped frames
Dropped frames means that your connection to remote server isn't stable or you can't keep up with your set bitrate. Because of this, the program was forced to drop some of the video frames in order to compensate. If you drop too many frames, you may be disconnected from the streaming server.
It is extremely unlikely for OBS Studio to cause dropped frames. For more details, check this technical explanation written by Lain.
Configuration Within OBS Studio
Lower Your Video Bitrate
Go to Settings → Output and lower your Video Bitrate. The bitrate will depend on your stable upload speed and the bitrate limitations set by the streaming service. A good starting point is to set your bitrate to 75% of your total upload speed
Stream to a Different Server
Go to Settings → Stream and try streaming to a different Server
Note: if you are streaming to Twitch and are using Windows you can use TwitchTest to find the server with the best Quality score. You may want to also test with Enhanced Broadcasting disabled or with a Maximum Streaming Bandwidth set below the bandwidth you are seeing in your TwitchTest results
Stream to a Different Service
Go to Settings → Stream and try streaming to a different Service. For example, if you are streaming to Twitch, test your connection by streaming to YouTube
Note: while this won’t solve connection issues with a specific service, it helps identify if the problem is service-related
Enable Network Optimizations
Go to Settings → Advanced → Network and tick the Enable network optimizations box. Some users have reported that this helps with their dropped frames or disconnection issues. It also adds further details to the log for troubleshooting purposes
Note: this setting is only available on Windows
Ensure "Bind to IP" Is Set to Default
Go to Settings → Advanced → Network and ensure Bind to IP is set to Default
Set IP Family to IPv4 Only
Go to Settings → Advanced → Network and set IP Family to IPv4 Only
Note: if this change makes no difference with your connection issues it is recommended to leave it on the default setting of IPv4 and IPv6
Enable Dynamic Bitrate Adjustment
Go to Settings → Advanced → Network and tick the Dynamically change bitrate to manage congestion (Beta) box. This will lower the bitrate when your connection cannot keep up, rather than dropping frames
Note: this doesn't solve the root cause of dropped frames and should only be used if you cannot resolve the underlying connection issue. Lower bitrate will also result in reduced video quality
Software Outside Of OBS Studio
Possible cause
Solutions
Security Software Interference
Security software (firewall/anti-virus) may interfere with the connection between OBS Studio and the streaming server
Disable your security software temporarily to confirm if it's the cause. If the issue stops, add an exception for OBS Studio and re-enable your security software
VPN Software Interference
VPN software may result in an unstable connection to the streaming server
Disable your VPN to see if it's the cause of the instability
Bundled Network Software
Some network software (e.g., Lenovo Vantage, Killer NIC) may deprioritize OBS Studio, preventing it from maintaining the necessary bitrate. These are only two examples, you must check for any software that is meant to "optimize" or "tweak" your network connection
Lenovo Vantage: disable the Network Boost option within the Lenovo Vantage software
Killer NIC: uninstall the Killer NIC Software Suite and run the installer again, this time choosing to only install the Hardware Drivers
Other software: Fully uninstall/disable this software and test your connection again
Outdated Network Drivers
Outdated network drivers may result in a poor connection
Download the latest drivers from your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website and install them
Potential Hardware Issues
Possible cause
Solutions
Streaming over WiFi
WiFi may be unstable for streaming
It's recommended to use a wired connection when streaming
Modem/Router Connectivity Issues
Your modem/router may have general connectivity issues
Restart both your modem and router to resolve potential connectivity issues
Faulty Hardware
There may be a faulty piece of hardware somewhere along the path your connection takes. This would include your modem, router, network cables, network cards, or any other network devices you have such as switches or extenders
Replace each piece of hardware to confirm there are no issues
Note: it is strongly recommended that you speak to your ISP if you are unsure if your hardware may be faulty prior to replacing equipment yourself
Contact Your Internet Service Provider
If you've followed the troubleshooting steps in this guide and are still experiencing connection issues, contact your ISP (internet service provider). OBS Studio relies on your network, much of which is outside your direct control. ISPs often make changes on their end, or there may be unexpected congestion along your connection route.
When contacting your ISP, be detailed about your issue, as they will likely be the only ones able to resolve it.
