Stream Recording File Size Calculator
Running out of disk space mid-stream is a nightmare. Before you hit "Start Recording" in OBS, use this calculator to estimate how much storage you'll need for your stream recordings.
Twitch: 6,000 | YouTube 1080p60: 12,000 | YouTube 4K: 45,000
OBS can record separate audio tracks for mic, game, discord, etc.
Understanding Video Bitrate for Streaming
Bitrate is the amount of data processed per second in your video stream, measured in kilobits per second (Kbps). A higher bitrate means better video quality but larger file sizes and more bandwidth requirements. Finding the right balance is crucial for streamers.
For streaming platforms like Twitch, the maximum recommended bitrate is typically 6,000 Kbps for non-partners. YouTube allows higher bitrates up to 51,000 Kbps for 4K content. When recording locally for later editing, you can use even higher bitrates for maximum quality.
Recommended Bitrate Settings by Platform
Twitch
- 1080p60: 6,000 Kbps (max for non-partners)
- 1080p30: 4,500 Kbps
- 720p60: 4,500 Kbps
- 720p30: 3,000 Kbps
YouTube Live
- 4K60: 20,000 - 51,000 Kbps
- 1440p60: 9,000 - 18,000 Kbps
- 1080p60: 4,500 - 9,000 Kbps
- 720p60: 2,250 - 6,000 Kbps
Local Recording (OBS)
- High Quality: 40,000 - 60,000 Kbps
- Lossless: 100,000+ Kbps (CQP/CRF 0)
- Balanced: 15,000 - 30,000 Kbps
Why Multiple Audio Tracks Matter
Many streamers forget that audio contributes significantly to file size, especially when recording multiple tracks. OBS allows you to record up to 6 separate audio tracks, which is incredibly useful for post-production editing.
Common multi-track setups include:
- Track 1: Combined/Master audio (for VODs)
- Track 2: Microphone only
- Track 3: Desktop/Game audio
- Track 4: Discord/Voice chat
- Track 5: Music/Spotify
- Track 6: Alerts/Browser sources
At 320 Kbps per track, 6 audio tracks add approximately 864 MB per hour to your recording.
Storage Planning for Streamers
Running out of disk space mid-stream can corrupt your recording and ruin hours of content. Here are some tips for managing storage:
- Use a dedicated recording drive: Keep your OS and recording on separate drives for better performance
- SSD vs HDD: SSDs handle high bitrate recording better, but HDDs offer more storage per dollar
- Buffer space: Always have at least 20% more space than your estimated needs
- Auto-archive: Set up automatic uploads to cloud storage after streams
- Regular cleanup: Delete or archive old recordings weekly
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space does a 10 hour stream take?
A 10-hour stream at Twitch's standard bitrate of 6,000 Kbps with 160 Kbps audio takes approximately 27.5 GB. At YouTube's 1080p60 bitrate of 12,000 Kbps, it would be around 54 GB. For lossless recording at 50,000 Kbps, expect around 225 GB.
What is the best bitrate for streaming?
For Twitch, 6,000 Kbps is the standard maximum for non-partners. YouTube supports higher bitrates - 12,000 Kbps for 1080p60 and up to 45,000 Kbps for 4K. For local recordings, you can go higher (50,000+ Kbps) for better quality editing.
Does audio bitrate affect file size?
Yes, audio adds to your total file size. A single 320 Kbps audio track adds about 144 MB per hour. If you record multiple tracks (mic, game, discord) in OBS, multiply this by the number of tracks.
How much space do I need for a full day of streaming?
For a 24-hour stream at 6,000 Kbps video + 160 Kbps audio, you'll need approximately 66 GB. We recommend having at least 100 GB free to account for variable bitrate fluctuations and system overhead.
What's the difference between CBR and VBR for file size?
CBR (Constant Bitrate) produces predictable file sizes matching this calculator. VBR (Variable Bitrate) can produce smaller files during static scenes but may exceed estimates during action-heavy content. For streaming, CBR is recommended for stability.
Tips for Optimizing Recording Size
- Use NVENC or AMD encoders: Hardware encoding produces smaller files at similar quality compared to x264 software encoding
- Consider CQP/CRF: Quality-based encoding can reduce file sizes during static scenes while maintaining quality
- Record at stream resolution: Recording at 4K when streaming at 1080p wastes space unless you need it for editing
- Compress after streaming: Use HandBrake to compress VODs before archiving
- Split long recordings: OBS can automatically split recordings every X minutes to prevent corruption