What is Frame Rate?
Frame rate is the number of individual images, called frames, shown per second in a video or animation. It is usually measured in frames per second (fps). Frame rates create a rapid sequence of still images in a video. The frame rate itself is how many of those images appear each second to create that motion. For example:
24 fps = 24 images shown each second
60 fps = 60 images show each second
24 fps exists most in movies and provides a cinematic look. 30 fps exists for standard TV and YouTube. 60 fps creates smooth motion for gaming, sports, and slow motion editing.
Why Frame Rates Matter
Frame rates directly affect how smooth, realistic, and usable a video looks and feels while also affecting editing quality and performance. The higher the frame rate — or images shown per second — the smoother the video. Other benefits to frame rates include:
Flexible editing
Improved viewing experience
Promotes creative video aesthetics
Provides more detail motion analysis
Offers clean video transitions
Enhances performance and quality
Frame rates are an accessible way to ensure smooth playback on various platforms.
Example Use Cases for Frame Rate
Education: Educators use frame rates to affect motion in demonstrations and instruction videos, such as: science experiment recordings, math or writing tutorials, physical education demonstrations, or flipped classroom videos.
Businesses: Companies use frame rates for training, marketing, and communication for virtual onboarding, screen-recorded software tutorials, product demos, and safety training videos.
Content Creation: Creators rely on frame rates for YouTube videos, slow-motion videos, vlogs, animation, gaming videos, and cinematic storytelling.