In the world of online video, "bitrate" is frequently discussed regarding quality and performance. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter for your streaming experience? Bitrate is the rate at which data is transferred, measured in kbps or Mbps. In streaming, it's the amount of data representing audio and video per unit of time. Higher bitrate generally means better quality, with more detail, smoother motion, and richer colors. This applies to audio as well, impacting sound nuance and clarity. Choosing the right bitrate involves balancing quality with bandwidth availability. Constant Bitrate (CBR) maintains a consistent rate, while Variable Bitrate (VBR) adjusts dynamically based on content complexity. Many platforms let you adjust bitrate manually to find the ideal balance.