Definition
Frame rate counts frames per second and affects motion cadence. Common rates include 24fps for cinema, 25fps for many 50 Hz broadcast workflows, and 30fps or 60fps for many web workflows. Fractional rates are distinct: 29.97fps (30000/1001) is not 30fps, and 59.94fps is not 60fps. Resolution, shutter speed, compression, and frame rate together affect the result; resolution or bitrate alone does not determine quality. The 180-degree shutter guideline uses an exposure time near 1/48 second at 24fps or 1/120 second at 60fps, but is a stylistic starting point, not a requirement. Putting 120fps footage on a 24fps timeline does not automatically create slow motion: explicitly interpret it as 24fps or retime it to 20% speed for five-times-slower playback. Otherwise, conversion can preserve real-time duration by dropping or interpolating frames. Variable-frame-rate (VFR) recordings have changing frame intervals; correct timestamp handling can keep them in sync. VFR incompatibility is one possible source of drift, not the explanation for every sync error.
Common frame rates and where they are used
| Frame rate | Typical use | Look and feel | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 fps (23.976) | Cinema, narrative film, many creator "cinematic" edits | Traditional film motion cadence | Fast pans can judder; 23.976 is not the same as 24 |
| 25 fps | Broadcast and web video in 50 Hz (PAL) regions | Close to 24 fps, slightly smoother | Mixing with 30 fps sources needs conversion |
| 30 fps (29.97) | Web video, vlogs, tutorials, screen recordings | Neutral, natural-looking motion | 29.97 is a fractional rate, not exactly 30 |
| 50 / 60 fps (59.94) | Gaming, sports, fast motion, smooth screen capture | Fine motion detail; looks "live" | More frames share the same bitrate, so raise it |
| 120 fps and above | Capture for slow motion | Smooth slow motion once retimed | Must be interpreted or retimed to play slower |
Rates are conventions, not a quality ranking. For the full 24 vs 30 vs 60 comparison with examples, read the frame rate guide linked below.
How Loopdesk Uses This
When combining footage in Loopdesk, confirm the current support for each source's frame rate and timestamps and choose an appropriate project/export rate. Slow motion requires explicit retiming, and VFR clips need sync checks rather than an assumption that every drift issue is solved automatically. Review motion cadence and audio sync in the exported file.
Editing clips shot at different frame rates?
Compare Loopdesk's current project and export frame-rate options, then preview mixed-source motion and audio sync before publishing. Apply slow motion explicitly.
Try LoopdeskFrequently Asked Questions
What is frame rate?
Frame rate, measured in frames per second (fps), is how many still images a video shows each second. 24 fps gives a cinematic look, 30 fps is the everyday standard for online video, and 60 fps gives smoother motion for gaming and sports. Higher is not always better — match the platform and content.
Is 24fps or 30fps better?
Neither is universally better. 24fps is common in cinema, while 30fps is common in web video; neither rate alone creates a particular look. Choose based on source footage, motion, and delivery requirements, and distinguish exact rates such as 30fps from fractional rates such as 29.97fps.
Does higher frame rate mean higher quality?
No. Higher frame rates can show motion more smoothly, but exposure, shutter speed, optics, focus, resolution, codec, and bitrate also matter. At the same bitrate, more frames leave less data per frame on average; a 60fps export is not automatically sharper or cleaner than a 24fps one.
What frame rate is best for slow motion?
Record above the intended playback rate and explicitly interpret or retime the footage: 120fps capture interpreted as 24fps, or set to 20% speed on a 24fps timeline, plays five times slower. Changing timeline fps alone usually preserves real-time speed. Lower-rate footage can also be slowed using repeated or synthesized frames, but this does not recover motion detail that was never captured.
What does fps mean?
fps stands for frames per second: how many still images a video shows each second. A 30 fps video displays 30 frames every second, and a 60 fps video displays 60, which samples motion more finely.
Is 29.97 fps the same as 30 fps?
No. 29.97 fps (30000/1001) is a fractional rate inherited from NTSC broadcast, while 30 fps is exact. The difference is small but adds up to about 3.6 seconds per hour, so keep one rate per project and conform other clips to it to avoid audio drift.
Related Keywords
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Related Terms
4K Export
Exporting video at 3840×2160 resolution (4K UHD), the current professional standard for high-quality video content across YouTube, streaming platforms, and broadcast.
Export Presets
Pre-configured export settings optimized for specific platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.) including resolution, aspect ratio, bitrate, and format.
Video Codec
The technology that compresses video into a smaller file and decompresses it for playback — e.g. H.264, H.265, AV1, ProRes.
Vertical Video
Video content recorded or formatted in a 9:16 portrait aspect ratio, optimized for mobile-first platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.