When streaming video, how you control bitrate has a big impact on latency, quality, and viewer experience. There are two main bitrate modes:
🔹 Constant Bitrate (CBR):
CBR keeps the bitrate steady throughout the stream. That makes network usage predictable and reduces buffering — ideal for real-time and live streaming like WebRTC.
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🔹 Variable Bitrate (VBR):
VBR adjusts bitrate based on scene complexity — simpler parts use fewer bits, complex scenes use more. This often improves quality and efficiency but can be less predictable for live delivery.
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So which should you use?
Live & real-time streaming: CBR is usually better because it keeps latency low and network behavior consistent.
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On-demand or recorded video: VBR can give higher quality at a similar average bitrate.
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Understanding these differences helps you pick the right strategy for your streaming use case — especially when building low-latency experiences with frameworks like Ant Media Server.
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