Frame rate (fps)
Also known as: fps, frames per second, video frame rate
Frame rate is how many still images a video shows each second, measured in frames per second (fps). Higher frame rates make motion smoother but record more data, so a 60 fps clip uses more storage than the same clip at 30 fps.
- Measured in frames per second (fps)
- Higher fps means smoother motion and bigger files
- Combines with resolution and bitrate to set size
Common frame rates
Most phone video records at 30 fps by default, with 24 fps giving a cinematic look and 60 fps producing very smooth motion. Slow-motion modes capture much higher rates, such as 120 or 240 fps, so playback can be slowed down.
Higher fps packs more frames into every second of footage, which is what makes fast movement look fluid. It also means the camera is writing more images to storage for each second you record.
Why it matters for storage
File size grows with frame rate because there is simply more video data. Recording at 60 fps roughly doubles the frames compared with 30 fps, so clips take more space for the same length.
Frame rate combines with resolution and bitrate to set the final size — 4K at 60 fps is among the largest options on a phone. If storage is tight, 1080p at 30 fps is far more economical.