IRL streaming data usage calculator

How much data does IRL streaming use?

At the common IRL bitrate of 6,000 kbps with 128 kbps audio, a stream uses about 2.8 GB an hour before overhead, or about 2.9 GB with 5% overhead. A 4-hour stream is around 11.6 GB, and streaming that long three times a week adds up to roughly 140 GB a month.

With 128 kbps audio and 5% overhead, in decimal GB (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes).

The formula

Bitrate is measured in kilobits per second, and there are 8 bits in a byte, so:

GB per hour = (video kbps + audio kbps) × 1,000 × 3,600 ÷ 8 ÷ 1,000,000,000 × (1 + overhead)

That works out to 0.45 GB an hour for every 1,000 kbps, which is a handy number to remember. Phones and some apps count in GiB (1,073,741,824 bytes), which makes the same usage look about 7% smaller, so switch the units above if your phone's numbers don't match.

Bonding doesn't double your data

With SRTLA bonding, Moblin, IRL Pro and BELABOX split one stream across your connections. Two SIMs each carry part of it, so the total is the same as one connection, plus a little extra for packets that get resent. The split is rarely even: the faster or more stable link carries more, so a SIM on a weaker carrier often uses far less than half.

Ways to use less data

• Use HEVC (H.265) on your phone. It looks about as good as H.264 at around 30% less bitrate. Moblin and IRL Pro support it, and a Cloud OBS server converts it for Twitch and Kick.
• Stream at 30 fps when you're walking or talking. Keep 60 fps for action.
• Turn on your BRB scene during breaks instead of streaming a blank screen at full bitrate. Disconnect protection does this for you when the signal goes.
• Check what each carrier counts. Some "unlimited" plans slow down hotspot or high-speed data after a cap.