Frame Rate
Frame rate is the number of frames shown per second of an animation, expressed in fps (frames per second), and chosen at the start of a project to match the intended channel: typically 24 fps for cinema and most online video, 25 or 50 fps for European broadcast (per ITU-R BT.470 / EBU practice), and 30 or 60 fps for North American broadcast and many social platforms.
Frame rate is more than a technical spec. It carries a feel. 24 fps reads as cinematic; 50 or 60 fps reads as live and immediate. Animators sometimes deliberately work on twos (12 frames per second of unique drawings, displayed at 24 fps) to give 2D animation a hand-drawn feel. Working on ones (24 unique drawings per second) gives a more fluid, near-realistic motion.
On 3D animation projects like Inchstones, frame rate decisions affect render time linearly. Doubling the frame rate doubles the renders. Smaller adjustments, like working on twos for some characters and ones for others, are common and let the team direct effort where it matters.
For broadcast deliverables, frame rate is set by the broadcaster's delivery specs. For streaming, online ads, and social, the channel preference governs. We agree the frame rate at the start of pre-production so it does not change underneath the team mid-production.
Frame rate conversion between formats is now usually handled by AI-driven frame interpolation, which produces cleaner results than older optical-flow tools.
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Sources
Academic papers, recognised industry standards, and canonical industry texts that back up claims in this entry.
- The Animator's Survival Kit. Williams, R., Faber & Faber, 2001Supports: frame rate on twos cinematic feel
- Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life. Thomas, F., Johnston, O., Walt Disney Productions, 1981Supports: frame rate timing hand-drawn animation
- Computer Animation: Algorithms and Techniques. Parent, R., Morgan Kaufmann, 2012Supports: 3D frame rate render time impact
- EBU R 95: Relative Timing of Sound and Picture. EBU, EBU, 1997Supports: European 25/50 fps broadcast
Frequently asked questions
Does higher frame rate always look better?
No. Higher frame rate looks more lifelike, which can read as documentary or live broadcast rather than cinematic or designed. 24 fps is the cinema default for a reason. We pick the rate to match the intended audience response, not on a quality scale.
Can frame rate change between deliverables?
Yes. The same animated film often ships in 24 fps for online and 50 or 60 fps for broadcast slow-motion. The conversion is handled in finishing using frame interpolation. We plan for this at the start so the master is set up to convert cleanly.
What about social media frame rate?
Most social platforms accept 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps. Vertical formats and short-form social content are usually 30 fps, which matches mobile screen refresh well. We set this per delivery specs per channel.