The Illusion of Motion
A video isn't a continuous stream of reality, but a series of still images called frames. When shown fast enough, our brain perceives fluid motion. Below, see this principle in action. Drag the slider to change the frames per second (FPS) and watch as flickering images transform into smooth movement.
Speed: 24 FPS
A Legacy of Compromise
Today's framerate standards weren't chosen for artistic reasons. They are technological fossils, born from the economic and engineering challenges of their time. Click on the milestones below to explore how the standards we use today came to be.
The Look & Feel of Time
Framerate has a powerful effect on how we perceive an image. Decades of cinema have trained us to associate 24 FPS with storytelling, while higher framerates can feel hyper-realistic or even jarring. Use the buttons below to toggle between the classic "cinematic" look and the "soap opera effect" of high framerate video.
The Cinematic Look (24 FPS)
This is the standard for feature films. The lower framerate, combined with a specific amount of motion blur from the camera's shutter, creates a look that feels natural and slightly "dreamy." This aesthetic distance helps audiences suspend their disbelief and immerse themselves in the story.
The Creator's Toolkit
Framerate is not an isolated setting; it's part of a technical ecosystem. It directly impacts other creative choices like shutter speed and practical considerations like file size. Explore how framerate influences the video production pipeline.
Impact on File Size
More frames per second means more data. This chart shows how file size increases relative to a 24 FPS baseline. Select a framerate to see the impact.
Constant vs. Variable
Not all video is created equal. **Constant Frame Rate (CFR)** is the standard for film and broadcast, ensuring perfect audio sync. **Variable Frame Rate (VFR)** is common on smartphones and screen recordings, saving space by dropping frames in static scenes, but can cause editing headaches.
Constant (CFR)
Predictable & Reliable. Best for professional editing.
Variable (VFR)
Efficient & Space-Saving. Best for capture, but should be converted before editing.
Slow Motion
The magic of slow motion comes from capturing at a high framerate (e.g., 120 FPS) and playing it back at a standard rate (e.g., 24 FPS). The extra frames are used to stretch time, creating a smooth, detailed effect.
The Interactive Frontier
In video games and VR, framerate isn't about aesthetics—it's about performance. A high, stable framerate is crucial for responsiveness, competitive advantage, and even preventing motion sickness. Here, consistency is often more important than the average number.
Latency: The Gamer's Edge
Higher FPS means lower system latency—the delay between your action and the on-screen result. In this test, try to click the moving ball. The "High FPS" ball reacts instantly, while the "Low FPS" ball has a slight delay. Feel the difference.
Smoothness: Frame Time vs. FPS
A high average FPS can hide annoying stutters. The key is consistent **frame time**—the time to render each frame. Watch the graphs below. Both have the same average FPS, but only the one with a stable frame time looks smooth.
The Future of Temporal Resolution
The 24 FPS standard is being challenged. High Frame Rate (HFR) cinema and advanced consumer displays are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, leading to new creative tools and debates about the future of the moving image.
HFR Cinema Experiments
Filmmakers like Peter Jackson (*The Hobbit*, 48 FPS) and Ang Lee (*Gemini Man*, 120 FPS) have experimented with HFR to create hyper-realistic experiences. Reception has been polarized, with some praising the clarity and others finding it breaks the "cinematic illusion."
"Motion Grading"
New tools like TrueCut Motion allow filmmakers to have the best of both worlds. They can shoot in HFR and then creatively "grade" the motion in post-production, using 24 FPS for dialogue scenes and ramping up to 48 FPS for action, all within the same film.
HFR at Home
High-refresh-rate displays (90Hz, 120Hz) are now standard on smartphones, tablets, and gaming monitors, making everyday use feel smoother. This is normalizing the look of HFR and creating a path for HFR movies and shows to enter the home via devices like the Apple Vision Pro.