I’m THAT ICELANDIC GUY, and in this post I’ll break down the difference between 24 FPS and 30 FPS, explain what each does to the look and feel of your footage, and help you pick the right frame rate for your project. Whether you want a cinematic, dramatic vibe or something smoother and more like traditional TV, this guide will make the choice simple.

Quick definition: what is FPS?

FPS stands for frames per second. It simply tells you how many still images (frames) are captured or displayed each second of video. So when you shoot at 24 FPS you’re recording 24 individual frames every second; at 30 FPS you’re recording 30 frames every second.

24 FPS: the cinematic choice

24 FPS is often associated with a more cinematic and a filmic look.

That association comes from motion-picture history—traditional film production has used 24 FPS for decades. The lower frame rate produces slightly more motion blur and a certain temporal cadence that our brains associate with movies. The result can feel more artistic, immersive, and dramatic.

When to choose 24 FPS:

Narrative shorts, feature-style sequences, and cinematic interviews
Scenes where you want a stylized, filmic mood
When you plan color grading and cinematic post-processing

30 FPS: smooth and familiar

30 FPS is closer to the frame rate traditionally used for television and many web videos. It produces smoother motion and a look that feels more “real” or immediate than 24 FPS. For a lot of online content, vlogging, tutorials, and live-style shots, 30 FPS is a safe default.

When to choose 30 FPS:

Vlogs, tutorials, news-style segments, and most social content
Faster-moving scenes where smoother motion is desirable
When you need a neutral, TV-like appearance

Practical considerations: how to choose

Choosing between 24 and 30 FPS mostly comes down to style and intent. Ask yourself:

Do I want a cinematic, dramatic feeling? — Choose 24 FPS.
Do I want a smoother, more TV-like look? — Choose 30 FPS.
Will my footage be combined with other sources? — Try to match frame rates to avoid judder or odd motion.

Also consider audience expectations: cinematic shorts and drama benefit from 24 FPS, while social videos and instructional content often perform better at 30 FPS because viewers are used to that look.

Shooting tips and technical settings

To get the best result from either frame rate, pair it with the right shutter speed and settings:

Shutter speed rule of thumb: use roughly 1/(2 × FPS). So for 24 FPS aim for ~1/48 (or 1/50). For 30 FPS aim for ~1/60. This gives natural-looking motion blur.
If you want smoother motion (less blur), increase shutter speed—be mindful it can introduce a choppy, staccato feel.
For slow motion, shoot at higher frame rates (60, 120 FPS) and then conform to your timeline FPS in post.
Stabilization, lens choice, and camera movement also affect the perceived “cinematic” quality—frame rate is only one part of the equation.

Mixing frame rates and post-production

Sometimes you’ll end up with footage shot at different frame rates. You can conform footage in editing, but be aware of these issues:

Conforming 30 → 24 FPS can produce slight judder because frames are dropped or blended.
Conforming 24 → 30 FPS usually requires frame interpolation or duplication; it can look unnatural if done poorly.
If you plan to mix, choose a target timeline frame rate first and try to shoot everything at that rate whenever possible.

Final thoughts

There’s no single “better” frame rate—24 FPS and 30 FPS serve different creative purposes. If you want a filmic, dramatic look, 24 FPS is your friend. If you want smooth, TV-like motion for online content, 30 FPS is a great, reliable choice. Ultimately, pick the frame rate that supports the mood and story you’re trying to tell, and pair it with the right shutter, stabilization, and post workflow.

If you’re experimenting, try shooting the same scene at both frame rates and compare the results—that’s the fastest way to learn what each looks like in your style of shooting.

Quick checklist

Decide mood: cinematic (24) vs. smooth/TV (30).
Set shutter speed ≈ 1/(2 × FPS).
Match frame rates when combining footage.
Shoot higher frame rates for slow motion.

Choose intentionally, and your footage will better convey the story or feeling you want. Happy shooting.

24fps vs 30fps? Which one is better?