When we watch movies, play games, or edit videos, we often hear about “frame rate” or “fps.” These terms are crucial to video quality, but not everyone knows exactly what they mean. If you’ve ever wondered what is frame rate, what is fps, or how to perform a frame rate change, this guide is for you.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explain the basics of frame rate, the differences between common fps values, the recommended frame rate for different use cases, and how to change frame rate easily. We’ll also introduce a powerful AI tool that uses artificial intelligence to make videos smoother by intelligently generating frames.

What Is Frame Rate?

Frame rate is the number of images (frames) shown per second in a video. It is measured in fps (frames per second). The higher the fps, the smoother and more fluid the video appears.

Think of video as a flipbook. Each image in the flipbook is a frame, and when you flip through them quickly, they create the illusion of motion. If you flip slowly, the animation looks choppy. Flip faster, and it looks smooth. That’s essentially how frame rate works in digital video.

What Is FPS?

FPS stands for “frames per second.” It indicates how many still frames your video displays in one second.

Here are some common frame rates and what they are used for:

  • 24fps – The standard for movies. It creates a cinematic look with natural motion blur.
  • 30fps – Widely used in TV broadcasts, YouTube videos, and general-purpose recording. It’s smooth and compatible with most devices.
  • 60fps – Popular for gaming, sports, and fast-action footage. It provides extra smoothness and clarity.
  • 120fps and above – Used for slow-motion recording and high-end gaming.

Why Frame Rate Matters

Frame rate affects how your video looks and feels:

  1. Smoothness – Higher fps = smoother motion.
  2. Realism vs. Cinematic Feel – 24fps feels more like film, while 60fps feels lifelike.
  3. Editing Flexibility – More frames allow for slow motion without choppiness.
  4. Viewer Comfort – Low frame rates can cause eye strain, especially on big screens.

When Do You Need a Frame Rate Change?

Sometimes you need to change frame rate for better playback or editing:

  1. Mixing Different Videos
    If you combine 24fps and 60fps clips, one will look mismatched. Unifying them avoids jarring transitions.
  2. Optimizing for Devices
    Older devices may not handle 60fps well. Lowering frame rate makes playback smoother.
  3. Improving Quality
    If a video feels jittery, converting it to a higher fps can make it easier to watch.
  4. Content Platforms
    YouTube supports up to 60fps. If your video is only 24fps, you may want to upscale it for better quality.

How to Change Frame Rate

There are a few common ways to perform a frame rate change:

  1. Video Editing Software

Professional software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve lets you set a new fps for export. However, they don’t always generate new frames—sometimes they just duplicate frames, which can cause ghosting.

  1. Free Converters

Some free online tools can change fps, but they usually have file size limits, watermarks, or lower-quality results.

  1. AI-Powered Frame Interpolation

The best modern method is to use AI-based tools that generate new frames between existing ones. This makes the motion genuinely smoother instead of just duplicating images.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Frame Rate with UniFab Smoother AI

  1. Download & Install
    Get UniFab Smoother AI from the official website.
  2. Import Your Video
    Drag and drop your video file into the software.
  3. Select Frame Rate
    Choose the desired fps (e.g., 24 → 60fps).
  4. Start Processing
    Click “Start” and let the AI smooth your video.
  5. Preview & Save
    Play the new video and enjoy the smoother motion.

The Future of Frame Rate Technology

With the rise of 4K, 8K, and VR content, demand for high frame rates will continue to grow. Soon we may see:

  • 120fps streaming for sports events
  • Real-time AI smoothing in TVs
  • Ultra-high fps gaming (240fps+)

Tools like UniFab Smoother AI are leading the way, making advanced motion interpolation accessible to everyone.

Conclusion

So, what is frame rate? It’s the number of images shown each second in a video, measured in fps. Choosing the right frame rate affects smoothness, style, and viewer experience. Whether you’re making films, recording gameplay, or editing old footage, knowing when and how to perform a frame rate change is crucial.

And for those who want the smoothest results possible, UniFab フレーム補間 AI(UniFab Smoother AI) provides an AI-powered solution that goes beyond simple frame duplication. It intelligently analyzes motion, generates new frames, and transforms ordinary videos into fluid, professional-quality content.

If you want the recommended frame rate for your project, or you simply want to upgrade old videos for modern displays, UniFab Smoother AI is the best way forward.