Keyframe Interval: In video encoding, the keyframe interval refers to the frequency at which keyframes, also known as intra-frames or I-frames, are inserted into the video stream. Keyframes contain the complete image data for a frame, unlike other types of frames, such as P-frames (predictive frames) and B-frames (bi-directional frames), which store only the changes from one frame to another. The keyframe interval is a crucial parameter in video compression and streaming, as it affects both the video quality and the file size.

A shorter keyframe interval means that keyframes are inserted more frequently, which can improve the video quality, especially in scenes with a lot of motion or changes. However, this also increases the file size and the bandwidth required for streaming, as more complete frame data is stored and transmitted. Conversely, a longer keyframe interval reduces the file size and bandwidth usage but may result in lower video quality, particularly in dynamic scenes, as the video relies more heavily on predictive frames to reconstruct the image.

Choosing the appropriate keyframe interval is essential for achieving a balance between video quality and compression efficiency. It often depends on the specific requirements of the video content, the capabilities of the playback device, and the available network bandwidth. In live streaming scenarios, a shorter keyframe interval is generally preferred to ensure smooth playback and quick recovery from any potential data loss or errors.