Discord is a chat application that is comparable to Skype but designed specifically for gamers. As a result of its adaptability and efficiency, it enables you to host enormous servers with various channels or group chats.
However, there might be some times when your friends may say you look like pixelated art on a Discord video call. This happens because of the wrong settings on Discord, bad internet connection, low-quality webcam, and so on. Whatever the cause, even if you have a top-of-the-line high-spec CPU setup, your video quality might suffer as a consequence of any of these factors.
Because Discord is adaptable and well-organized, after you have created a new discord server, you are allowed to configure it in any manner you see fit for you. However, excessive personalization may, on occasion, be the source of unintended troubles or error messages.
So, if you are also one of those Discord users who are facing blurry and pixelated video quality, and don’t know what to do, then you are in the right place. In this guide, we are going to show you some of the best ways through which you can adjust Discord video quality.
Why Does the Video Quality on Discord Degrade
Before we jump into the main troubleshooting, it would be great if we first know what the reasons which are causing this poor Discrod’s video quality issue are.
There are so many reasons why you may face the blurry and pixelated video quality on Discord. In terms of video quality, Discord is not as bad as some other social media platforms, but there are a number of flaws that make it hard to continue using it for a video conversation, you know.
As many Discord users nowadays are complaining about this problem and wanting to know what are the reasons that are triggering this blurry issue, we’ve done some studies on why Discord’s video quality is so low in case it helps you figure out what’s going on.
So, let’s go right into the point, shall we? Discord’s poor video quality may be attributed to a number of factors, including the following:
Discord Cache Files Have Been Corrupted
One of the most common causes of poor video quality in Discord is the presence of damaged cache files. Discord, just like every other Windows program, makes use of cache files to store data that is often used during a conversation.
On the other hand, Discord automatically adjusts the video quality depending on the speed and reliability of the internet connection that you are using. As a result, if the internet connection slows down during a meeting, even for a few moments, the video quality may suffer the consequences.
However, it is possible that earlier cached files may clash with the present session’s data, resulting in a persistent decrease in the video quality of Discord. The Discord video quality may be suffering as a result of this, which may be the case with you.
So, clearing the cache will be the best solution for you. (The step-by-step process of this solution is in the troubleshooting section).
Discord settings are incorrect
As we already know, Discord is a very versatile and customizable online communication platform where you can change settings and customize the whole Discord interface.
In this way, you can also change and customize the video settings in Discord. A number of configuration options for voice and video are available in Discord. Everything will be in place only if you are familiar with and understand how to use them.
However, if your video stream becomes fuzzy or foggy, you may not be aware of certain Discord settings that might improve the quality of the stream.
There are also other options relating to the voice that might assist you in getting rid of any vocal troubles you are having. That’s why it is possible that the video quality on Discord may drop if some of the parameters are deactivated in the software’s options menu.
Many Graphically Exhaustive Background processes are running
There is a big chance that some of your high CPU and GPU exhaustive software is running in the background. So, it may cause you this problem. Upon capturing videos from your camera, Discord must analyze them, and this involves the use of your GPU and CPU to perform graphics processing on the captured video streams.
However, if you’ve previously launched a number of programs that demand intensive CPU and GPU usage, Discord may get pushed to bypass the video processing, resulting in a decrease in video quality.
As a result, if you’re running a lot of resource-intensive applications on your computer while participating in a Discord video conversation or Livestream, the video quality is going to drop like hell.
Webcam of Questionable Quality
I guess I don’t have to say that if you are using a low-quality webcam, the video quality will look pixelated. Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Also, among the most common causes of bad video quality on Discord is a poor webcam setup.
The resolution of your camera is critical when making a video conference on not only Discord but also on any platform. However, if the camera is of poor quality and if it is just the standard camera that comes with your laptop, we all know what will happen.
In a video chat, your friends will hardly be able to recognize you, and the video will seem to be 144p quality as if it were captured with a cellphone from 2005. It would be embarrassing, isn’t it? So, in that case, what should you do? You can change or replace the webcam to solve the issue.
Malfunctioning webcam setup
Another big problem of having the low video quality on Discord issue besides having a webcam of questionable quality is that you installed the webcam inaccurately. A malfunctioning camera installation contributes to the low-quality Discord video.
So, by following the recommendation in the previous explanation, you purchased an aftermarket webcam high-quality camera and completed the installation on your computer by yourself because you didn’t want to spend some penny on a specialist.
However, you noticed that, after installing the high-quality webcam, you are not receiving the high-quality video stream that you are entitled to. And we all know it is not operating properly as a result of the incorrect installation method used to accomplish the task at hand.
And thus, if there is a problem with the installation of the webcam, you will experience bad video quality on not just Discord but also on every other application on your computer. So, to solve the issue, you will have to install the webcam properly.
The Internet connection is poor
Having a poor internet connection is really troublesome, and I know the pain deeply. Because I am also using a low internet connection that sometimes drops. However, as we already know, as Discord constantly adjusts the quality of the video depending on the strength of the internet connection, having a steady internet speed is critical for producing a seamless, high-quality video stream in Discord.
That is to say that, when you’re utilizing an unreliable internet connection that is neither steady nor fast, you won’t be able to get satisfactory Discord video quality, despite the fact that you have a high-end PC build.
So, to fix the issue, you will have to upgrade or change your ISP as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will not be able to see a high-quality video stream on Discord if your internet connection is not steady and fast enough, as previously stated.
How to Adjust Discord Video Quality
Now that we know what might be the reasons behind having poor Discord video quality, it’s time to solve the issue. It’s important to note that the video adjustments may only be managed from a PC or laptop computer. When you are utilizing Discord from a smartphone or any other similar device, Discord will immediately default to the phone’s built-in camera. And so, if you are facing a problem, then it might be related to the internet connection you are using.
Now, let’s talk about how to adjust and change the video quality in Discord. As we have previously said, there are multiple factors that contribute to poor Discord video quality. We’ve investigated each of these factors and come up with some fixes for each.
In this article, we are going to teach you how to improve the video quality on Discord. We’ve compiled a list of techniques, each with a set of principles that you may apply. Therefore, keep reading this article and choose the one that best meets your needs.
The following are the strategies for improving the video quality in Discord:
1. Clear Discords Cache Files
As we have already told you before, some of the cache files of Discord may interrupt and clash with the video processing while you are on a video meeting. However, to clarify, consider the following scenario: your Discord client’s cache files were damaged due to the use of incorrect or patched files during an earlier session with a bad internet connection, resulting in poor Discord video quality.
And now, when you once again start a video conversation, because of the last cache files conflicting with the new ones, you will face low video quality on Discord. That’s why it is necessary to first clean the cache files of Discord in this situation.
But before removing the cache files, be certain that the Discord client on your Windows PC has been properly closed.
To properly exit the Discord application on Windows, follow these steps below:
- Turn on your computer and right-click on the taskbar, and then select Task Manager. But, if you are using Windows 11, then right-click on the Start button and select Task Manager. Also, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc button on your keyboard to do the same.
- In the Process tab, select all of the Discord services and click the End Task button on the bottom right corner. (But if you are using the latest Insider Build Windows 11 OS, then your Task Manager will be different. Take a look at the screenshot below).Once you have closed Discord properly, it’s time to clear the cache as well. To clear cache files of Discord, follow the steps below carefully:
- Press the Win + R button on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- On the blank box, enter %appdata%/discord/cache and tap the Enter button on your keyboard or select OK.
- A new window will open with all the cache files. Click Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all of these files.
- Press Shift + Del button on your keyboard to permanently delete all those files.
Once you have deleted all the cache files from Discord, it’s time to check if it works or not. If you still face low video quality, then we have a better solution for this. Follow the below methods carefully to solve the issue.
2. Turn On Quality of Service High Packet Priority
If you want to improve your connectivity without changing or raising the data packet speed, you may select an option in Discord settings that always prefer Discord’s data transfer over the data transmission of other applications in order to improve your connection. It will significantly improve the quality of your video.
So, follow the below steps to turn on the quality of service high packet priority option:
- Open your Discord client on your computer and go to the Settings by clicking on the gear icon.
- On the left sidebar, click on the Voice and video
- Keep scrolling until you find the Quality of Service section.
- Now turn on the option by toggling that says, Enable quality of service high packet priority.
enable-quality-of-service-high-packet-priority
- Once done, close and reopen Discord.
After you have done all the steps above properly, make a video call with someone and check if you still face the blurry and pixelated video quality or not.
3. End Heavy Background Processes
As we already told before, upon capturing videos from your camera, Discord must analyze them, and this involves the use of your GPU and CPU to perform graphics processing on the captured video streams. That’s why, if you are using Discord alongside a slew of CPU and GPU-intensive software that is interfering with Discord’s video processing algorithm, you should shut those programs as soon as possible in order to improve the quality of the video.
So, follow these below methods to appropriately shut down background programs that are using a lot of resources:
- Boot up your computer and right-click on the taskbar, and then select Task Manager. But, if you are using Windows 11, then right-click on the Start button and select Task Manager. Also, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc button on your keyboard to do the same.
- Look for any software activities that are particularly resource-intensive.
- After you have selected the task, click on the End Task button in the lower-right corner of the window. (But if you are using the latest Insider Build Windows 11 OS, then your Task Manager will be different. Take a look at the screenshot below).
Once done, make a video call and see if you still face the blurry resolution problem or not. If the issue still persists, follow the below methods properly.
4. Get a High-Quality Webcam
It’s obvious that if you use a low-quality budget webcam or a basic one that comes with the laptop, then you cant expect to get high-quality video resolution. A high-quality camera is required in order to stream a high-quality Livestream on Discord. You should not anticipate a decent live video from a low-quality webcam or from a basic video camera.
To do so, broaden your horizons and get a high-quality webcam that will make your video stream more lively to your Discord video chat members.
Depending on your budget, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of models with varied resolutions. The simplest method is to look for the one that best meets your requirements.
5. Check the Webcam Setup
Suppose you mistakenly falsely installed the webcam. In that case, you are most likely facing the issue because of this; as we have previously said that a camera is an important element of a high-quality video in Discord. So, when you fail to properly install a high-quality camera, what is the purpose of having one in the first place?
As a result, I recommend that you consult the installation instructions or manual that comes with the camera. Check to see if there was any important information you missed. Whether everything seems to be in working order, check to see if the camera driver has been loaded and that it is correctly connected to your PC.
Check all of the things listed above completely. If you are unfamiliar with these activities, you should seek the assistance of an expert to assist you in doing them.
6. Use a Stable Internet Connection
Having a poor internet connection is really troublesome. As Discord constantly adjusts the quality of the video depending on the strength of the internet connection, having a steady internet speed is critical for producing a seamless, high-quality video stream in Discord.
As we have previously said before, Discord is an application that relies on a stable internet connection to function properly and without interruption. When using Discord, a fast internet connection is required in order to make a high-quality video chat.
To ensure that you have the best video quality possible during a Discord video conversation, make sure that your network is in good working order. Examine your router’s configuration and see if there is any disruption in your network connection or wi-fi signal before proceeding any further. If you are unable to locate any visible issues, approach your network administrators and request their assistance.
On the other hand, please do not attempt to use Discord while connected to public WI-FI unless you are certain that the internet speed of the network is top-notch. Due to a large number of users on a single band, public wi-fi networks are not reliable. As an added security concern, it poses a danger of data breach for your device.
So, if possible, always try to avoid using public WIFI networks.
FAQ
Can I stream at 1080p on Discord?
Yes, you can. For 1080p streaming on Discord, select the Screen button over your username in the bottom left-hand corner of the Discord main page. Update your streaming quality choices under the Stream Quality menu. However, keep in mind that a Discord Nitro membership is required to broadcast in 1080p at 60 frames per second.
How to make Discord video stream smoother?
If you want to improve the quality of your stream, you should close unwanted apps, enable hardware acceleration, update Windows and device drivers, and remove Discord cache files. Follow the steps mentioned in this article if you don’t know how to do it.
Conclusion
Discord, like Skype, is a messaging application. Aside from that, the only exception is that it is for gamers. In addition, it is quite adaptable and can be arranged in a variety of ways. But as there are some users who are complaining about having low video quality while on a Discord video call, we tried to provide all the possible ways to fix this issue. We hope this article helped you understand how to adjust Discord video quality.