Jitsi Meet Quality & Performance Improvements: Simple Tips for Better Calls

Running smooth and stable video calls on Jitsi Meet depends heavily on Quality & Performance Improvements across your server, network, and user settings. When Jitsi is not optimized, calls can lag, video may freeze, audio may break, and overall collaboration becomes frustrating. The good news is that Jitsi offers many ways to improve performance without forcing users to install anything or upgrade hardware.

In this guide, we will walk through practical, easy-to-understand tips that improve Jitsi Meet quality. These include server tuning, bandwidth settings, UI adjustments, and best practices for both administrators and users. Everything is explained in simple English to help beginners and experts get the best performance from their Jitsi Meet setup.

Why Quality & Performance Improvements Matter in Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet depends on real-time video and audio processing. Even small issues—like low bandwidth, outdated hardware, or misconfigured servers—can reduce call quality. This is why applying the right Quality & Performance Improvements is important. A well-optimized Jitsi setup delivers:

• Clear HD video
• Crisp, lag-free audio
• Smooth screen sharing
• Stable sessions even with many users
• Better user experience on mobile
• Lower server load and fewer crashes

With a few changes in server configuration and user habits, Jitsi can perform just as well as or even better than many paid video call platforms.

How Jitsi Meet Works Behind the Scenes

To understand how to improve performance, you need a quick view of how Jitsi works:

1. Jitsi Videobridge

This is the “heart” of Jitsi Meet. It routes video between participants using SFU (Selective Forwarding Unit). A well-configured Videobridge supports more users with lower CPU load.

2. Jicofo

This component manages conferences and connects users to the Videobridge.

3. Prosody

This handles authentication, signaling, and room creation.

4. WebRTC

This is the technology that enables real-time video communication in the browser.

If any of these components are slow, misconfigured, or overloaded, you will see performance problems. Now let’s improve them step by step.

Essential Jitsi Meet Optimization Tips for Better Video Quality

Below are the most effective Quality & Performance Improvements you can apply to your Jitsi Meet setup.

Server-Level Optimization Tips

These tips are ideal for self-hosted Jitsi deployments.

1. Choose the Right Server Resources

Jitsi handles real-time traffic. So, using the right hardware is important.

Recommended minimum server resources:

• 4 CPU cores
• 8 GB RAM
• SSD storage
• Stable internet with low latency

For more than 30–40 users in a single call, upgrade to:

• 8 CPU cores
• 16–32 GB RAM

2. Keep Jitsi Updated

Jitsi updates often include:

• Performance fixes
• New optimization features
• Better browser support
• Security improvements

Running outdated versions slows down your calls.

3. Enable Octo for Scalability

If your Jitsi setup handles many users, enable Octo, which allows multiple Videobridges to share load. This reduces:

• CPU usage
• Packet loss
• Lag during large meetings

4. Tune Videobridge Settings

Improve performance by adjusting:

videobridge.conf:

• Reduce unnecessary video layers
• Enable VP9 or AV1 when supported
• Limit max resolution

A common improvement is limiting video to 720p for most meetings.

5. Install Jitsi with Docker for Better Performance Control

Docker deployments help:

• Isolate services
• Scale easily
• Maintain consistent performance
• Reduce compatibility issues

If you use Jitsi in production, Docker is often more stable than manual installation.

6. Use a TURN Server for NAT and Firewall Issues

A TURN server helps users behind strict networks connect smoothly. Without TURN:

• Some users cannot join
• Audio/video fails
• Screen share may not work

This is one of the most important settings for real-world Jitsi optimization.

Network Optimization Tips

The network has the biggest impact on video quality.

1. Ensure Enough Bandwidth

Minimum requirements per user:

• 2 Mbps upload
• 2 Mbps download

For HD video:

• 5 Mbps upload
• 5 Mbps download

Servers should use at least:

• 1 Gbps connection

Never host Jitsi on a low-bandwidth VPS.

2. Reduce Packet Loss

Packet loss directly impacts video and audio quality.

To reduce packet loss:

• Use wired network for server
• Use low-latency hosting providers
• Avoid overloading server resources

3. Optimize Firewall Rules

Allow these ports:

• 80 / 443
• 10000/UDP
• 5349/TCP for TURN

Block unnecessary ports to avoid network conflicts.

Client-Side Optimization Tips for Better Calls

Even if your server is powerful, user-side issues can ruin the meeting experience. Teach your users simple habits.

1. Use the Latest Browser

Best browsers for Jitsi performance:

• Chrome
• Edge
• Firefox (stable but slower for large meetings)

Older browsers struggle with WebRTC.

2. Close Background Tabs and Apps

Background apps using the camera or microphone can slow down video calls. Ask participants to close:

• Other video apps
• Heavy browser tabs
• Downloads

3. Use a Wired Connection When Possible

Wi-Fi fluctuations often cause:

• Freezing
• Audio drops
• Delays

Wired connections are always more stable.

4. Set Video Quality Correctly

Jitsi allows users to control:

• Camera resolution
• Bandwidth mode
• Audio settings

Encourage users to switch to “Low bandwidth mode” on slow networks.

5. Use Good Microphones and Cameras

Even a simple USB webcam improves:

• Brightness
• Clarity
• Focus

Good microphones drastically reduce noise.

UI and UX Optimization Tips

These small adjustments make Jitsi run smoother on low-powered devices.

1. Reduce Tile View Stress

Tile view loads every video at the same time.
This increases:

• CPU load
• RAM usage
• Lag

Encourage users to switch to Speaker View during large calls.

2. Disable Unneeded Features

If your meeting does not need:

• Reactions
• Chat
• Screen share
• Raise hand

You can disable them to reduce UI load.

3. Use Moderator Controls Wisely

Moderators can:

• Mute participants
• Turn off videos
• Remove idle users

This helps maintain call stability.

Mobile Optimization Tips for Jitsi

Mobile users face the most performance issues. Here’s how to improve their call experience:

1. Use the Jitsi Mobile App Instead of Browser - The app is more optimized and uses lower bandwidth.

2. Turn Off HD Video - Phones overheat with HD video enabled.

3. Keep the Device Cool - High temperature reduces performance and forces the phone to lower video quality automatically.

Extra Tips for Large Jitsi Meetings and Webinars

When hosting 50+ participants, apply these adjustments:

1. Use 360p as Default Resolution: Keeps CPU + network load low.

2. Disable Video for Attendees: Only speakers use video.

3. Use Livestream Instead of Large Calls: Streaming to YouTube or RTMP reduces load on your Jitsi server.

Common Jitsi Performance Problems and Fixes

Problem 1: Video Freezing

Fix:

• Reduce resolution
• Enable hardware acceleration
• Close heavy apps

Problem 2: Audio Delays

Fix:

• Switch to wired network
• Update browser
• Avoid Bluetooth headphones with high latency

Problem 3: Screen Sharing Lag

Fix:

• Share only the tab, not the entire screen
• Use a stable internet connection

Problem 4: Participants Cannot Join

Fix:

• Enable TURN server
• Check firewall ports

Advanced Server Optimization for Experts

If you want maximum performance, apply these:

1. Use WebSocket for Prosody - Improves signaling speed.

2. Optimize Java Heap for Videobridge - Prevents memory leaks.

3. Deploy CDN for Static Files - Reduces load on main server.

4. Use HPA (Horizontal Pod Autoscaling) - If using Kubernetes, auto-scale based on CPU.

5. Enable CPU Pinning - Locks Jitsi processes to specific CPU cores for better stability.

Monitoring Performance

Track Jitsi performance using:

• Grafana
• Prometheus
• Jitsi Meet built-in stats
• Server monitoring tools

This helps you prevent issues before they affect users.

Conclusion

Improving Jitsi Meet performance is not complicated. With the right set of Quality & Performance Improvements such as better server resources, bandwidth tuning, optimized settings, and user best practices—you can deliver smooth, stable, and high-quality video calls every time. Whether you run a small team meeting or a large webinar, these optimization tips help boost speed, reduce lag, and create a better experience for everyone.

Ready to Boost Quality & Performance in Your Jitsi Meetings?

Optimize your Jitsi setup for faster, smoother, and more reliable video calls. With the right quality tweaks and performance enhancements, you can deliver crystal-clear audio, stable connections, and an overall better meeting experience for every user.