Stable internet connectivity is essential for successful Lookback sessions - especially for LiveShare (moderated) and unmoderated remote studies. Insufficient bandwidth or high network latency can cause audio/video dropouts, failed screen sharing, or disrupted sessions.
This article explains what speeds and network conditions we recommend, and why.
Minimum speed recommendations
Upload and download speeds
We recommend at least 5 Mbps available for both upload and download for all parties (participants, moderators, observers).
This recommendation is conservative; successful sessions can occur at lower speeds in ideal conditions, but 5 Mbps provides a safer operating range.
A good WiFi connection or a wired (Ethernet) connection helps achieve these speeds reliably.
Mobile/cellular connections (4G, LTE, 5G) may occasionally work but are not recommended as the primary network for sessions, because they often vary in performance and may not sustain consistent upload/download speeds.
Latency (network signal responsiveness)
Latency measures the round-trip time for data to travel between the participant’s device and Lookback’s servers.
We recommend a loaded latency below 500 ms (milliseconds) for the best session experience.
Loaded latency refers to latency when other traffic is present on the network (typical usage conditions), and is a better indicator of real-world performance than unloaded (idle) latency.
High latency can lead to delayed audio/video transmission and a less responsive session experience.
Connection testing options
Participate app connection test (mobile)
Lookback’s Participate app includes a built-in connection tester:
Open Participate on your mobile device
Tap I need help at the bottom
Select Test your connection
This provides an indication of how participant connectivity performs with Lookback’s servers, but it should be viewed as a baseline estimate, not a definitive guarantee.
Public speed tests
Public internet speed testing websites (e.g., Speedtest.net) can be useful as a general reference, but they often:
do not measure connection speed directly to Lookback servers
may not reflect live session conditions
Therefore, they should be used only as rough guidance.
Who needs which speeds?
Participants
Because participant devices typically transmit screen video, audio, and interaction data, upload speed is critical. Aim for:
5 Mbps upload minimum
Participants should also have sufficient download speed to receive moderator video and session signals reliably.
Moderators and observers
Moderators and observers generally receive more data than they send, so download speed is often more important.
However:
If a moderator shares their screen, they also need 5 Mbps upload available
Participants also benefit from good download speeds during moderator screen sharing
These conditions help keep the session smooth for everyone.
Operational recommendations
Check speeds before inviting participants. Ask participants to measure their upload and download speeds and confirm they meet the recommendation.
Test connections during previews or Participant PreCheck. This helps catch issues early without involving live participants.
Avoid networks with heavy traffic. Shared public WiFi or congested home networks may fail to sustain required speeds.
Consider a wired connection. Ethernet often provides more stable performance than WiFi.
Restart devices or routers if speeds seem inconsistent during setup.