Why can't I just use a YouTube video?

YouTube re-encodes everything to at most 60fps. A 120Hz monitor shows each of those frames twice – smoothness looks identical to 60Hz. Only a real 120fps file, played locally, exercises every refresh cycle.

The video stutters – is my monitor bad?

Usually not. First set the display to 120Hz in the OS, then play fullscreen in mpv or VLC with hardware decoding enabled. Browsers and video players locked to 60Hz compositing will drop every second frame.

How do I photograph the counter strip?

Use a phone camera in manual/pro mode with a 1/10s or slower shutter. Consecutive lit cells = no skipped frames. A software screenshot cannot detect frame skipping – it captures only what the GPU rendered, not what the panel displayed.

Does this work on a 144Hz or 240Hz monitor?

It plays fine, but to test those panels frame-for-frame use the dedicated 144Hz and 240Hz test videos instead – each is rendered at exactly that frame rate.

120Hz Test Video (120FPS)

A true 120-frames-per-second test file for 120Hz displays. YouTube plays at most 60fps, so no stream can verify a 120Hz panel – this downloaded original renders one unique frame per 120Hz refresh cycle. Three checks in one screen: follow the moving object for motion clarity, watch the sweeping bar for tearing, and photograph the counter strip with a long exposure to catch skipped frames. Set your display to 120Hz first (Windows: Settings → System → Display → Advanced display), then play the file fullscreen in mpv or VLC.

120hz-test-video.mp4

MP4 · 3.8 MB Resolution: 1920x1080 Frame rate: 120fps Duration: 1m 8s Format: MP4 (H.264, silent) VirusTotal report

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Are these files safe to download?

Every sample file is generated by us — no executable code, no macros. Files are served over HTTPS from our CDN, each with a SHA-256 checksum so you can verify your download and a link to an independent VirusTotal scan report.

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Common use cases

Verify 120Hz is actually active

Laptops and TVs often ship at 60Hz even when the panel supports more. If this file doesn't look clearly smoother than a 60fps video, your display is probably still running at 60Hz – check the OS display settings, not the spec sheet.

Check cables and adapters

Older HDMI cables, adapters, and docks silently limit 1080p to 60Hz. Play this file through the exact cable chain you use to confirm the full refresh rate survives it.

Test a new monitor before the return window closes

Photograph the frame counter strip with a long exposure (1/10s or slower): consecutive lit cells mean every frame was shown; gaps mean frame skipping.

Compare 60Hz vs 120Hz side by side

Play this file and the 60fps version alternately to see exactly what the upgrade buys you in motion clarity and input feel.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I just use a YouTube video?: YouTube re-encodes everything to at most 60fps. A 120Hz monitor shows each of those frames twice – smoothness looks identical to 60Hz. Only a real 120fps file, played locally, exercises every refresh cycle.
The video stutters – is my monitor bad?: Usually not. First set the display to 120Hz in the OS, then play fullscreen in mpv or VLC with hardware decoding enabled. Browsers and video players locked to 60Hz compositing will drop every second frame.
How do I photograph the counter strip?: Use a phone camera in manual/pro mode with a 1/10s or slower shutter. Consecutive lit cells = no skipped frames. A software screenshot cannot detect frame skipping – it captures only what the GPU rendered, not what the panel displayed.
Does this work on a 144Hz or 240Hz monitor?: It plays fine, but to test those panels frame-for-frame use the dedicated 144Hz and 240Hz test videos instead – each is rendered at exactly that frame rate.