To reduce the complexity of encoding depth video and to improve the efficiency of encoding depth video, a depth video fast encoding algorithm was proposed by utilizing the consistency of the complexity of depth video texture. Firstly, the mode complexity in different areas was analyzed. The complexity factor of a macroblock mode was defined, and the depth video was divided into two kinds of areas, simple area and complex area, by using the factor. Then, the distribution of macroblock mode of depth video and the correlation characteristics of macroblock mode selection were analyzed in detail to provide a theoretical basis for the proposed algorithm. Finally, a fast selection algorithm for depth video macroblock mode was implemented based on different encoding strategies from the simple area or the complex area. Experimental results show that the algorithm can save 65.57%-92.72% encoding time while maintaining the encoding rate-distortion performance and the quality of virtual view. Furthermore, more encoding time can be saved in the condition of low bit rate. Therefore, this algorithm is more effective under low network bandwidth limitations.