It's important to make sure your live stream is high quality. Make sure you choose a quality that will result in a reliable stream based on your Internet connection. We recommend running a speed test to test your upload bitrate.
If you’re using Events, you can choose a variable resolution stream key to gain the benefits of Stream now. You can also specify your desired resolution and framerate manually.
YouTube will automatically transcode your live stream to create many different output formats so all of your viewers on many devices and networks can watch!
Make sure to test before you start your live stream. Tests should include audio and movement in the video similar to what you'll be doing in the stream. During the event, monitor the stream health and review messages.
Encoder Live Streaming: Basics on How to Set Up & Use an Encoder
Variable Bitrate with Custom Stream Keys in Live Control Room
4K / 2160p @60 fps
- When you schedule Events, make sure to check the 60-fps box in the Ingestion Settings tab if you are not using a variable resolution stream key. Stream now will autodetect the frame rate and resolution.
- Resolution: 3840x2160p
- Video Bitrate Range: 20,000-51,000 Kbps
4k / 2160p @30 fps
- Resolution: 3840x2160p
- Video Bitrate Range: 13,000-34,000 Kbps
- When you schedule Events, make sure to check the 60-fps box in the Ingestion Settings tab if you are not using a variable resolution stream key. Stream now will autodetect the frame rate and resolution.
- Resolution: 2560x1440
- Video Bitrate Range: 9,000-18,000 Kbps
- Resolution: 2560x1440
- Video Bitrate Range: 6,000-13,000 Kbps
- When you schedule Events, make sure to check the 60-fps box in the Ingestion Settings tab if you are not using a variable resolution stream key. Stream now will autodetect the frame rate and resolution.
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Video Bitrate Range: 4,500-9,000 Kbps
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Video Bitrate Range: 3,000-6,000 Kbps
- When you schedule Events, make sure to check the 60-fps box in the Ingestion Settings tab if you are not using a variable resolution stream key. Stream now will autodetect the frame rate and resolution.
- Resolution: 1280x720
- Video Bitrate Range: 2,250-6,000 Kbps
- Resolution: 1280x720
- Video Bitrate Range: 1,500-4,000 Kbps
- Resolution: 854x480
- Video Bitrate Range: 500-2,000 Kbps
- Resolution: 640x360
- Video Bitrate Range: 400-1,000 Kbps
- Resolution: 426x240
- Video Bitrate Range: 300-700 Kbps
Encoder settings
Protocol: | RTMP Streaming |
Video codec: | H.264, 4.1 for up to 1080p 30 FPS |
H.264, 4.2 for 1080p 60 FPS | |
H.264, 5.0 for 1440p 30 FPS | |
H.264, 5.1 for 1440p 60 FPS | |
H.264, 5.1 for 2160p 30 FPS | |
H.264, 5.2 for 2160p 60 FPS | |
Frame rate: | up to 60 fps |
Keyframe frequency: |
Recommended 2 seconds Do not exceed 4 seconds |
Audio codec: | AAC or MP3 |
Bitrate encoding: | CBR |
Recommended advanced settings
Pixel aspect ratio: | Square |
Frame types: | Progressive Scan, 2 B-Frames, 1 Reference Frame |
Entropy coding: | CABAC |
Audio sample rate: | 44.1 KHz |
Audio bitrate: | 128-Kbps stereo |