It's important to make sure that your live stream is high quality. Make sure that 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 frame rate manually.
YouTube will automatically transcode your live stream to create many different output formats so that all of your viewers on many devices and networks can watch!
Make sure that you 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
HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)
RTMPS
4K/2160p @60fps
- Resolution: 3840x2160
- Video bitrate range: 20,000–51,000 Kbps
4k/2160p @30fps
- Resolution: 3840x2160
- Video bitrate range: 13,000–34,000 Kbps
- Resolution: 2560x1440
- Video bitrate range: 9,000–18,000 Kbps
- Resolution: 2560x1440
- Video bitrate range: 6,000–13,000 Kbps
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Video bitrate range: 4,500–9,000 Kbps
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Video bitrate range: 3,000–6,000 Kbps
- 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 30FPS |
H.264, 4.2 for 1080p 60FPS | |
H.264, 5.0 for 1440p 30FPS | |
H.264, 5.1 for 1440p 60FPS | |
H.264, 5.1 for 2160p 30FPS | |
H.264, 5.2 for 2160p 60FPS | |
Frame rate: | up to 60fps |
Key frame 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 |