For YouTube Live, match the video bitrate to both your stream’s resolution and frame rate, then choose the column for the codec you send. YouTube recommends 10 Mbps for 1080p30 AV1/H.265 or 14 Mbps for H.264; at 1080p60, its recommendations are 12 Mbps or 17 Mbps. For 4K, use 30 or 42 Mbps at 30 fps, and 35 or 50 Mbps at 60 fps. These are live-ingest starting points, not guarantees of the quality every viewer receives.
YouTube Live bitrate recommendations
The figures below are YouTube’s recommended video bitrates in Mbps for the stream sent to YouTube. Choose the row for your resolution and frame rate, then the column for the codec your encoder actually uses. YouTube’s current Help table does not display a publication or update year.
| Live resolution and frame rate | AV1 or H.265 recommended | H.264 recommended | AV1/H.265 minimum | H.264 minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p30 | 10 Mbps | 14 Mbps | 4 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
| 1080p60 | 12 Mbps | 17 Mbps | 4 Mbps | 6 Mbps |
| 1440p30 | 15 Mbps | 21 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 7 Mbps |
| 1440p60 | 24 Mbps | 34 Mbps | 6 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 2160p (4K) 30 fps | 30 Mbps | 42 Mbps | 8 Mbps | 11 Mbps |
| 2160p (4K) 60 fps | 35 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
YouTube’s live encoder settings include minimums as well as recommendations. Treat the recommended value as the starting point; a minimum is not the preferred target for a stable, good-looking stream. Select a resolution and frame rate your encoder and outbound connection can sustain, and avoid setting a bitrate above the connection’s dependable capacity.
Which bitrate should you use?
1080p at 30 fps
Set 10 Mbps for AV1 or H.265, or 14 Mbps for H.264, according to YouTube’s recommendations. If your encoder is set to H.264, do not use the lower AV1/H.265 number just because both settings say 1080p30.
#1 Best Overall
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
1080p at 60 fps
Use 12 Mbps for AV1 or H.265, or 17 Mbps for H.264. The difference from 30 fps reflects the distinct recommendation for the higher frame rate; motion-heavy content may benefit from 60 fps if your encoder and connection can maintain it.
4K at 30 or 60 fps
At 4K30, YouTube recommends 30 Mbps for AV1/H.265 or 42 Mbps for H.264. At 4K60, it recommends 35 Mbps or 50 Mbps, respectively. A 4K stream needs substantially more upload capacity than 1080p, especially when using H.264. YouTube also says the low-latency option is unavailable for 2160p streams; changing bitrate does not enable low latency at 4K. These streams use normal latency and are optimized for quality (YouTube Help; YouTube Help on latency).
1440p as a middle option
If 1080p feels limiting but 4K is too demanding, YouTube’s recommendations for 1440p are 15 Mbps at 30 fps and 24 Mbps at 60 fps for AV1/H.265; for H.264, they are 21 Mbps and 34 Mbps. The minimums are lower, but the recommended rates are the more useful planning targets.
Set the encoder for YouTube Live
After choosing a bitrate, check the other encoder settings YouTube specifies. Exact menu names vary by encoder, but these are the target values and formats.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #2
- 【1080P 30FPS Full HD Recording】The HDMI capture card connects to your video source and computer, and captures high-definition video up to 1080p 60fps
- 【HDMI Video Capture】Based on high-speed USB 2.0 technology, you can capture a high-definition HDMI video and HDMI audio signal of a signal channel, sending audio and video signals to computers /pc. The gaming capture card is suitable for devices with HDMI output, such as devices for PS4, for Xbox one, for Wii U and for Switch
- 【Screen Sharing for Meetings】The video capture card is a fast, familiar and economical way to share content in conference rooms and online meetings. Connect to presentations without software, just connect to a laptop or tablet via HDMI to start sharing
- 【Plug and Play】This USB capture card does not need to install a driver, so you can use the built-in functions of the current software to get a seamless experience. Because the video capture device is compatible with most third-party software, it can be plug-and-play for Windows, for Ma OS X, and for Linux. The USB2.0 high-speed transmission port makes it easier for you to have real-time streaming for Twitch, for Youtube, for OBS, for Potplayer and for VLC
- 【Compact & Portable】The capture card is small size & easy to carry, convenient for outdoor and indoor live broadcasting. We provide 30 days no question asked money back and lifetime technical support, if you have any problem, please feel free to contact us
- Protocol: RTMP or RTMPS; YouTube recommends RTMPS when supported.
- Video codec: H.264, H.265 (HEVC), or AV1, subject to encoder and workflow support.
- Rate control: CBR (constant bitrate).
- Keyframe interval: 2 seconds; do not exceed 4 seconds.
- Frame rate: up to 60 fps, and set it to match the recommendation row you selected.
- Audio: AAC or MP3. YouTube lists 128 kbps stereo audio at 44.1 kHz and 384 kbps 5.1 audio at 48 kHz. For 5.1 over RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube supports AAC only.
For advanced encoder troubleshooting, YouTube also lists square pixels, progressive scan, two B-frames, one reference frame, and CABAC. For SDR it specifies Rec. 709 and 8-bit; for HDR it specifies 10-bit and recommends H.265 over RTMP(S). AV1 is not supported for HDR. For AV1 at 3840×2160 and above, YouTube specifies at least two tile columns. See YouTube’s encoder settings for the full technical requirements.
Check upload speed and leave headroom
Your upload connection must carry the stream’s total bitrate, including audio and any other traffic using the connection. YouTube recommends leaving 20% headroom and warns that shared network use can reduce the bandwidth available to your stream. Test outbound upload speed—not just download speed—on the network and in the location you will use to broadcast. YouTube’s guidance is on its live encoder settings and bandwidth page.
As a practical planning calculation, divide your target video bitrate by 0.8 to reserve 20% headroom, then allow additional capacity for audio and other network use. For a 17 Mbps video stream, 17 ÷ 0.8 is 21.25 Mbps before adding those extras. This is a planning estimate, not a guarantee: real available upload speed can vary, particularly on a shared connection.
- Run a speed test close to the actual streaming setup and at a time representative of the event.
- Check upload performance and stability, not merely the advertised plan speed or download result.
- Have other people and devices reduce large uploads or bandwidth-heavy activity during the broadcast where possible.
- If the connection cannot sustain the selected settings with headroom, lower the resolution, frame rate, or bitrate rather than streaming at the edge of capacity.
Test the stream before going live
Use a test stream or private/unlisted broadcast workflow where appropriate, and include the kind of movement and audio expected in the real program. YouTube Help advises: “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.” Watch YouTube’s stream health during the test and broadcast; a bitrate number alone cannot reveal every connection or encoder problem (YouTube Help).
Rank #3
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
- Set the resolution, frame rate, codec, CBR, bitrate, and two-second keyframes in the encoder.
- Connect using the YouTube stream key and RTMPS where the encoder supports it. Keep the key private; anyone with access may be able to send a stream to your channel.
- Send a test with representative motion and audio, then verify the preview and stream health in YouTube Studio.
- If health warnings or dropped frames appear, check available upload capacity and other network traffic first; reduce the stream settings if the connection cannot sustain them.
Live bitrate is not prerecorded upload bitrate
Do not copy YouTube’s prerecorded-video upload recommendations into a live encoder. For standard-frame-rate prerecorded uploads, YouTube’s separate table recommends 8 Mbps for 1080p and 35–45 Mbps for 2160p SDR. Those figures concern encoding a file for upload, not the live stream sent continuously to YouTube. For example, at 1080p30, the live recommendation is 10 Mbps for AV1/H.265 or 14 Mbps for H.264, while the prerecorded-upload recommendation is 8 Mbps (YouTube upload encoding settings).
YouTube transcodes an incoming live stream into output formats for viewers using different devices and network conditions. Your encoder bitrate is therefore an input setting, not a promise that every viewer will receive that exact bitrate or resolution (YouTube Help).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting bitrate and stream problems
YouTube reports unstable stream health or dropped frames
Compare the stream’s total bitrate with dependable upload capacity, including the recommended 20% headroom. Check whether other users or devices are consuming bandwidth. If capacity is insufficient or variable, reduce the bitrate or choose a lower resolution or frame rate, then test again.
The encoder bitrate is set correctly, but the stream still looks poor
Confirm that the encoder is using the codec column you selected, that the outgoing resolution and frame rate match the chosen table row, and that CBR and the two-second keyframe interval are configured. Then assess stream health and source-video quality. The bitrate is only one part of the chain, and YouTube creates viewer renditions from the incoming stream.
Rank #4
- Turn Your Camera into a Pro Webcam: Connect your DSLR or mirrorless camera to any computer and go live in stunning quality
- Stunning quality: Stream and record in 1080p60 or even 4K60 for razor-sharp detail (Requires a compatible camera and the latest Cam Link 4K model)
- Connect More Than Just Cameras: Use a camcorder, action cam, or even your iPhone to level up your content
- No Lag, No Delays: Ultra-low latency keeps your video and audio perfectly in sync, just like it should be
- Your iPad, Now a Pro Field Monitor: Preview your shots in real time on an iPad with USB-C
The 4K stream cannot use low latency
This is a YouTube limitation for 2160p streams, not a bitrate problem. YouTube says low latency is unavailable for 4K; use a supported lower resolution if low latency is more important than 4K quality.
The stream fails to connect
Check that the encoder is using RTMP or RTMPS correctly and that the current YouTube stream key is entered in the right destination. If the key has been reset or replaced, update the encoder. Keep the key private and do not publish it in a screenshot or recording.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a prerecorded-video YouTube stream that loops 24/7, the encoder settings above describe a conventional live encoder workflow. StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps the loop running, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams what you uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo or view plans. Start the free first day at StreamNeo registration.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
