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For a YouTube Live stream sent over RTMP/RTMPS, use 44.1 kHz for stereo AAC or 48 kHz for 5.1 AAC, following YouTube’s live encoder guidance. For HLS, YouTube gives the same sample-rate split. The separate recommendation of 48 kHz applies to audio in uploaded video files—not as a replacement for the live-stream stereo setting.
Which sample rate should you choose?
| Workflow | Audio layout | YouTube’s recommended sample rate |
|---|---|---|
| Live stream over RTMP/RTMPS | Stereo | 44.1 kHz |
| Live stream over RTMP/RTMPS | 5.1 surround | 48 kHz |
| Live stream over HLS | Stereo | 44.1 kHz |
| Live stream over HLS | 5.1 surround | 48 kHz |
| Video file uploaded to YouTube | Not specified by layout in the cited upload recommendation | 48 kHz |
YouTube lists the live values in its guidance for RTMP/RTMPS live encoder settings and HLS streams. Its recommended upload encoding settings specify 48 kHz for uploaded video audio. These are different workflows, so choose the setting that matches how you are sending content to YouTube.
Why do live streaming and uploads have different recommendations?
A pre-recorded video file can be uploaded and processed by YouTube, or it can be sent as the audio and video content of a live stream. The file may be the same, but the delivery workflow is not. YouTube’s 48 kHz upload recommendation does not override its 44.1 kHz recommendation for stereo audio in an RTMP/RTMPS or HLS live stream.
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 errorsThe sample-rate recommendation concerns the audio being sent by the encoder. It is separate from video resolution and frame rate.
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How to set AAC sample rate for a YouTube live stream
- Identify the delivery method. Check whether your encoder is sending a live RTMP/RTMPS stream or an HLS stream. If you are uploading a finished file rather than broadcasting it live, use the upload guidance instead.
- Confirm the channel layout. Choose stereo or 5.1 based on the audio you intend to send. Do not select 5.1 merely to use a different sample rate.
- Set the sample rate in your encoder’s audio output settings. For stereo live audio, select 44.1 kHz. For 5.1 live audio, select 48 kHz.
- For RTMP/RTMPS 5.1, use AAC. YouTube says 5.1 over RTMP/RTMPS is supported only for AAC. Its RTMP/RTMPS guidance lists AAC or MP3 audio generally, but that does not make MP3 suitable for this 5.1 case.
- Test before the event and watch stream health. Verify that the encoder is sending the intended layout and sample rate, then monitor the live stream for problems.
Encoder interfaces may label or locate this control differently. YouTube describes both software applications and standalone hardware as possible encoder setups; its sample-rate guidance does not imply that you need to buy a hardware encoder.
Common points of confusion
- “YouTube says 48 kHz, so should stereo Live use 48 kHz?” Not according to the live guidance: YouTube recommends 44.1 kHz for stereo live audio. Its 48 kHz upload setting is for uploaded video files.
- “Does AAC itself determine the sample rate?” No. Codec and sample rate are separate settings. Choose the codec your workflow supports, then set the rate according to the live protocol and channel layout.
- “Do I need special hardware to choose 44.1 or 48 kHz?” No such requirement appears in YouTube’s guidance. A software encoder can be used if it offers the needed settings.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
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- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
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Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
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.
