To match FFmpeg output resolution to YouTube Live ingest, set FFmpeg’s output dimensions to your chosen ingest target while preserving the source’s aspect ratio. YouTube detects encoder settings automatically by default; manual resolution selection is available in Live Control Room when you use a custom stream key and enable manual settings. Resolution is only one part of a stable stream: frame rate, bitrate, codec, keyframes, and upload capacity must also fit the target.
Choose the YouTube ingest target first
Pick the resolution and frame rate you intend to send, based on the source material, its motion, and the upload capacity available to the encoder. For H.264, YouTube Help’s current live encoder settings page (accessed October 3, 2026) gives these ingest bitrate figures:
| Ingest resolution and frame rate | Minimum bitrate | Recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 720p30 | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 720p60 | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 1080p30 | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| 1080p60 | 6 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
These are YouTube’s recommendations for the stated H.264 targets, not a guarantee that a particular connection or program will remain stable. Check the encoder’s available upload bandwidth and leave headroom rather than assuming a speed-test result can be used entirely by the stream. YouTube’s live encoder settings also list frame rates up to 60 fps, constant bitrate (CBR), and a recommended two-second keyframe frequency that should not exceed four seconds.
YouTube transcodes the incoming live feed into formats for viewers, so configure FFmpeg for the ingest feed rather than trying to generate every playback rendition yourself.
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Decide how YouTube will detect resolution
Automatic settings
YouTube detects encoder settings automatically by default. This is the simplest choice when you do not need to select a particular ingest resolution in Live Control Room.
Manual resolution selection
If you need to choose the resolution in Live Control Room, use a custom stream key and turn on manual settings. Make FFmpeg’s output dimensions match the resolution selected there. The available interface and labels can change, so follow the current controls in your YouTube Live Control Room rather than relying on an older menu path.
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Resize with FFmpeg without distorting the picture
Use FFmpeg’s scale video filter to set output dimensions. To target a width of 1280 pixels while calculating a compatible height, use this filter fragment:
-vf "scale=1280:-2"
The negative multiple tells the filter to calculate the other dimension proportionally and keep it compatible with common encoder dimension requirements. This is a filter fragment, not a complete streaming command: a full command also depends on the input, FFmpeg build, encoder, protocol URL, credentials, and audio handling.
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When the source and target aspect ratios differ, decide deliberately whether to fit the whole image, add padding, or crop. FFmpeg documents force_original_aspect_ratio for keeping output within or beyond a specified width-and-height box. Consult the FFmpeg scale filter documentation for the syntax supported by your installed version. Do not set unrelated width and height values that stretch the image.
- Check the installed build. Confirm your FFmpeg version and that it includes the encoder and options you plan to use; not every build exposes every codec or encoder.
- Set the output dimensions. Use the scale filter to match the intended ingest target, preserving aspect ratio or explicitly choosing fit, padding, or crop behavior.
- Verify the result. Check the actual output dimensions before going live instead of assuming the filter produced the target you intended.
Match the other encoder settings
YouTube’s current live encoder guidance lists RTMP and RTMPS ingest, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1. It recommends RTMPS, CBR, a two-second keyframe interval, and keyframes no farther apart than four seconds. Verify that your FFmpeg build supports the selected protocol, codec, and encoder options before relying on them.
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- Bitrate: Choose a target appropriate to both resolution and frame rate; use YouTube’s H.264 figures above as guidance, then confirm your connection has sufficient upload capacity.
- Picture format: YouTube recommends square pixels, progressive scan, CABAC, two B-frames, and Rec. 709 for SDR.
- Audio: For RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube lists AAC or MP3 audio.
- Keyframes: Use the recommended two-second interval and do not exceed four seconds.
For the current encoder requirements and recommendations, see YouTube Help’s live encoder settings. Test with audio and motion similar to the actual program; a static test image alone may not reveal problems that appear with fast movement or complex sound.
Test and monitor the live feed
- Run a complete pre-event test using the intended resolution, frame rate, bitrate, codec, keyframe interval, and audio configuration.
- Confirm FFmpeg’s output dimensions and verify that YouTube receives the expected ingest settings.
- During delivery, watch YouTube Live Control Room’s stream health and messages. If it reports trouble, check the reported issue and compare the actual encoder output and available upload capacity with the selected target.
Troubleshoot common resolution mismatches
- The output is not the target size: Inspect the actual dimensions produced by FFmpeg and verify the scale filter arguments. Check for other filters or output options that may alter the image.
- The image looks stretched: The selected width and height likely changed the source aspect ratio. Use proportional scaling, or choose padding or cropping deliberately.
- YouTube shows an unexpected resolution: Check whether the stream key is using automatic detection or manual settings. With manual settings, confirm the selected Live Control Room resolution matches FFmpeg’s output.
- The stream buffers or loses health: Compare the bitrate with available upload capacity and the target’s YouTube recommendation. Test again with representative motion and audio; do not treat the recommended bitrate as proof the connection can sustain it.
- An encoder option is rejected: Confirm the installed FFmpeg build exposes that codec, protocol, or option. Support varies by build, so a setting listed in YouTube’s guidance is not guaranteed to exist in every local installation.
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