To set a constant bitrate (CBR) in OBS, open Settings → Output, switch Output Mode to Advanced if needed, then select CBR under the streaming encoder’s rate-control setting and enter a video bitrate in kbps. YouTube’s standard live-encoder guidance calls for CBR and recommends a two-second keyframe interval, not exceeding four seconds. Set up the playlist separately as a VLC Video source in your OBS scene.
Set up the YouTube stream and playlist
Connect OBS to YouTube
- In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create or select the live stream.
- Copy the stream key and, in OBS, open Settings → Stream to configure the YouTube service and enter the key. The key tells YouTube where to receive the encoder feed, so keep it private.
Exact labels and available options can vary by OBS version, operating system, and selected encoder. OBS places streaming output controls under Settings → Output; Advanced output mode exposes more streaming options. OBS streaming quick start.
Add the playlist to the scene
- Select the scene you intend to stream.
- In the Sources panel, add a VLC Video source and populate its playlist with the media you want to play.
- Check Loop Playlist. OBS documents it as on by default; Shuffle Playlist defaults to off.
VLC must be installed for VLC Video to appear. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. The playlist source determines what plays; the Output settings determine how OBS encodes and sends it. OBS media sources.
If you are streaming one local file rather than a playlist, OBS’s regular Media Source can loop a single file, but its Loop setting defaults to off. Turn it on if you need the file to restart automatically. OBS media sources.
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Choose a video bitrate for your resolution and frame rate
In OBS, open Settings → Video and decide your output resolution and frame rate before choosing the matching encoder bitrate. There is no single correct bitrate for every stream: YouTube’s guidance organizes its recommendations by codec, resolution, and frame rate.
| H.264 ingestion target | YouTube minimum video bitrate | YouTube recommended video bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p at 30 fps | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 6 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
These figures are YouTube’s current H.264 live-ingestion guidance, accessed in 2026; they are not universal OBS defaults. YouTube publishes different ranges for other resolutions and for AV1 or H.265, so choose the row for your actual ingestion codec and format. YouTube: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
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The same bitrate can produce different results for different material: static scenes and fast motion do not place the same demands on an encoder. Test a representative section of the planned playlist, including its movement and audio, rather than assuming a setting will suit every video.
Set CBR and supporting encoder options in OBS
- Open Settings → Output.
- If the streaming controls do not show encoder options, change Output Mode to Advanced.
- Under the streaming encoder controls, set Rate Control to CBR.
- Enter the chosen video bitrate in kbps. For example, 14 Mbps is entered as 14000 kbps.
- Set the keyframe interval to 2 seconds. YouTube recommends two seconds and says not to exceed four seconds.
CBR means constant bitrate encoding. It controls the encoder’s video output; it does not create a playlist, configure your stream key, or make an unstable internet connection reliable. Control names and available choices depend on the selected OBS encoder and may differ across versions. YouTube’s standard RTMP/RTMPS guidance lists H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1 video, up to 60 fps, and CBR encoding. It recommends RTMPS for secure transport. Check the applicable guidance if you are using a specialized HDR or HLS workflow. YouTube live encoder settings.
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Keep audio settings distinct from video bitrate
The video bitrate table is for video, not total stream bitrate. YouTube’s advanced settings recommend 128 Kbps for stereo audio or 384 Kbps for 5.1 surround sound, with a 44.1 kHz stereo or 48 kHz 5.1 sample rate, respectively. YouTube live encoder settings.
Check upload capacity and test before going public
Your connection must sustain the stream’s total bitrate. YouTube recommends testing upload speed, leaving 20% upload headroom, and accounting for a backup stream if you use one. A high bitrate is useful only if the connection can reliably carry it. YouTube streaming tips.
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- Test the stream before public broadcast with audio and motion similar to the playlist you plan to run.
- Watch YouTube’s stream health indicators and messages during the test.
- Confirm that the playlist advances and loops as expected, and that OBS is sending the intended resolution, frame rate, and bitrate.
Troubleshoot common CBR and playlist problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check or change |
|---|---|---|
| Rate Control does not show CBR | Output mode or selected encoder exposes different controls. | Try Settings → Output → Output Mode → Advanced, then inspect the streaming encoder section. Available options vary by encoder and OBS version. |
| Playlist does not play or VLC Video is missing | VLC is not installed, or OBS and VLC have mismatched bitness. | Install VLC matching OBS; for 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC. Reopen OBS and check the Sources menu. |
| A single file stops instead of restarting | Media Source looping is off by default. | Open that source’s properties and enable Loop. |
| Dropped frames or disconnections | Bitrate exceeds dependable upload capacity, or the network is unstable. | Lower video bitrate and test again. If using unstable Wi-Fi, OBS recommends trying a wired connection. |
| Video looks poor despite using a recommended rate | The selected rate may not match the actual codec, resolution, frame rate, or motion in the content. | Verify the ingestion format and use its YouTube bitrate guidance, then test representative material. |
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