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Yes. OBS can play a local pre-recorded video and send it to YouTube Live as an encoded 1440p stream. YouTube accepts 1440p live ingest at 30 and 60 fps. This is an encoder workflow, not uploading a finished file directly into a live event: OBS plays the file, encodes the scene, and sends the feed using your YouTube stream key.
How to stream a pre-recorded video at 1440p with OBS
- Prepare the YouTube stream. In YouTube Live Control Room, create or open the live stream and obtain its stream key. In OBS, select YouTube as the streaming service and enter or connect the stream key as prompted. The key tells OBS where to send the encoded feed. See YouTube’s encoder setup instructions.
- Add the video to an OBS scene. In the Sources panel, select + → Media Source, create a source, and browse to the local file. OBS documents support for formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. In the source properties, enable Loop if the video should repeat, and decide whether to enable Restart playback when source becomes active. Loop is off by default. Details are in the OBS Media Sources guide.
- Set the outgoing resolution and frame rate. Open Settings → Video. Set Output (Scaled) Resolution to 2560×1440 and select the intended common FPS value, such as 30 or 60. The Base (Canvas) Resolution is a separate setting: it defines the composition area, while Output (Scaled) Resolution determines the stream output. Changing the canvas may require resizing or repositioning sources. See the OBS Studio Overview Guide.
- Configure encoding. In Settings → Output, use the streaming encoder configuration you intend to run and set bitrate, rate control, and keyframe interval in line with YouTube’s guidance below. Available codec options depend on your encoder and setup; do not assume your computer supports every listed codec.
- Test before relying on the stream. Start a test stream, inspect the Live Control Room preview and stream health, and confirm that the picture, audio, motion, and playback behavior are correct. Verify that the received stream is 1440p; the file’s own resolution does not determine OBS’s output resolution. YouTube recommends testing and monitoring streams. See Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
YouTube’s 1440p live encoder settings
YouTube’s current English-language encoder guidance lists the following recommended bitrates and minimums. These are YouTube recommendations for incoming live feeds, not guarantees that a particular computer or internet connection can sustain the broadcast.
| Output | Codec | Recommended bitrate | Listed minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1440p at 30 fps | H.264 | 21 Mbps | 7 Mbps |
| 1440p at 30 fps | AV1 or H.265 | 15 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
| 1440p at 60 fps | H.264 | 34 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 1440p at 60 fps | AV1 or H.265 | 24 Mbps | 6 Mbps |
Use the recommendation for your selected codec; do not combine bitrate figures from different codec rows. YouTube lists RTMP/RTMPS as protocols, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1 as video codecs, CBR bitrate encoding, frame rates up to 60 fps, and a recommended keyframe frequency of two seconds, not exceeding four. It recommends RTMPS. Check the current YouTube encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions when configuring the stream.
Choose 1440p30 or 1440p60
| Choice | When it may fit | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| 1440p30 | When the source does not need the extra temporal smoothness of 60 fps, or you want a less demanding output to test first. | Lower frame rate; YouTube’s recommended bitrate is lower than for 1440p60. |
| 1440p60 | When the source’s motion benefits from 60 fps and your encoding system can sustain it. | Higher recommended bitrate and greater system load. OBS cautions that 60-fps streaming can be taxing compared with 30 fps. |
Match the output frame rate to the content where practical. A 60-fps setting does not create additional motion detail in a 30-fps source, and it asks the encoder and connection to handle a higher-rate output. OBS recommends testing system capability; if the output is choppy or encoding is overloaded, reduce the output resolution or frame rate. See OBS encoding performance troubleshooting.
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#1 Best Overall
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Elgato 4K S Capture Card for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
- 4K60 Capture: Record in cinematic quality with crisp detail and vivid colors
- HFR Support: Play and capture in 1440p120 or 1080p240
- HDR10 Support: Capture brilliant HDR content with tone mapping on Windows
- Cross-Platform Compatible: Works with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and more
- Analog Audio In: Capture in-game chat or commentary with 3.5mm input
What 1440p ingest does—and does not—guarantee
- The source file’s resolution is not the output setting. A 1440p file can still be sent at a different resolution if OBS’s Output (Scaled) Resolution is set differently. Check the output setting and the received stream.
- 1440p ingest does not mean every viewer watches at 1440p. YouTube transcodes live feeds into different output formats for viewers on different devices and networks.
- Your computer and connection must sustain the chosen settings. There is no established minimum computer specification for this exact prerecorded-file-at-1440p workflow. Test your own setup rather than treating a particular CPU, GPU, or internet tier as mandatory.
- Plan the end of playback. With a Media Source, enable Loop if the file should repeat; otherwise playback ends when the file ends. For a playlist, OBS also offers a VLC Video source with a Loop Playlist setting, but it requires VLC to be installed.
Common problems and fixes
- The stream is not 1440p: Check Settings → Video → Output (Scaled) Resolution; changing the source file alone does not set the broadcast resolution. Confirm the received quality in YouTube Live Control Room.
- The image stutters or OBS reports encoding strain: Reduce the frame rate from 60 to 30, lower the output resolution, or otherwise reduce rendering and encoding load. Test again and monitor stream health.
- The stream drops or health warnings appear: Check the outgoing bitrate and connection stability against the selected codec’s YouTube guidance. Test with the actual intended settings before scheduling a longer broadcast.
- The video stops instead of repeating: Open the Media Source properties and enable Loop. If using a VLC Video playlist, check Loop Playlist.
- Playback starts at an unexpected point: Review Restart playback when source becomes active in Media Source properties and test how the source behaves when the scene becomes active.
- The video plays but has no sound: Check the Media Source’s audio behavior and OBS audio mixer meters, then confirm audio in the Live Control Room preview during a test.
Copyright and YouTube live rules
Using a pre-recorded file does not change the need to have the rights or permissions required for the video and any included music. Before streaming, check that the footage, soundtrack, and other material are cleared for the intended use and that the stream complies with YouTube’s policies. A live ingest resolution setting does not establish eligibility for monetization or resolve questions about reused content; those depend on YouTube’s applicable policies and the channel’s content.
For a repeatable check of rights and content risks, use the copyright safety checklist before putting a video on a recurring stream.
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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
- 【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
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos without leaving OBS or a home computer running, StreamNeo is the cloud option. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops it from the cloud. Nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams the uploaded quality 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 pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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SaleBestseller No. 3
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UGREEN 2K@30Hz 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card 4K Input HDMI to USB 3.0
- 2K 30FPS & 1080p 60FPS HDMI Capture Card: The 4K@30Hz input and 2K@30Hz output resolutions offer dual benefits. The high input resolution preserves original video quality for post-production editing, while the 2K output provides an optimal balance between clarity and compatibility. At the same time, this HDMI to USB-C capture card is also backward compatible with 1080p 60FPS, to fulfill a variety of daily needs. Note: Ensure your HDMI source device and the capture device support 2K resolution
- Low Latency 5 Gbps High Data Transfer Speed: With high-speed USB 3.0 technology for optimal performance and low delay, you can easily stream video from the Switch/Switch 2/PS4/PS5 to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer, and VLC on a computer. It's also backward compatible with USB 2.0. Note: This capture card for streaming only supports HDMI input sources, as well as iPadOS devices need to be updated to 17 or higher to use it
- USB A and USB C ports: Featuring both USB-A and USB-C interfaces, this streaming capture card ensures broad compatibility with modern devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, desktops, and Quest 3. Perfect for multi-scenario streaming—whether you're broadcasting camera footage, mobile gaming, or PC live streams. Note: This capture card only supports unidirectional signal flow—HDMI input to USB output
- Universal Compatibility: This Driver-Free HDMI capture card for streaming supports Windows 11/10/8.1/7, MacOS, Linux, and phones/tablets. This capture card effortlessly livestreams gameplay from Switch, Switch 2, PS4/PS4 Pro/PS5 (Disable HDCP mode), Xbox Series X, and Meta Quest 3/2 directly to your iPad, laptop, or PC. Fully support OBS Studio, XSplit, PotPlayer, QuickTime Player, and more for streaming, recording, editing, and high-res video transfer. Note: iPadOS 17 or later is required for USB-C iPad compatibility. Switch / Xbox / PS5/ PS4 work fine when HDCP is turned off
- Durable USB Capture Card: The aluminum alloy casing easily dissipates heat and is lightweight while effectively shielding against EMI, ensuring stable signal transmission. The built-in cable features 26AWG (2C) + 30AWG (1P) tinned copper conductors, ensuring excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, enhancing durability, and reducing signal loss
Rank #4
NearStream CCD10 HDMI Capture Card for PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, DSLR Camera
- 【4K60Hz, 1440P@120HZ & 1080P@240HZ PASSTHROUGH】: Supports HDMI input and loop-out at 4K60Hz, 1440P@120Hz, or 1080p@240Hz for smooth, high-frame-rate gameplay on your monitor or TV while streaming or recording at the same time.
- 【1080P60 VIDEO CAPTURE WITH LOW-LATENCY PERFORMANCE】: Captures video up to 1080p at 60fps through USB-C 3.0, delivering smooth, stable, and low-latency performance for live streaming, gameplay recording, video capture, and content creation.
- 【PLUG AND PLAY ON WINDOWS, MAC, AND LINUX】: Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux for quick setup with compatible apps and devices, making it easy to start streaming, recording, or broadcasting right away.
- 【Dual 3.5mm Audio Ports】: Use the 3-pole TRS mic input for an external mic or the 4-pole TRRS headset jack for headset mic input and headphone output. When both ports are connected, the headset jack provides headphone output only.
- 【COMPATIBLE WITH CONSOLES, CAMERAS, AND PCS】: Works with PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, cameras, DSLRs, and computers. Package includes the CCD10 capture card, HDMI cable, USB cable, user manual, and quick start guide.
Rank #3
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Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
- 【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.
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.
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