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To stream a finished video as 4K 60fps HDR on YouTube Live, add it to an OBS scene as a Media Source, configure OBS to output 3840×2160 at 60 fps, and use YouTube’s documented HDR path: OBS 30.1 or later, an HDR source, a compatible hardware HEVC encoder set to Main 10, P010 (4:2:0), and Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG. YouTube recommends HLG. A 4K60 file alone does not make the live output HDR; the source, color handling, encoder, protocol, and YouTube ingest settings all need to agree.
This guide walks through the setup, testing, and common fixes. Check that your OBS build and computer expose the required controls before scheduling a show.
Check the video and computer first
Confirm the source is actually HDR
Inspect the file’s frame size, frame rate, codec, and HDR transfer/color metadata. Upscaling an SDR file to 4K or selecting an HDR output setting does not restore HDR highlights or color information that the source never contained. Match OBS’s color standard to the source rather than choosing PQ or HLG by guesswork. YouTube’s HDR guidance requires compatible HDR material for an HDR live stream.
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Your system must decode the source smoothly and encode 3840×2160 at 60 fps using hardware HEVC Main 10 with the needed 10-bit HDR controls. Compatibility varies with the computer, operating system, encoder hardware, and OBS build. The practical check is whether OBS offers the hardware HEVC option and required profile, pixel format, and color-space controls; do not assume every system has them.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Add the video as an OBS Media Source
- Create or select a scene: In OBS, choose the scene that will contain the program.
- Add the file: In the Sources panel, select + → Media Source, create or select a source, and choose the local video. OBS Media Source supports common formats including MP4, TS, MOV, MKV, AVI, FLV, WebM, and GIF. See OBS’s Media Sources documentation.
- Set playback behavior: Enable Loop if the video should restart when it reaches the end; leave it off for a one-pass event. Choose whether playback should restart when the source becomes active, and whether the source should disappear at the end, according to how you will use the scene.
- Check audio routing: Confirm the file’s audio is present and routed as intended. In a representative test, check the opening, a section with motion and sound, and the ending for synchronization, unexpected silence, or unwanted desktop and notification audio.
Set OBS output to 4K60 HDR
Set resolution and frame rate
Configure OBS’s output canvas and frame rate for 3840×2160 and 60 fps. If the source is lower-resolution or a different frame rate, outputting 4K60 does not create additional original detail or motion; it scales or repeats/interpolates according to the processing path.
Choose the documented HDR encoder settings
YouTube’s documented OBS HDR workflow specifies OBS 30.1 or later, a hardware HEVC encoder, the Main 10 profile, P010 (4:2:0), and Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG; YouTube recommends HLG. These are YouTube-published operational requirements, not a benchmark of any particular computer. If the controls are missing, check the OBS version and hardware compatibility rather than substituting software H.264 and assuming it will deliver YouTube Live HDR. See YouTube’s HDR live-streaming instructions for OBS.
Rank #2
- Multi-resolution & Ultra-wide Support— Capture with 3 Model Up to 4K60, 1440P 144, 1080P 240Hz with Passthrough Recording, perfectly matching PS5, high-refresh gaming PC and ultrawide 21:9 monitors. Whether you stream 4K gameplay from PlayStation 5, record smooth 1440P competitive matches or capture ultra-fluid 1080P 240FPS esports footage, the video capture card keeps original frame rate and complete screen ratio via lossless passthrough, no cropping or image compression during live streaming and video recording.
Choose the YouTube ingest protocol
YouTube’s HDR help allows RTMP(S) or HLS. Select the YouTube RTMPS or YouTube HLS service available in your installed OBS version and appropriate to the intended HDR route. For HLS HDR, YouTube specifies using HLS on the stream key; OBS lists YouTube HLS among its service choices in the documented workflow. Platform builds and available settings can differ, so verify the installed version rather than assuming every option appears everywhere. For HDR, leave YouTube’s manual resolution setting unchecked.
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YouTube’s current live encoder guidance lists an ingest range of 10–40 Mbps for AV1/H.265 at 2160p60 and gives 35 Mbps as the recommended H.264 bitrate at that resolution and frame rate. For the documented HDR workflow, use HEVC and choose a stable bitrate within the published range that your actual upload connection can sustain. Advertised peak upload speed is not a guarantee of steady usable bandwidth.
Rank #3
- 【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.
- Set rate control to CBR.
- Use a 2-second keyframe interval; YouTube says not to exceed 4 seconds.
- Test upload capacity and leave headroom for network variation. If the connection cannot sustain the chosen rate, reduce the bitrate or output demands and retest.
These values are YouTube’s published encoder settings; they do not guarantee that every network, device, or playback path will deliver 4K HDR. See YouTube’s live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
Connect OBS, test, and verify HDR playback
- Enable YouTube Live in advance: Create or schedule the event in YouTube Live Control Room. First-time live-stream enablement can take up to 24 hours, so do not leave activation until show time.
- Connect OBS: Use the YouTube account connection or the event’s stream key. If using HLS for HDR, make sure the key is configured for HLS.
- Test before the event: YouTube advises, “Make sure to test before you start your live stream.” Run a private or otherwise appropriate test with motion and audio similar to the planned program. Check the incoming preview and stream health before starting publicly.
- Monitor the live stream: Watch YouTube’s health indicators and OBS for ingest problems or dropped frames. YouTube recommends checking stream health and testing the connection.
- Verify HDR on a supported device: The Live Control Room preview does not display HDR colors, so its appearance alone cannot establish that the feed is SDR. After the stream is available, play it on an HDR-supported device and check the quality menu for the HDR badge. YouTube serves SDR playback to viewers on unsupported devices.
Setup and testing advice: YouTube Help on setting up a live stream.
Rank #4
- 4K Capture Card for Gaming: Seamlessly capture and stream with PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch gameplay to Discord in 1080p or stunning 4K resolution. Perfect for Twitch, YouTube, and video streaming with OBS Studio and Streamlabs.
- 4K60 HDR and VRR Passthrough: Play at up to 4K60, 1440p144 or 1080p240 with HDR and VRR passthrough while recording for smooth gameplay on supported displays.
- VRR Recording and Ultrawide Support: Record VRR up to 1440p60 or 1080p240 with Streaming Center, plus 3440x1440 and 2560x1080 input support for 21:9 gaming.
- 5.1 Audio and OBS Workflow: Capture 5.1-channel audio on Windows with Streaming Center or Streaming Center Plug for OBS through the USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C connection.
- Console, PC, Mac and iPad Support: Capture unencrypted HDMI from PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 or PC using Windows 10/11, macOS 13/14+ or iPadOS 17+.
Troubleshoot common 4K HDR problems
OBS does not show a hardware HEVC or Main 10 option
The installed OBS build or computer may not expose a compatible hardware encoder. Confirm you are using OBS 30.1 or later and check the system’s encoder capabilities. YouTube’s documented HDR path calls for hardware HEVC Main 10; a software H.264 setting is not an equivalent HDR substitute.
Colors look washed out or wrong
Check that the file is genuinely HDR, OBS uses P010 and the intended Rec. 2100 color space, and the selected PQ or HLG transfer matches the source. Also confirm HDR is enabled on the viewing display. Do not diagnose color from the Live Control Room preview, which does not show HDR colors.
Best Value
- 【4K 60Hz Ultra Capture & Passthrough】 Capture stunning gameplay in 4K@60Hz, 2K@144Hz, and 1080p@240Hz. Supports YUY2, NV12, and RGB24 formats for enhanced visual quality.
- 【Advanced VRR HDR Technology】 Enjoy superior image quality with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) for smoother gameplay.
- 【Smart Display & Control】 Real-time operation parameters and a smart switch for easy display and ring light control—press and hold for 2-3 seconds.
- 【Broad Compatibility】 Seamless plug-and-play with Windows, macOS, and Linux—no driver installation required for easy integration with popular streaming software.
- 【Utility Software for Enhanced Control】 Download the PORTTA CapHub Utility (Windows/macOS) to customize video settings, adjust audio mixing, update firmware, and manage EDID/VRR modes for an optimized capture experience.
YouTube does not offer 2160p60 playback
Verify OBS output resolution and frame rate, then inspect ingest health and allow YouTube time to process and transcode viewer renditions. Not every playback device or network will show 4K HDR.
Ingest is unstable or frames are dropping
Reduce the bitrate or output demands to a level the upload can sustain, then test again. YouTube recommends selecting bitrate for a reliable connection and checking upload speed; a speed test is more useful than relying on an advertised peak alone.
The video stops after one play
Enable Loop in the OBS Media Source if you want the file to repeat.
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If the goal is to keep uploaded video live on YouTube without leaving OBS and a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not broadcast a camera feed.
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
- One flat price per slot covers any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card (one free day per account).
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Visit StreamNeo to start the free day.
Quick Recap
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