YouTube’s published encoder guidance lists live streams up to 2160p (4K) and up to 60 fps. For 2160p60, YouTube recommends 35 Mbps with AV1 or H.265 (HEVC), or 50 Mbps with H.264. These describe the stream sent by your encoder—not a guarantee that every viewer will receive 4K60, because YouTube transcodes incoming streams into multiple formats. YouTube Help’s encoder settings, accessed in 2026, recommends automatic resolution detection for most setups.
What resolution and frame rate can you send to YouTube Live?
YouTube’s encoder guidance lists settings through 2160p (4K) and frame rates up to 60 fps. It does not list a 120 fps encoder mode. The published bitrate table covers combinations from 360p30 to 2160p60; treat these as YouTube’s listed encoder settings, not a statement that every conceivable configuration has been exhaustively specified.
An encoder’s input resolution and frame rate are not the same as what each viewer will see. YouTube says it automatically transcodes a live stream into multiple output formats for different devices and networks. Consequently, sending 4K60 does not guarantee 4K60 playback for every viewer.
YouTube’s recommended encoder bitrates
The following values are YouTube’s minimum and recommended video bitrates, in Mbps, for the incoming encoder stream. Codec matters: do not apply an AV1/H.265 figure to H.264. YouTube’s current guidance page, accessed in 2026, does not show a publication date.
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| Incoming resolution and frame rate | AV1 or H.265 minimum | AV1 or H.265 recommended | H.264 minimum | H.264 recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2160p (4K), 60 fps | 10 Mbps | 35 Mbps | 14 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| 2160p (4K), 30 fps | 8 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 11 Mbps | 42 Mbps |
| 1440p, 60 fps | 6 Mbps | 24 Mbps | 8 Mbps | 34 Mbps |
| 1440p, 30 fps | 5 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 7 Mbps | 21 Mbps |
| 1080p, 60 fps | 4 Mbps | 12 Mbps | 6 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
| 1080p, 30 fps | 4 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| 720p, 60 fps | 2 Mbps | 6 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 720p, 30 fps | 2 Mbps | 6 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 480p, 30 fps | 0.3 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 0.4 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
| 360p, 30 fps | 0.3 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 0.4 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
These are YouTube’s encoder bitrate settings, not independent measurements of upload speed or a guarantee of a stable stream. Choose a mode your encoder supports and your connection can sustain; test under conditions similar to the planned stream.
Settings that affect an encoder stream
- Protocol: YouTube lists RTMP and RTMPS, and recommends RTMPS, which encrypts data to and through Google’s servers.
- Video codec: YouTube lists H.264, H.265 (HEVC) and AV1. AV1 is not supported for HDR. For HDR over RTMP(S), YouTube recommends H.265; it says HLS may be considered if the encoder cannot support the needed HDR capabilities with RTMP.
- Keyframes: Set a two-second interval; do not exceed four seconds.
- Bitrate mode: Use CBR (constant bitrate), as YouTube recommends.
- Resolution handling: Automatic detection is the recommended default. Manual resolution selection requires a custom stream key with manual settings enabled.
- Latency: 2160p/4K does not have the option to improve for low latency; YouTube sets 4K streams to normal latency. YouTube notes that lower latency can increase playback buffering in its live stream settings guidance.
How to choose a resolution and frame rate
- Start with your source and encoder. Select a resolution and frame rate the original video or production and encoder can output. YouTube’s guidance lists 30 and 60 fps for the resolutions shown above; it does not provide a 120 fps encoder mode.
- Match the bitrate to the codec and mode. Use the recommended entry in YouTube’s table when possible. For example, its 1080p60 recommendation is 12 Mbps for AV1/H.265 or 17 Mbps for H.264; its 2160p60 recommendation is 35 Mbps for AV1/H.265 or 50 Mbps for H.264.
- Use automatic resolution detection unless you need manual control. If manually selecting a resolution, create a custom stream key and enable manual settings under Stream Resolution in YouTube’s live control settings. Stream keys connect the encoder to the live stream; handle yours as a credential.
- Check upload capacity and test. Run an upload-speed test, then test with audio and movement similar to the actual stream. Monitor YouTube’s stream health and messages during the test and event. YouTube recommends choosing settings reliable for the available connection; its published bitrate values do not establish a universal extra safety margin.
YouTube describes encoders as software or standalone hardware used for workflows such as screen or gameplay sharing, external audio/video equipment, and multi-camera production. Its encoder setup guidance lists OBS as open-source streaming and recording software at no charge. For a dedicated hardware workflow, YouTube describes the Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K as capable of streaming directly to YouTube up to 2160p60; this device does not change YouTube’s stated 60 fps encoder guidance. Check current product availability before purchasing.
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Troubleshooting common encoder issues
- The stream is unstable or YouTube reports health problems: The selected bitrate may be too demanding for the connection or encoder. Test upload speed, reduce the resolution, frame rate or bitrate to a supported combination, and retest while monitoring stream health.
- The delivered picture is not 4K: Confirm the encoder is actually sending 2160p and allow for YouTube’s transcoding and viewers’ device/network conditions. The incoming setting alone does not promise every viewer a 4K output.
- Manual resolution controls are unavailable: YouTube requires a custom stream key with manual settings enabled to select resolution manually. Otherwise, use the recommended automatic detection.
- 4K low-latency selection is missing: This is expected in YouTube’s guidance; 2160p has no improve-for-low-latency option and uses normal latency.
- HDR does not work with the chosen codec or protocol: YouTube says AV1 is not supported for HDR. It recommends H.265 over RTMP(S) for HDR, with HLS as a consideration when RTMP cannot support the encoder’s HDR capabilities.
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