Live streaming guide
Live encoder settings, bitrates and resolutions
Video resolution
Based on your available outbound bandwidth, choose the one highest quality from below that you can reliably stream. YouTube will automatically create all of the lower qualities. Remember to account for your backup stream.
Example: If you have 10M dedicated bandwidth for your encoder, you could safely choose to stream 720p quality. 4M for primary encoder, 4M for backup encoder, with room for overhead.
| 240p | 360p | 480p | 720p | 1080p | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 426 x 240 | 640 x 360 | 854x480 | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
| Video Bitrates | |||||
| Maximum | 700 Kbps | 1000 Kbps | 2000 Kbps | 4000 Kbps | 6000 Kbps |
| Recommended | 400 Kbps | 750 Kbps | 1000 Kbps | 2500 Kbps | 4500 Kbps |
| Minimum | 300 Kbps | 400 Kbps | 500 Kbps | 1500 Kbps | 3000 Kbps |
With the new platform, choose only one of the above. All lower qualities will be automatically created from that one stream.
Encoder settings
| Protocol: | RTMP Flash Streaming |
| Video codec: | H.264, Main 4.1 |
| Frame rate: | up to 60 fps |
| Keyframe frequency: | 2 seconds |
| Audio codec: | AAC-LC (or MP3) |
| Audio sample rate: | 44.1 KHz |
| Audio bitrate: | 128 Kbps stereo |
Keyframe Frequency must be less than or equal to 2 seconds to ensure optimal transcoding on the new platform.
Recommended advanced settings
| Pixel aspect ratio: | Square |
| Frame types: | Progressive Scan, 2 B-Frames, 1 Reference Frame |
| Entropy coding: | CABAC |
Mobile streaming: Live events will be automatically available on iOS & Android 4.0+ mobile devices via m.youtube.com.