Live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions

30/11/2019

It's important to make sure your live stream is high quality. Make sure you choose a quality that will result in a reliable stream based on your Internet connection. We recommend running a speed test to test your upload bitrate.

If you're using Stream now, you do not need to specify a resolution, framerate, or bitrate.. Stream now will automatically detect your encoder settings.

If you’re using Events, you can either choose a variable resolution stream key to gain the benefits of Stream now or you can specify your desired resolution and framerate manually.

YouTube will automatically transcode your live stream to create many different output formats so all of your viewers on all of their devices and networks can watch! 

Make sure to test before you start your live stream. Tests should include audio and movement in the video similar to what you'll be doing in the stream. During the event, monitor the stream health and review messages.

Note: For 4K / 2160, optimize for low latency is not available. All streams will be optimized for normal latency.

4K / 2160p @60fps

  • When you schedule Events, make sure to check the 60fps box in the Ingestion Settings tab if you are not using a variable resolution stream key. Stream now will auto-detect the frame rate and resolution.
  • Resolution:  3840x2160p
  • Video Bitrate Range:  20,000 - 51,000 Kbps

4k / 2160p @30fps

  • Resolution: 3840x2160p
  • Video Bitrate Range: 13,000 - 34,000 Kbps

1440p @60fps

  • When you schedule Events, make sure to check the 60fps box in the Ingestion Settings tab if you are not using a variable resolution stream key. Stream now will auto-detect the frame rate and resolution.
  • Resolution: 2560x1440
  • Video Bitrate Range: 9,000 - 18,000 Kbps

1440p @30fps

  • Resolution: 2560x1440
  • Video Bitrate Range: 6,000 - 13,000 Kbps

1080p @60fps

  • When you schedule Events, make sure to check the 60fps box in the Ingestion Settings tab if you are not using a variable resolution stream key. Stream now will auto-detect the frame rate and resolution.
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Video Bitrate Range: 4,500 - 9,000 Kbps

1080p

  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Video Bitrate Range: 3,000 - 6,000 Kbps

720p @60fps

  • When you schedule Events, make sure to check the 60fps box in the Ingestion Settings tab if you are not using a variable resolution stream key.. Stream now will auto-detect the frame rate and resolution.
  • Resolution: 1280x720
  • Video Bitrate Range: 2,250 - 6,000 Kbps

720p

  • Resolution: 1280x720
  • Video Bitrate Range: 1,500 - 4,000 Kbps

480p

  • Resolution: 854x480
  • Video Bitrate Range: 500 - 2,000 Kbps

360p

  • Resolution: 640x360
  • Video Bitrate Range: 400 - 1,000 Kbps

240p

  • Resolution: 426x240
  • Video Bitrate Range: 300 - 700 Kbps
     

Encoder settings

Protocol: RTMP Streaming
Video codec: H.264, 4.1 for up to 1080p 30 FPS
  H.264, 4.2 for 1080p 60 FPS
  H.264, 5.0 for 1440p 30 FPS 
  H.264, 5.1 for 1440p 60 FPS
  H.264, 5.1 for 2160p 30 FPS
  H.264, 5.2 for 2160p 60 FPS
Frame rate: up to 60 fps
Keyframe frequency:

Recommended 2 seconds

Do not exceed 4 seconds
Audio codec: AAC or MP3
Bitrate encoding: CBR
 

Recommended advanced settings

Pixel aspect ratio: Square
Frame types: Progressive Scan, 2 B-Frames, 1 Reference Frame
Entropy coding: CABAC
Audio sample rate: 44.1 KHz
Audio bitrate: 128 Kbps stereo
 
HTML5 streaming:  Many browsers support HTML5 and either the H.264 video codec or WebM format.
Live events are automatically available on game consoles and mobile devices via the YouTube app and m.youtube.com.
Looking for the 360 live streaming spec? Click here.

* Nguồn: Youtube