For a typical stereo YouTube radio livestream, use 128 Kbps audio at 44.1 kHz. That is the audio track setting—not the total livestream bitrate. If your stream includes a still image, its video has a separate bitrate; for example, YouTube recommends 4 Mbps for H.264 video at 480p30. Choose the video setting for your visual, encoder and connection, then leave upload-bandwidth headroom and test before going live.
Set the stereo audio bitrate to 128 Kbps
YouTube’s live-encoder guidance recommends “Audio bitrate: 128-Kbps for stereo or 384 Kbps for 5.1 surround sound.” For ordinary stereo radio, use 128 Kbps and a 44.1 kHz sample rate. The 384 Kbps figure is for a 5.1 surround mix, not a higher-quality stereo-radio target. YouTube Help: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions
This value applies to audio alone. A live stream that combines radio audio with a still image or other video also sends a video track, so the stream’s total bitrate is higher than 128 Kbps.
Choose a separate video bitrate for the visual
For H.264 live ingestion, YouTube’s recommended video bitrate varies with resolution and frame rate. Its guidance lists these examples:
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| H.264 video setting | Recommended video bitrate |
|---|---|
| 360p30 | 4 Mbps |
| 480p30 | 4 Mbps |
| 720p30 | 8 Mbps |
For a radio stream using a static image, 480p30 at 4 Mbps is one lower-bandwidth option in YouTube’s table. Select a resolution that suits the visual and your available connection; do not treat these examples as universal rates for every codec or frame rate. They are live-ingestion recommendations, not settings from a prerecorded-video upload table. YouTube’s live encoder settings
Configure the encoder for YouTube live
- Protocol: RTMP or RTMPS; YouTube recommends RTMPS for encrypted transport.
- Audio codec: AAC or MP3 for RTMP/RTMPS.
- Bitrate mode: Constant bitrate (CBR).
- Keyframe interval: Two seconds recommended; do not exceed four seconds.
Enter the audio and video values in their respective encoder fields. If your encoder offers separate audio and video bitrate controls, do not enter 128 Kbps as the total output rate.
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Check upload capacity and stream health
Your upload connection must carry the complete stream: audio, video and a little room for variation. YouTube recommends leaving 20% headroom. For example, a 4 Mbps video stream plus 128 Kbps stereo audio already totals about 4.13 Mbps before any additional overhead; with the recommended headroom, plan for roughly 5.2 Mbps of sustained upload capacity or more. The bitrate and resolution recommendations and YouTube’s streaming troubleshooting guidance explain the relevant settings and network advice.
- Set the audio and video encoder values, then start a test stream ahead of the broadcast.
- Check YouTube’s stream health and listen for audio problems while watching the video output.
- If the stream is unstable, reduce video resolution or bitrate and test again; do not sacrifice the stereo audio setting first if the audio is already correctly configured.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a YouTube radio channel built from uploaded recordings or a playlist, StreamNeo can keep the stream running from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It streams the uploaded material at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers 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.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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