Use ffprobe to inspect a video stream’s codec, reported bitrate, and frame-rate fields, then compare those values with FFmpeg’s output statistics and YouTube Live’s stream-health data. For frame rate, don’t treat r_frame_rate alone as definitive: compare it with avg_frame_rate and, when they differ, inspect frame timestamps.
Check a video stream with ffprobe
For a local file or a probeable input URL, run this command in a shell:
ffprobe -v error -select_streams v:0
-show_entries stream=codec_name,bit_rate,r_frame_rate,avg_frame_rate
-of default=noprint_wrappers=1 INPUTReplace INPUT with a file path or input URL that your FFmpeg build can access. The command selects the first video stream and prints its codec, reported bitrate, and two commonly used frame-rate fields. FFprobe’s documentation describes its stream-selection and output options.
Use JSON for scripts
To get the same selected fields in machine-readable JSON, use:
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- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
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ffprobe -v error -select_streams v:0
-show_entries stream=codec_name,bit_rate,r_frame_rate,avg_frame_rate
-of json INPUTOmit -select_streams v:0 to inspect all streams. That can help when checking audio as well as video: total live bitrate includes both, while the command above selects video only.
Inspect packets or decoded frames when needed
FFprobe also supports -show_packets for packet-level inspection and -show_frames for decoded-frame information. These options are useful when stream metadata is missing or when you need to examine what timestamps and packets show rather than relying on a single summary field. Refer to the FFprobe documentation for the available options and output formats.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Interpret the bitrate reading correctly
A bit_rate value reported for a stream is not automatically a trustworthy measurement of a changing live transmission. It may be absent or unsuitable for describing moment-to-moment throughput. A file probe, a configured encoder target, and the bitrate YouTube actually receives are different kinds of evidence.
Compare configured, encoded, and received data
- Configured target: the bitrate you set in the encoder. It is a target, not proof that the stream maintained that rate.
- Encoder reporting: FFmpeg can provide periodic progress information while encoding; its documented
-vstatsoutput also reportsbrandavg_brin Kbits/s. These describe encoder reporting, not a guarantee that every short interval of a variable stream equals the target. See the FFmpeg documentation. - Transport or receiver-side data: for a live session, use the relevant FFmpeg output/reporting together with YouTube Live Control Room’s stream-health information. This helps distinguish what the encoder produced from what reached YouTube.
There is no single universal command for measuring every running RTMP or RTMPS session: the right approach depends on the input and output protocol, FFmpeg build, and whether the live endpoint can be probed. Don’t infer moment-to-moment network throughput from a short recording or assume the configured target equals the received bitrate.
Rank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
Understand avg_frame_rate and r_frame_rate
avg_frame_rate is the average frame rate. FFmpeg describes r_frame_rate as a guessed base rate: the lowest rate at which timestamps can be represented accurately. FFmpeg’s AVStream reference cautions, “This value is just a guess!” As a result, r_frame_rate can be higher than the intended playback rate. See the FFmpeg AVStream reference.
When the fields disagree
- Compare
avg_frame_ratewithr_frame_raterather than reporting one field as the playback rate. - Check the frame rate configured in your encoder.
- Inspect frame information or timestamps if metadata remains ambiguous. For constant-frame-rate encoding, FFmpeg documentation says the time base should be
1 / frame_rateand timestamp increments should be identical. Use timestamp inspection when the reported fields do not settle what the stream is doing.
The field values describe metadata and timestamp representation; they do not by themselves establish that YouTube received a stable stream at the intended rate.
Rank #4
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
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- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Compare your encode with YouTube Live guidance
YouTube’s English live-encoder guidance, checked on October 3, 2026, lists RTMP/RTMPS, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), or AV1 video, frame rates up to 60 fps, CBR bitrate encoding, and a recommended 2-second keyframe interval that must not exceed 4 seconds. The recommended bitrate depends on codec, ingest resolution, and frame rate. The figures below are live-ingest recommendations—not YouTube’s separate upload-video encoding recommendations.
| Ingest format | Codec | Minimum bitrate | Recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p60 | H.264 | 6 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
| 1080p60 | AV1 or H.265 | 4 Mbps | 12 Mbps |
| 1080p30 | H.264 | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| 1080p30 | AV1 or H.265 | 4 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| 720p60 | H.264 | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 720p60 | AV1 or H.265 | 2 Mbps | 6 Mbps |
These values and categories come from YouTube Help’s live encoder settings, checked October 3, 2026; guidance can change, so check the current page before a broadcast. For a separate workflow, YouTube publishes distinct recommended upload encoding settings. Don’t use those upload recommendations as a substitute for the live-ingest table.
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Compare like with like
When checking two encodes—or a configured stream against what YouTube reports—compare codec, ingest resolution, target and observed bitrate, both frame-rate fields and actual timestamps, keyframe interval, and network headroom. A bitrate recommendation only applies to its matching codec, resolution, and frame-rate row; a number from another row is not a meaningful direct comparison.
Test the live path and leave network headroom
YouTube advises testing before going live with audio and movement similar to the planned stream, then monitoring stream health and messages during the broadcast. A static or short sample may not reveal behavior under a more demanding scene or sustained transmission.
YouTube’s streaming tips recommend leaving 20% upload-bandwidth headroom. The stream’s total bitrate must fit within available upload bandwidth; where primary and backup streams apply, the page advises accounting for both plus the recommended headroom. Consider total audio-plus-video bitrate, not just the video value printed by the first command.
Troubleshoot mismatched readings
bit_rateis missing: not every input provides a usable value. Check encoder statistics over time and YouTube’s stream-health information instead of treating the missing field as zero.- Reported bitrate differs from the target: a target is not proof of encoded or received bitrate. Compare FFmpeg’s reporting over an appropriate interval with receiver-side stream health; include audio when evaluating total bitrate.
r_frame_rateis higher than expected: it is a guessed base rate and may reflect timestamp representation. Compareavg_frame_rate, configured rate, and frame timestamps.- YouTube reports stream-health problems despite matching settings: recommendations do not prove the encoder achieved them or that the network delivered them. Run a realistic preflight test, check the actual output and receiver-side health, and verify available upload bandwidth with headroom.
- You are using the wrong YouTube table: ensure you are comparing against live-ingest guidance, not upload-video encoding recommendations.
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