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For a 24/7 YouTube stream, there is no source-backed universal minimum CPU or RAM specification. If a cloud VM only sends already-encoded video files, start by evaluating a small general-purpose instance; if it must encode, compose, scale, or filter video, size it for that processing workload. In either case, verify sustained external upload capacity and total transfer costs, then run a monitored trial before relying on it.
Start with what the VM does to the video
The biggest sizing distinction is whether the VM simply forwards or remuxes an already-encoded file, or performs substantial media processing. Video bitrate is primarily a network-load figure; it does not, by itself, tell you how much CPU or RAM you need.
Looping prerecorded, already-encoded files
A small general-purpose VM is a reasonable first candidate if the sender reads encoded files and forwards or remuxes them without expensive decoding, re-encoding, or scene composition. This is a starting point, not a tested minimum or guarantee: the official guidance does not publish a universal CPU/RAM floor for this workload. Monitor CPU and memory use, YouTube stream health, reconnects, and sustained upload during a long trial.
Encoding or transforming video on the VM
If the VM software-encodes, combines sources, scales resolution, applies filters, or generates multiple renditions, a tiny general-purpose instance may not keep up. Compute needs depend on codec, resolution, frame rate, encoder preset, and content complexity. Test the exact workload rather than choosing by a generic vCPU or RAM figure.
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OBS explains that supported hardware encoders move encoding work from the CPU to a specialized GPU component (OBS hardware encoding). That does not establish that a GPU VM will be cheaper, available at the needed price, or suitable for your particular configuration.
Set the stream target before choosing a VM
Use the target resolution and frame rate to determine the required video bitrate and network load. YouTube recommends choosing a quality your connection can sustain, testing before going live, and monitoring stream health. Its encoder guidance recommends RTMPS and CBR, lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 video codec options, recommends a two-second keyframe interval (not over four seconds), and lists AAC or MP3 audio options. Confirm codec compatibility for the specific software and stream type you use in YouTube’s live encoder settings guidance.
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| YouTube target | Recommended video bitrate | What the figure covers |
|---|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 2.5 Mbps | Video bitrate in YouTube’s encoder table; audio and protocol overhead are additional. |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 10 Mbps | Video bitrate in YouTube’s encoder table; audio and protocol overhead are additional. |
These are YouTube Help’s current encoder-guidance figures, not total network-usage estimates. Add audio and protocol overhead, and leave room for normal variation. YouTube tells streamers to test the actual upload connection; it does not prescribe a fixed headroom percentage. See the YouTube bitrate and resolution table for other targets.
Check external upload and the full cost
The VM must sustain outbound traffic to YouTube, not merely advertise a certain CPU count or internal network speed. Google Compute Engine documents egress limits that vary by instance series and configuration. Check the external egress ceiling and outbound transfer terms for the exact instance and region in the Compute Engine network bandwidth documentation.
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Estimate total cost for the operating hours you need, including compute, storage, and outbound transfer. Google Cloud VM prices depend on instance and region, and may also depend on discounts; use the VM instance pricing page for the specific configuration and location. No provider-neutral cheapest VM or universal monthly price is established.
A managed processing service is a different cost model, not a like-for-like proxy for a basic sender VM. Google Cloud Live Stream API charges depend on active channel duration and configured input/output tiers; region and codec also affect the pricing model. Check its Live Stream API pricing page if you need managed processing, multiple outputs, or other capabilities beyond sending one existing encoded stream.
Rank #4
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Validate the setup for continuous operation
- Choose the workload. Decide whether the VM only forwards encoded files or also encodes, composes, scales, filters, or produces multiple renditions.
- Set the output target. Choose resolution, frame rate, codec, video bitrate, audio, keyframe interval, and RTMPS compatibility for the sender and YouTube stream type.
- Check the exact VM and region. Confirm external egress capacity and transfer allowance, then add compute and storage costs for the hours and files required.
- Run a sustained trial. Use the actual files and settings, including moving content and audio representative of the intended stream. Monitor VM CPU and memory, YouTube stream-health messages, upload continuity, and reconnect behavior.
- Plan recovery. Decide how the sender process will restart after a failure and verify any service-specific limits that affect continuous operation.
For Google Cloud Live Stream API specifically, its quota documentation says a channel may restart after 24 hours in an active streaming state. This limit concerns that API service; it should not be generalized to a VM sending a stream directly to YouTube or to other services. Consult the Live Stream API quotas and limits for the applicable behavior.
Or let it run in the cloud
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