There is no single CRF value that is best for every prerecorded video. If you are encoding the file with x264, use CRF 16–23 as a starting range—not a YouTube live-stream rule—then compare representative footage for quality and file size. OBS says lower CRF produces higher quality and larger files. The live stream sent to YouTube has separate ingest requirements, including CBR for RTMP/RTMPS.
First determine where encoding happens
CRF is a quality-oriented setting used when an encoder such as x264 creates a video file. It does not set the bitrate YouTube should receive during a live RTMP/RTMPS stream. OBS discusses CRF in its recording-settings guide; YouTube’s live encoder guidance specifies CBR for RTMP/RTMPS.
- Playing an already encoded file as-is: Its CRF was used when the file was made. It is not the live encoder’s bitrate-control setting.
- Encoding or transcoding while sending live: Configure the outgoing live encoder to meet YouTube’s ingest requirements. A CRF setting alone does not ensure a fixed live bitrate.
- Re-encoding the file before the event: Use the x264 baseline below as a starting point and test the particular footage. OBS provides a range, not a YouTube-specific optimum.
Choose a starting CRF and test the footage
- Start within CRF 16–23 for x264. This is the baseline in OBS’s Advanced Recording Settings Guide, published November 30, 2023. Lower values generally mean higher quality and larger files; choose within the range according to your quality and file-size priorities.
- Encode a representative section. Include the most demanding material in the video: for example, fast movement, fine detail, gradients, or visible noise. Make comparison encodes at nearby CRF values.
- Inspect at the intended viewing size. Compare visible detail and artifacts as well as file size and practical encoding time. These are useful comparison criteria, not a published guarantee about what any particular value will produce.
- Check rate-control constraints. FFmpeg’s libx264 documentation describes constant-quality encoding and notes that VBV can limit quality in CRF mode. Check the actual encoder workflow’s rate and buffer constraints rather than interpreting the CRF number by itself.
- Test the live output separately. Use a private or otherwise appropriate test with similar movement and audio, then monitor YouTube stream health and messages. YouTube recommends testing before going live and monitoring the stream.
CRF does not predict a fixed file size or bitrate. The result depends on the source and encoder behavior; an expected size or live bitrate should not be promised without encoding and checking that material.
Set the live ingest stream separately
For RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1; supports frame rates up to 60 fps; specifies CBR; and recommends a two-second keyframe interval, not exceeding four seconds. Select a stream quality that is reliable for the available internet connection, and run an upload-speed test. YouTube says it transcodes live streams into multiple output formats.
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These selected H.264 values are YouTube live ingest bitrate recommendations, not CRF values. The recommended bitrate depends on codec, resolution, and frame rate; consult YouTube’s current table for other combinations or updated figures.
| H.264 ingest resolution and frame rate | Minimum bitrate | Recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p at 30 fps | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 6 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
| 720p at 30 fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 720p at 60 fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
YouTube also lists AAC or MP3 audio, progressive scan, square pixels, Rec. 709 for SDR, and 8-bit SDR. For HDR, it recommends H.265/HEVC; consult its HDR guidance for HDR-specific settings.
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Do not substitute upload bitrate guidance for live settings
YouTube’s recommended upload encoding settings concern uploaded video files. For example, that page lists 8 Mbps for 1080p at standard frame rates and 12 Mbps for high frame rates. Those are upload recommendations, not CRF advice and not the live ingest settings for rebroadcasting a prerecorded video.
Troubleshoot quality and stream problems
- The file looks poor even at a lower CRF: Check the source footage and the actual encode settings. CRF cannot restore detail that is absent from the source, and a number alone does not establish the resulting quality.
- The file is unexpectedly large: Lower CRF tends to create larger files. Compare a higher value on the same representative section and decide whether the visible quality difference justifies the size.
- The live stream is unstable despite a good-looking file: The stored file’s CRF does not set the outgoing live bitrate. Check the live encoder’s CBR setting, the applicable YouTube bitrate recommendation for codec/resolution/frame rate, and whether the connection can sustain it.
- Keyframes are too far apart: Set a two-second interval for YouTube RTMP/RTMPS; do not exceed four seconds.
- Live output differs from the prepared file: Confirm whether the playback software sends the file as-is or encodes/transcodes it while streaming, then inspect the outgoing encoder settings.
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