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For most standard-dynamic-range (SDR) videos, export an MP4 with H.264, progressive scan, variable bitrate, BT.709 color, and the same frame rate as the original recording. Choose the bitrate for your resolution and frame-rate group using YouTube’s upload recommendations below. HDR requires a correctly graded and tagged HDR workflow; adding HDR metadata to an SDR file is not a quality shortcut.
Recommended settings for a typical SDR upload
| Setting | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| Container | MP4 |
| Video codec | H.264 |
| Scan | Progressive |
| Profile | High Profile |
| Frame rate | Match the recording; common rates include 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60 fps |
| Rate control | Variable bitrate (VBR) |
| Color | BT.709 |
| Chroma subsampling | 4:2:0 |
| GOP and B frames | Closed GOP with GOP length equal to half the frame rate; two consecutive B frames |
| Entropy coding | CABAC |
| Audio codec | AAC-LC, Opus, or Eclipsa Audio; 48 kHz |
These are YouTube Help’s recommended upload-encoding settings; its page does not state a publication year. The bitrate figures that follow are recommendations, not minimum requirements. YouTube’s recommended upload encoding settings
Choose the recommended bitrate by resolution and frame rate
Use the standard-frame-rate column for 24, 25, or 30 fps, and the high-frame-rate column for 48, 50, or 60 fps. Select the row for the resolution you export. These recommendations apply to SDR uploads.
| Resolution | Standard frame rate (24–30 fps) | High frame rate (48–60 fps) |
|---|---|---|
| 8K | 80–160 Mbps | 120–240 Mbps |
| 2160p (4K) | 35–45 Mbps | 53–68 Mbps |
| 1440p (2K) | 16 Mbps | 24 Mbps |
| 1080p | 8 Mbps | 12 Mbps |
| 720p | 5 Mbps | 7.5 Mbps |
| 480p | 2.5 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
| 360p | 1 Mbps | 1.5 Mbps |
In an editor with a bitrate range, choose within the range for your resolution and frame-rate group. Higher bitrate is not automatically better if it greatly exceeds the recommendation or the source’s detail; it creates a larger file without restoring detail that was never captured.
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Keep the original frame rate and deinterlace interlaced footage
YouTube recommends uploading in the frame rate at which the content was recorded. Avoid converting 30 fps footage to 60 fps merely to use the high-frame-rate bitrate row: that does not add captured motion detail. If you have interlaced footage, deinterlace it before upload. YouTube gives converting 1080i60 to 1080p30 as an example.
Set audio separately from video resolution
YouTube’s recommended audio upload bitrates are:
- Mono: 128 kbps
- Stereo: 384 kbps
- 5.1: 512 kbps
- Eclipsa Audio: 128 kbps per channel
The audio playback bitrate is not tied to the video resolution. For the listed audio formats, use 48 kHz. A higher video resolution does not by itself require a different audio bitrate.
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Use the right aspect ratio without adding bars
The standard computer-player aspect ratio is 16:9, with examples of 1920×1080 for 1080p and 3840×2160 for 4K. YouTube’s player adapts to the video’s dimensions and viewer device, so footage in another aspect ratio can display without being forced into 16:9. Do not add black bars or padding to the file; they interfere with the player’s dynamic sizing. YouTube’s video resolution and aspect-ratio guidance
HDR needs a real HDR grade and compatible encoding
HDR is not an SDR preset with different metadata. YouTube’s HDR guidance lists upload resolutions from 720p through 2160p, 10- or 12-bit color depth, Rec. 2020 primaries and matrix, and PQ or HLG transfer function. It recommends VP9 Profile 2, AV1, or HEVC/H.265 for 10-bit encoding with HDR metadata.
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HDR export bitrate recommendations from YouTube Help (publication year not stated):
| Resolution | Standard frame rate (24–30 fps) | High frame rate (48–60 fps) |
|---|---|---|
| 8K | 100–200 Mbps | 150–300 Mbps |
| 2160p (4K) | 44–56 Mbps | 66–85 Mbps |
| 1440p (2K) | 20 Mbps | 30 Mbps |
| 1080p | 10 Mbps | 15 Mbps |
| 720p | 6.5 Mbps | 9.5 Mbps |
| 480p and 360p | Not supported in table | Not supported in table |
Only export HDR metadata that matches an actual HDR grade and mastering workflow. YouTube says it detects HDR metadata, creates HDR transcodes for HDR-capable playback, and makes an SDR conversion for other devices as needed. See YouTube’s HDR video upload guidance.
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Upload settings are not live-stream settings
The settings above are for encoding a video file before uploading it. YouTube’s live-encoder recommendations concern the bitrate sent during a live broadcast and use different ingestion settings, including CBR. Do not apply a live-stream bitrate table to a pre-recorded upload. YouTube’s live encoder settings
Common export problems and fixes
- The upload looks soft or blocky: Check that the export resolution and bitrate match the intended resolution and frame-rate group, and that the source itself has sufficient detail.
- Motion looks uneven: Export at the recorded frame rate rather than converting to a different rate without a specific production reason.
- Interlacing combs appear on motion: Deinterlace the source before export.
- Black bars appear around the image: Remove bars baked into the export where possible; let the player adapt to the actual aspect ratio.
- SDR footage appears incorrectly treated as HDR: Do not add HDR metadata as a workaround. Use SDR settings unless the video was genuinely graded and tagged for HDR.
- The audio seems too quiet or compressed: Check the export’s audio format, channel layout, sample rate, and bitrate independently of the video resolution.
Copyright, documentary footage, and YouTube rules
Encoding settings improve the file’s technical presentation; they do not grant rights to footage, music, narration, or archival material. Before uploading, confirm that you own or are licensed to use each element, or that a valid legal exception applies in your jurisdiction. A technically correct upload can still receive a copyright claim or be restricted. YouTube’s copyright guidance explains the platform’s copyright process. Documentaries that reuse third-party material should also add meaningful original context and commentary; compliance with export recommendations does not guarantee monetization eligibility.
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When a prepared upload needs to stay live on YouTube
If your goal is an always-on YouTube channel that plays uploaded documentaries or other pre-recorded videos, rather than publishing each file as a regular upload, StreamNeo runs that playback from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The stream continues without a computer, OBS, or home connection staying on; it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
StreamNeo keeps the uploaded file’s quality, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots. Each slot includes 24/7 looping and playlists. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. After that, choose a day, week, month, six months, or year; cancel any time. UPI and cards are available in India, and card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support. Prices: Daily $0.99 per day · Weekly $2.99 per week · Monthly $9.99 per month · 6 months $49.99 for 6 months · Yearly $89.99 a year.
For planning, use the upload-time calculator, cloud vs PC cost calculator, and copyright safety checklist. To start, create a StreamNeo account and begin the free first day.
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