A 24/7 YouTube stream’s outgoing data is determined mainly by its bitrate and how long it runs—not by resolution alone. Using decimal gigabytes, a steady 8 Mbps stream sends about 86.4 GB per day, or 2,592 GB over 30 days. Google Cloud lists transfers from a Compute Engine VM to YouTube as “No charge,” but that applies to the transfer, not to the VM or other services in the setup.
How much data does a 24/7 YouTube stream use?
For a steady bitrate, estimate outgoing data with this rule:
Decimal GB per hour ≈ bitrate in Mbps × 0.45
Multiply the hourly figure by 24 for a day or by 720 for a 30-day month. These are arithmetic estimates, not measured usage figures. The table uses decimal GB (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes); a 30-day result of 3,240 GB is 3.24 decimal TB.
| Steady bitrate | Approx. per hour | Approx. per 24 hours | Approx. per 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Mbps | 1.8 GB | 43.2 GB | 1,296 GB |
| 6 Mbps | 2.7 GB | 64.8 GB | 1,944 GB |
| 8 Mbps | 3.6 GB | 86.4 GB | 2,592 GB |
| 10 Mbps | 4.5 GB | 108 GB | 3,240 GB |
| 12 Mbps | 5.4 GB | 129.6 GB | 3,888 GB |
For a custom estimate, multiply the bitrate by runtime: Mbps × 1,000,000 bits per second × seconds ÷ 8 bits per byte, then divide by 1,000,000,000 for decimal GB. Each 1 Mbps of steady bitrate works out to about 10.8 GB per day or 324 GB over 30 days.
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Which bitrate should you use for the estimate?
Use the bitrate configured in the encoder, and identify its codec, resolution, and frame rate. YouTube’s published H.264 recommendations include these examples:
| H.264 stream profile | Recommended bitrate | Approx. data per 30 days at 24/7 |
|---|---|---|
| 720p/30 fps | 4 Mbps | 1,296 GB |
| 720p/60 fps | 6 Mbps | 1,944 GB |
| 1080p/30 fps | 10 Mbps | 3,240 GB |
| 1080p/60 fps | 12 Mbps | 3,888 GB |
The monthly amounts are calculated from the recommended rates, not quoted usage figures from YouTube. Bitrate is a better basis for estimating bytes than resolution by itself: two streams at the same resolution can use different bitrates. YouTube recommends constant bitrate encoding and says it automatically detects the encoder settings selected; it also transcodes a live stream into formats for viewers on different devices and networks. See YouTube’s live encoder settings, bitrates and resolutions for its current guidance.
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Actual transferred bytes can differ from the estimate because of protocol overhead, bitrate variation, interruptions, and restarts. The cited guidance does not establish one universal overhead factor for every stream.
Does Google Cloud charge egress to YouTube?
For data sent from a Compute Engine VM to YouTube, Google Cloud’s network pricing page lists the transfer as “No charge,” whether the VM uses an external or internal IP address. The rule names transfer to specific Google products, including YouTube. It is specific to that VM-to-YouTube transfer category; do not apply general internet-egress rates to it without a reason the traffic falls outside the listed category. See Google Cloud network pricing.
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“No charge” for this transfer does not mean that a 24/7 cloud streaming setup has no bill. Data leaving a VM is only one possible cost.
What other Google Cloud costs may apply?
Compute Engine VM and disk
A VM that runs continuously can incur compute and disk charges based on its configuration and runtime. The stream’s data estimate cannot establish those charges: the title does not specify a machine type, disk, region, or storage needs.
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Optional Live Stream API
If the setup uses Google Cloud Live Stream API, that is a separate resource-based service. Google says active channel time is billed and the API has no free usage tier; charges depend on inputs, output resolutions, distribution streams, and other enabled features. See Live Stream API pricing.
The API’s encoding recommendations are not interchangeable with YouTube’s encoder recommendations. For example, Google’s Live Stream API guidance recommends 6 Mbps for 1080p25/30 H.264 input and 9 Mbps for 1080p50/60 input, while its output ladder uses different rates. Those figures apply to that API guidance, not automatically to a direct encoder-to-YouTube stream. See Live Stream API overview and encoding guidance.
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Other destinations, recordings, or services
If the architecture also sends data elsewhere, stores recordings, serves viewers directly, or uses other Google Cloud products, evaluate those costs separately. Without those design details and the VM configuration, an all-in monthly cloud bill cannot be calculated from the stream bitrate alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What “data used” means for a cloud stream
For this estimate, “data used” means bytes sent out by the VM toward YouTube. It is distinct from the cloud bill: billing can include compute, disk, optional managed streaming, and other services even when the specified VM-to-YouTube transfer is listed as no charge. For a steady bitrate, stream duration and bitrate give the first-order data estimate; interruptions and variable bitrates affect actual totals.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep a YouTube channel live from uploaded recordings, StreamNeo offers a managed alternative to running a VM yourself: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. It is for YouTube streams from uploaded video, not live camera feeds.
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- There is one flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encoding or quality tiers.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
