What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Black bars usually come from a mismatch between the prerecorded video’s aspect ratio and the frame OBS sends to YouTube—or from black pixels already built into the video. Check the source dimensions, match OBS’s canvas and scaled output ratios, then choose whether to fit the whole image or crop it to fill the frame. Don’t stretch a mismatched image unless distortion is acceptable.
Find where the black bars are coming from
First determine whether the bars are in the video file, introduced by the OBS scene, or only apparent in YouTube playback. The fix depends on which layer adds them.
- Play the original file outside OBS. Check whether black pixels appear on its sides or top and bottom. If they do, the bars are part of the source image; changing the OBS scene alone cannot remove them without cropping or editing.
- Check the source’s pixel dimensions and aspect ratio. Compare its shape with the frame you intend to stream. For a standard widescreen 16:9 stream, common dimensions include 1920×1080 and 1280×720. OBS Project’s aspect ratio guide explains how aspect ratio affects scaling; YouTube’s resolution and aspect ratio guidance lists supported video dimensions and advises against adding black padding directly to the video.
- Compare the OBS preview with the stream. If the preview already shows bars, inspect the source transform and scene dimensions. If the preview looks right but YouTube playback has bars, check the actual encoded output and player separately. YouTube adapts its player to the video’s shape and the viewer’s device, so playback framing can differ from the OBS preview.
Match the OBS canvas and output dimensions
In OBS, open Settings → Video and inspect Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution. The canvas defines the scene’s working frame; the scaled output defines the dimensions sent to the encoder. Make their aspect ratios match the intended stream shape.
For example, 1920Ă—1080 and 1280Ă—720 are both 16:9. Do not judge a resolution by its width alone: a historical OBS forum report described a 1920Ă—1080 canvas paired with a 1080Ă—720 output and bars on YouTube, with 1280Ă—720 suggested as the 16:9 alternative. That 2017 thread is an illustrative case, not official current troubleshooting or proof that every YouTube-side bar has the same cause. Read the OBS forum discussion.
#1 Best Overall
- [OkVrxyztnl 15inch CCTV Monitor] Professional CCTV monitor for security cameras. operation for surveillance application. Resolution: 1024x768. Aspect Ratio: 4:3, Response Time: 5ms, Brightness: 300cd/m2, Contrast: 1000:1. NTSC/PAL Auto Switch. Viewing Angle: 178 Degrees. support 75 x 75 mm VESA holes.
- It comes with AV interfaces featuring the separate video signals of red, green, and blue, which reduces the interference, improves the brightness and chroma and makes the images more vivid and sharp.
- interfaces: HDMI, BNC, VGA ,and Built-in speaker. Perfect for connecting with CCTV monitor, set-top-box, NVR or DVR system. Also works on PC, rear view camera, DVD Box and MP5 etc.
- [More Functions] with 2 built-in speakers. With built-in USB port media player. It can play movies or videos simply by USB disk.
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: 15 INCH LED Monitor, HDMI Cable x 1,Power Adaptor x 1, Remote Control x 1, Manual x 1.
YouTube Live detects encoder resolution and frame rate automatically by default and transcodes the stream for playback. That does not remove black pixels already present in the encoded picture. If needed, compare a local OBS recording with YouTube playback to separate an encoder or scene issue from the player’s framing. See YouTube’s live encoder settings guidance.
Choose how the video should fill the frame
Select the video or media source in the OBS preview, then use the source’s transform controls to fit or crop it. Menu wording can vary by OBS version. The right choice depends on whether you value keeping every part of the image, filling the whole frame, or preserving undistorted geometry.
Rank #2
- [OkVrxyztnl 17inch CCTV Monitor] Professional CCTV monitor for security cameras. operation for surveillance application. Resolution: 1280x1024. Aspect Ratio: 5:4, Response Time: 5ms, Brightness: 300cd/m2, Contrast: 1000:1. NTSC/PAL Auto Switch. Viewing Angle: 178 Degrees. support 75 x 75 mm VESA holes.
- It comes with AV interfaces featuring the separate video signals of red, green, and blue, which reduces the interference, improves the brightness and chroma and makes the images more vivid and sharp.
- interfaces: HDMI, BNC, VGA ,and Built-in speaker. Perfect for connecting with CCTV monitor, set-top-box, NVR or DVR system. Also works on PC, rear view camera, DVD Box and MP5 etc.
- [More Functions] with 2 built-in speakers. With built-in USB port media player. It can play movies or videos simply by USB disk.
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: 17 INCH LED Monitor, HDMI Cable x 1,Power Adaptor x 1, Remote Control x 1, Manual x 1.
| Approach | What you keep | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Fit proportionally | The entire image and its geometry | May leave unused space around the image if the source and frame ratios differ. |
| Crop or enlarge to fill | A full frame without geometric distortion | Some edges of the source are lost; check that titles, faces, and other important details remain visible. |
| Stretch | All source pixels across the full frame | Changes the image’s proportions and can make people or objects look unnaturally wide or tall. OBS warns against stretching when it distorts the image. |
| Use a designed background | The complete, undistorted source image | Unused space is filled by other scene content rather than by enlarging or cropping the video. |
OBS documents cropping with Alt-drag on a source edge and notes that Shift-drag can stretch a source. Check your version’s interface and handle the source carefully; a proportional fit is the safer starting point when preserving the full picture matters. OBS’s guide to aspect ratios and transforms covers fit, crop, stretch, and scene composition.
Verify the stream, not just the preview
- Apply the transform and confirm the source looks right in the OBS canvas.
- If available, make a short local recording and inspect its edges. Bars in the recording indicate that they are present in the composed output.
- Check the YouTube stream playback as well. If the recording is clean but the player still appears to show bars, compare playback on another device or screen shape before changing the source again; the player adapts to the video dimensions and viewing device.
- If bars remain in both the recording and playback, revisit the source file, canvas/output ratio, and transform in that order.
What to do when the first fix does not work
- Bars appear in the source outside OBS: crop them in OBS or edit the source file. A scene resize cannot remove black pixels that are already encoded.
- Bars appear in the OBS preview: check the source’s transform, then compare Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution under Settings → Video.
- Preview is clean but the local recording has bars: inspect the source and scene composition again; the recording captures the composed output rather than the preview’s appearance alone.
- Recording looks clean but YouTube playback seems letterboxed: remember that the YouTube player adjusts to the stream’s shape and the viewer’s device. Check the actual encoded image and compare playback elsewhere before cropping away picture content.
- Filling the frame cuts off important material: switch to proportional fit or add background content around the video. There is no transform that can preserve every pixel, cover every part of a mismatched frame, and avoid distortion at the same time.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your broader goal is to keep a prerecorded YouTube stream running continuously, StreamNeo lets you upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. Start your free day on StreamNeo.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [GREAT FOR HOME AND OFFICE] 17 Inch monitor for PS3/PS4/Xbox 360/Switch, PC monitors, Laptop extend monitors.
- [LED Monitor] 1280X1024 native resolution screen. LED Screen 250 nits brightness. 1000:1 Contrast Ratio, Aspect Ratio Standard (5:4)
- [Interface]] HDMI is a future-proof video standard that delivers true digital picture and audio clarity.
- [User-Friendly Features&Flexible Connectivity]The VESA 100mm Wall Mount compliant feature allows you to have the monitor mounted on the wall with the appropriate mounting accessory.
- A 17-inch 5:4 monitor offers extra vertical space, ideal for editing documents, coding, or browsing. For camera adaptation, it’s perfect for photographers reviewing high-res images or videos, especially with square or medium format compositions. Its aspect ratio and color accuracy enhance precision in post-processing workflows.
Rank #4
- 24/7 Surveillance: The 22 inch monitor features 1920x1080 Full HD, 100% sRGB color accuracy, and 300cd/㎡ brightness, making it perfect for a security camera monitor. Ideal for 24/7 surveillance, it delivers clear, vibrant visuals for continuous use.
- 75Hz Refresh Rate: The 75Hz refresh rate combined with a 5ms response time ensures smooth and responsive performance, providing exceptional clarity for security and surveillance applications. This security monitor is engineered for continuous use as a CCTV monitor or camera monitor, offering clear, fluid visuals for your monitoring needs.
- Multiple Interfaces: The video monitor offers versatile connectivity with HDMI, VGA, AV, BNC, and USB ports, making them compatible with a wide range of devices, including DVR/NVR systems and computers, and gaming consoles. Whether you're using it for office work, gaming, or surveillance monitoring, it can easily adapt to your needs.
- Mirror Flip Function: The computer screen can function as a teleprompter, supporting a mirror flip function that allows you to easily adjust the display orientation for various applications, whether for presentations, multi-monitor setups, or surveillance monitoring.
- Two Mounting Options: Eyoyo bnc monitor offers two mounting options: one for desktop installation and the other for a 100x100mm VESA mount (not included). Whether you're using it as a security monitor in a surveillance setup, for daily tasks in the office, or as part of a home theater system, the flexibility of these mounting options ensures it fits seamlessly into your environment.
Rank #3
- [Compatibility for retro & everyday use] This 15-inch 4:3 monitor is ideal for classic consoles such as PS2, Wii, or older PC games that use a native 4:3 resolution. Thanks to HDMI and VGA connections, it is equally compatible with modern devices such as laptops, Raspberry Pi, and office PCs, offering versatile usage options.
- [Optimized 4:3 display quality] The LED display offers a native resolution of 1024 x 768 (4:3) with 250 cd/m² brightness and a contrast ratio of 800:1. The sharp image and classic aspect ratio are perfect for text work, programming, or nostalgic gaming enjoyment.
- [Future-proof & proven connections] HDMI ensures crystal-clear digital image and sound transmission for modern devices. At the same time, the VGA connection offers broad compatibility with older PCs, projectors, or industrial controls – ideal for hybrid working environments.
- [Flexible mounting & space-saving] The monitor is VESA 75x75 mm compliant and can be easily mounted on a wall or monitor arm with the appropriate bracket. This saves valuable desk space and creates an ergonomic working environment.
- [Ideal for special applications] The 4:3 format offers more vertical space for documents, code editors, or web browsing. It is also perfect for editing medium-format photos, retro-inspired graphic design, or surveillance applications where the square image format offers advantages.
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.
