Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFirst identify where the error appears: while recording locally in OBS, when OBS starts streaming, or in YouTube Live Control Room after the stream reaches YouTube. Those are different problems, and changing the video codec will not fix every one. Use the matching steps below before changing settings or buying hardware.
Identify which kind of format error you have
Write down the exact message and note what you clicked immediately before it appeared: Start Recording or Start Streaming. Also note whether the message is in OBS or YouTube Live Control Room. A local recording-format error concerns OBS’s recording output settings; a YouTube warning concerns the incoming live stream’s compatibility or quality.
- OBS error after Start Recording: check the recording format, encoder, and audio tracks.
- OBS error after Start Streaming: check the selected service and protocol, active encoder, and OBS log for the specific failure.
- YouTube warning after streaming starts: check YouTube’s stream status and compare your stream settings with its encoder guidance.
The exact dialog or log, OBS version, operating system, output mode, protocol, encoder, and whether the stream is HDR all affect the diagnosis. Without those details, there is no single setting that can be called the universal fix.
If the error appears during local recording
OBS uses this recording error text: “The output format is either unsupported or does not support more than one audio track. Please check your settings and try again.” If that is the message, the failure is about the local recording configuration—not YouTube ingest.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- In OBS, open Settings → Output → Recording.
- Check the selected recording format, encoder, and audio tracks. If the chosen format does not support the number of tracks selected, reduce the track selection or choose a compatible recording format.
- If you need a broadly compatible OBS recording format, select MKV. OBS documents MKV as compatible with every audio and video encoder supported in OBS Studio.
- Start a short test recording. If it succeeds, verify that the resulting file plays and that the expected audio tracks are present.
MKV may need to be remuxed before some editing software can use it. That is a post-recording workflow issue, separate from whether YouTube accepts a live stream. Do not change your YouTube stream codec to address an error that occurs only during local recording. OBS recording formats.
If OBS starts streaming but YouTube flags the incoming stream
Check the service and protocol selected in OBS, then identify the encoder actually active for the stream. Compare those settings with YouTube’s live encoder settings. YouTube recommends RTMPS for Live and says automatic resolution and frame-rate detection is the default recommended behavior. Its recommended bitrate depends on codec, resolution, and frame rate, so a bitrate number by itself is not a diagnosis.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream and confirm that the selected service and connection details are the ones intended for YouTube.
- Open Settings → Output and check the streaming encoder and its settings. Do not assume that a recording encoder setting controls the live output; inspect the streaming section.
- Confirm the stream’s resolution, frame rate, and codec, then use YouTube’s recommendations for that combination. Avoid changing several variables at once: adjust one setting, start the stream again, and observe whether the warning changes.
- After starting OBS output, open YouTube Live Control Room and check the stream status beneath the preview for reported issues. This shows whether YouTube is receiving the stream and what it flags.
For H.264, YouTube’s current live encoder guidance, accessed in 2026, recommends 17 Mbps for 1080p at 60 fps and 10 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps. For AV1 or H.265 at 1080p and 60 fps, it recommends 12 Mbps. These are codec- and mode-specific recommendations, not universal fixes for an unsupported-format error. Use the values for your actual codec, resolution, and frame rate as listed in YouTube’s guidance.
If you are streaming HDR
Use the HDR branch only if you intend to send HDR. Do not apply these settings to an ordinary SDR stream. YouTube’s documented OBS HDR workflow calls for a hardware HEVC encoder, Main 10 profile, P010 color format, and Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG color space. YouTube also documents protocol and stream-key requirements for its HDR-over-HLS setup; follow the current HDR instructions rather than assuming ordinary RTMPS settings apply. YouTube HDR live-streaming guidance.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Your device must support the encoder and format you select. If it does not, the relevant issue is encoder capability—not a reason to apply HDR settings to SDR or to change unrelated options.
If the hardware encoder is missing or fails
First confirm that the selected hardware encoder is available in OBS and supported by your device. If OBS logs identify an unavailable encoder, check the relevant vendor’s compatibility information and current graphics drivers. Hardware encoding can reduce CPU workload, but that does not mean a new GPU or capture card will resolve a protocol or format mismatch. Investigate the specific encoder failure before considering hardware replacement. OBS hardware encoding guide.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Common symptoms and next steps
| What you see | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| The quoted unsupported-output-format message appears on Start Recording | Settings → Output → Recording; format, encoder, and selected audio tracks | Choose a compatible combination; try MKV if you need an OBS-supported recording container. |
| OBS reports a streaming failure before YouTube receives video | OBS log, selected service/protocol, active streaming encoder | Correct the setting named by the failure and verify encoder availability; do not infer the cause from “format” alone. |
| YouTube receives video but reports a stream issue | Live Control Room status; codec, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate | Compare the actual combination with YouTube’s encoder recommendations. |
| An HDR stream is rejected or appears incorrectly | Whether the intended workflow is HDR; HEVC hardware support, Main 10, P010, color space, protocol, and stream key | Follow YouTube’s HDR-specific requirements; do not copy them to SDR. |
| A selected hardware encoder is unavailable | Device support, OBS’s available encoders, and current drivers | Check compatibility and drivers first; replace hardware only if a confirmed device limitation requires it. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a 24/7 YouTube stream from uploaded videos rather than troubleshooting a live camera or desktop capture, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams what you upload at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. Start your free first day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
