October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
bitrate

YouTube Gaming VOD Stream: OBS Bitrate Settings for Live Broadcasts

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For a YouTube gaming stream encoded in H.264, set OBS to CBR, use a 2-second keyframe interval, and start with the bitrate that matches your output: 17 Mbps for 1080p at 60 fps, 14 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps, or 8 Mbps for 720p at either 30 or 60 fps. These are YouTube live-ingestion recommendations, not finished-video upload targets. Your upload connection must sustain the chosen bitrate; test before going live and check YouTube’s stream health.

Recommended OBS bitrate by resolution and frame rate

Choose the row that matches the resolution and frame rate you send to YouTube, and use the value for the codec YouTube actually receives. The following H.264 values come from YouTube’s live encoder guidance: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.

Output resolution Frame rate H.264 recommended bitrate
720p 30 fps 8 Mbps
720p 60 fps 8 Mbps
1080p 30 fps 14 Mbps
1080p 60 fps 17 Mbps
1440p 30 fps 21 Mbps
1440p 60 fps 34 Mbps
2160p (4K) 30 fps 42 Mbps
2160p (4K) 60 fps 50 Mbps

YouTube’s same table also lists lower recommended values for AV1 and H.265/HEVC: 6 Mbps at 720p30 or 720p60, 10 Mbps at 1080p30, and 12 Mbps at 1080p60. Its listed H.264 minimums for those four combinations are 3, 3, 5, and 6 Mbps respectively. These are platform ingestion recommendations and minimums, not guarantees that a particular encoder or internet connection will deliver a stable stream.

Which OBS settings matter

  • Rate control: CBR (constant bitrate).
  • Bitrate: Use the matching YouTube recommendation for the output resolution, frame rate, and ingested codec.
  • Keyframe interval: 2 seconds is recommended; do not exceed 4 seconds.
  • Protocol: YouTube recommends RTMPS where available. Its encoder guidance also lists RTMP/RTMPS.
  • Frame rate: YouTube’s listed live encoder guidance covers rates up to 60 fps.
  • Codec: YouTube lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1. The appropriate bitrate depends on the codec being ingested, so don’t apply an H.264 value automatically to a different codec.

Exact OBS menu names and available encoder options vary by OBS version and selected encoder. Set the equivalent controls in your chosen encoder rather than relying on a version-specific click path.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
  • Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
  • Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
  • Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
  • On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.

Choose a target your connection can sustain

  1. Decide your output. Pick the resolution and frame rate your computer can encode and your connection can upload reliably. For many H.264 gaming streams, that means choosing among 1080p60, 1080p30, and 720p60/30.
  2. Match the bitrate to YouTube’s table. For example, use 17 Mbps for 1080p60 H.264. If that target is unstable, try 1080p30 at 14 Mbps or 720p at 8 Mbps, rather than forcing a bitrate your connection cannot hold.
  3. Set CBR and a 2-second keyframe interval. Use RTMPS when configured.
  4. Test the actual kind of stream. Run a speed test for upload capacity, then test with movement and audio similar to your gameplay broadcast. YouTube specifically recommends representative tests and checking stream-health messages: YouTube live encoder guidance.
  5. Adjust based on the result. If the test or live stream shows instability, reduce resolution or frame rate and select the corresponding bitrate row. Recheck stream health after the change.

Live bitrate is not the same as VOD upload bitrate

“VOD stream” can mean a live broadcast that remains available as an archive, or a finished video file uploaded to YouTube. The table above applies to the live encoder feed. YouTube’s separate SDR upload guidance lists 8 Mbps for uploaded 1080p files at standard frame rates (24, 25, or 30 fps) and 12 Mbps at high frame rates (48, 50, or 60 fps): YouTube recommended upload encoding settings. Don’t substitute those finished-file figures for live-ingestion settings.

Archiving is separate from bitrate selection. YouTube says live streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived, and 1440p and 2160p streams are automatically archived. See Archive live streams for the platform’s archive guidance.

Rank #2
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 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.

Troubleshoot an unstable or poor-quality stream

  • YouTube reports stream-health problems or the stream drops: The selected bitrate may exceed stable upload capacity. Test upload speed, then lower the output resolution or frame rate and use that row’s recommended bitrate.
  • The stream looks less clear than expected: Confirm that OBS output resolution and frame rate match the bitrate row you chose, and verify which codec is being sent. Test with representative fast motion; gaming scenes can expose problems that a static screen will not.
  • You are configuring a finished upload, not a live encoder: Don’t use the live bitrate table. Consult YouTube’s separate upload encoding recommendations linked above.
  • You need to confirm live-stream controls or platform setup: YouTube’s Manage live stream settings page covers stream settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Or let it run in the cloud

If the goal is to keep a prerecorded gaming video live on YouTube continuously, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative to running OBS on a computer at home. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos; it does not broadcast from a camera or stream to other platforms.

  • Your computer and home connection do not need to stay on.
  • Every slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
  • It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
  • The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.

See StreamNeo for details, or start your free first day.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
  • Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
  • Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
  • Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
  • On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
  • Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
  • Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
  • Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
  • EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
  • Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Rank #3
Sale
Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
  • Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
  • đź’» Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
  • âś… Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
  • âś… Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
  • âś… 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Read next

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.