For a 4K (2160p) 60 fps YouTube Live feed, use a recommended bitrate of 35 Mbps with AV1 or H.265/HEVC, or 50 Mbps with H.264. These are live-ingest recommendations: they describe the video feed sent to YouTube, not the encoding bitrate for uploading a finished video file.
Choose the bitrate for the codec you send to YouTube
YouTube’s live encoder settings distinguish between codecs. Use the recommendation that matches the codec your encoder actually outputs:
| Live ingest codec | Recommended bitrate at 4K/2160p, 60 fps | Minimum bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| AV1 or H.265/HEVC | 35 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| H.264 | 50 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
These figures are from YouTube Help’s live encoder settings guidance, accessed in 2026. Treat the minimum as a floor, not the target: YouTube recommends 35 Mbps or 50 Mbps depending on codec. The source does not establish a universal quality winner among AV1, HEVC, and H.264; choose based on your encoder’s support and available upload capacity. YouTube’s live encoder settings and bitrate table.
Set the outgoing live feed correctly
A pre-recorded video changes what appears in the stream, not the fact that YouTube receives a live encoder feed. Configure that outgoing feed to the live-ingest settings rather than using finished-video upload settings.
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- Protocol: YouTube lists RTMP and RTMPS; it recommends RTMPS.
- Video codec: H.264, H.265/HEVC, or AV1, if supported by the encoder and workflow.
- Frame rate: Up to 60 fps.
- Rate control: Constant bitrate (CBR).
- Keyframes: Set a 2-second interval; do not exceed 4 seconds.
These are YouTube’s live-stream encoder recommendations, not settings for encoding a downloadable master file. The 4K feed uses normal latency: YouTube says its low-latency optimization option is unavailable at 4K. YouTube encoder settings · YouTube live latency settings.
How much upload speed does 4K live streaming need?
YouTube recommends upload capacity with 20% headroom beyond the stream’s total bitrate, and warns that other devices or users sharing the connection can reduce what is available to the stream. For a single 50 Mbps H.264 feed, that guidance works out to about 60 Mbps of usable upload capacity. This is arithmetic based on YouTube’s 20% recommendation, not a separate YouTube-published bitrate figure.
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Apply the same headroom principle to the codec you choose, and measure capacity available to the encoder while the connection is in use—not just the plan’s advertised maximum. Leave additional margin if other traffic competes for upload bandwidth. YouTube encoder settings · YouTube network preparation guidance.
Keep live bitrate separate from finished-video upload bitrate
If you are also preparing the original file for a standard YouTube video upload, its encoding recommendation is a different number. For 2160p at 48, 50, or 60 fps, YouTube’s upload table recommends 53–68 Mbps for SDR and 66–85 Mbps for HDR. Those ranges apply to uploading a finished video, not to the 4K60 live feed. Do not use them as a substitute for the live encoder table. YouTube recommended upload encoding settings.
Rank #3
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Run a pre-stream test
Before relying on a 4K60 feed, test with audio and on-screen movement similar to the actual programme. Check the preview in YouTube Live Control Room and monitor stream health, including audio and video quality. YouTube Help advises: “Make sure to test before you start your live stream.” YouTube encoder settings · YouTube network preparation guidance.
- Confirm the outgoing codec, resolution, frame rate, CBR, and keyframe interval in the encoder.
- Check that the sustained upload available to the encoder can carry the selected bitrate plus headroom.
- Watch the Live Control Room preview for picture, sound, and stream-health problems before the event begins.
Choose a pre-recorded streaming workflow
YouTube’s verified encoder list includes Gyre as a cloud tool for 24/7 live streaming of pre-recorded videos, including 4K at 30 or 60 fps. It is one possible workflow, not a requirement. The same list includes AWS Elemental MediaLive, a broadcast-grade service that supports live streaming up to 4Kp60 HEVC. Hardware and software encoders are also part of YouTube’s wider encoder ecosystem; whichever approach you use, check support for the intended codec, resolution, frame rate, and RTMP/RTMPS setup. YouTube verified encoder list.
Rank #4
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Or let it run in the cloud
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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.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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