Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsChoose your live video bitrate by matching your resolution, frame rate, and encoder codec in the table below. For example, YouTube recommends 17 Mbps for H.264 at 1080p60, but 12 Mbps for AV1 or H.265 at the same resolution and frame rate. Those figures are video bitrate targets for live ingestion—not finished-video upload settings—and your connection needs additional capacity for audio and network headroom.
YouTube Live bitrate calculator
Find your stream’s resolution and frame rate, then use the column for the codec your encoder sends to YouTube. The figures are YouTube’s recommended live-ingestion video bitrates; minimums are included as a reference, not as the best target for consistent quality. YouTube Help: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
| Resolution and frame rate | AV1/H.265 minimum | AV1/H.265 recommended | H.264 minimum | H.264 recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2160p (4K), 60 fps | 10 Mbps | 35 Mbps | 14 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| 2160p (4K), 30 fps | 8 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 11 Mbps | 42 Mbps |
| 1440p, 60 fps | 6 Mbps | 24 Mbps | 8 Mbps | 34 Mbps |
| 1440p, 30 fps | 5 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 7 Mbps | 21 Mbps |
| 1080p, 60 fps | 4 Mbps | 12 Mbps | 6 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
| 1080p, 30 fps | 4 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| 720p, 60 fps | 2 Mbps | 6 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 720p, 30 fps | 2 Mbps | 6 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 480p, 30 fps | 0.3 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 0.4 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
| 360p, 30 fps | 0.3 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 0.4 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
Use the codec-specific recommendation: the AV1/H.265 and H.264 columns are not interchangeable. If you are unsure which codec your encoder is using, check its output or streaming settings before selecting a bitrate.
How much upload speed does the stream need?
The table gives the video bitrate, not the entire network load. Add audio bitrate and allow for fluctuations and other traffic on the connection. YouTube recommends leaving 20% of upload bandwidth unused and measuring outbound upload capacity—not download speed. Its guidance also says shared-network traffic can reduce the bandwidth available to your stream. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
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- Set your encoder to the recommended video bitrate for your codec, resolution, and frame rate.
- Include audio and any other stream load when estimating total outbound bandwidth.
- Check the connection’s upload capacity while accounting for YouTube’s recommended 20% headroom.
- If the connection cannot sustain the target reliably with that room, lower the resolution or frame rate and use the corresponding bitrate row.
If you send a backup stream, YouTube recommends capacity for the primary stream plus the backup stream, with 20% additional room. A fast download result does not establish that the upload connection can sustain either stream.
Encoder settings that matter
YouTube’s live encoder guidance recommends RTMP or RTMPS transport; H.264, H.265/HEVC, or AV1 video; constant bitrate (CBR); and a keyframe every 2 seconds, not more than every 4 seconds. Frame rates up to 60 fps are listed. Advanced recommendations include square pixels, progressive scan, two B-frames, one reference frame, and CABAC. See YouTube’s encoder settings for current details.
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Audio
YouTube lists AAC or MP3 audio, with 44.1 kHz for stereo and 48 kHz for 5.1 surround. Its listed audio bitrates are 128 kbps for stereo and 384 kbps for 5.1. The 5.1 option is supported only for AAC over RTMP/RTMPS. Audio contributes to total bandwidth but is separate from the video bitrate in the calculator table.
SDR and HDR
For SDR, YouTube lists Rec. 709 color and 8-bit depth. HDR needs a separate configuration: YouTube’s dedicated guidance specifies conditions including HEVC, 10-bit video, compatible BT.2020 color metadata, and HLS requirements for compatible hardware encoders. AV1 is not supported for HDR in the general encoder-settings guidance. Consult YouTube’s HDR live-streaming instructions rather than applying the SDR table as a complete HDR setup.
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Resolution, latency, and stream setup
YouTube detects resolution and frame rate automatically by default. To select resolution manually, YouTube says to create a custom stream key and enable manual settings under Stream Resolution. YouTube transcodes the incoming stream into multiple output formats for viewers; that does not change the bitrate your encoder sends to YouTube.
Bitrate and latency are separate choices. YouTube says 2160p/4K does not offer “improve for low latency” and is optimized for quality at normal latency. Lower latency may increase playback buffering, and it is less important when a broadcast does not depend on interaction with the audience. Details are in YouTube’s live stream settings.
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Test before going live
YouTube advises: “Make sure to test before you start your live stream.” Test with audio and movement similar to the actual broadcast; a static test image may not reveal how motion affects the encoder or connection. YouTube’s guidance suggests setting up at least two hours ahead, starting the encoder at least 15 minutes before the event, checking the Live Control Room preview, and monitoring stream health and messages. Confirm that audio and video look right and that viewers can access the stream. See YouTube’s encoder guidance and streaming tips.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common bitrate and connection problems
- Stream health reports unstable connection: The upload link may not be sustaining the configured total bitrate, or other devices may be using the shared connection. Check upload capacity and headroom; reduce resolution or frame rate if necessary.
- Video looks soft or blocky: Confirm the encoder is using the recommended value for its actual codec and output mode. A bitrate chosen for H.264 may not be the right recommendation for AV1 or H.265.
- Audio cuts out or is missing: Check that the encoder is sending AAC or MP3 and that its audio input and bitrate are configured correctly. If you are sending 5.1 over RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube’s guidance limits support to AAC.
- Manual resolution cannot be selected: YouTube’s documented method requires a custom stream key and manual settings enabled under Stream Resolution; otherwise, resolution and frame rate are detected automatically.
- 4K does not offer the low-latency option: This is expected under YouTube’s documented live settings; 2160p is optimized for quality at normal latency.
- Stream works in rehearsal but falters during the event: Shared network use can reduce available upload bandwidth. Repeat the test under realistic network conditions and monitor stream health during the broadcast.
These are live-stream settings, not upload-file settings
This calculator is for the bitrate sent from an encoder into a YouTube live stream. YouTube has a separate set of recommendations for encoding video files uploaded to the platform. Do not use the live-ingestion table as an upload-file export preset.
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