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For a standard SDR YouTube stream, start with Rec. 709/BT.709 color space and Partial color range in OBS, then check that your files are interpreted consistently. A single global output setting cannot reliably fix a playlist whose files have different range assumptions: inspect and, if necessary, normalize the outliers before streaming. Treat HDR as a separate workflow.
Color range and color space are different settings
Color range describes how brightness values are coded: commonly Full or Partial (limited). Color space identifies the color system, such as Rec. 709 or Rec. 2100. OBS documents these as separate concepts; changing one does not resolve a mismatch in the other. OBS media I/O reference
For SDR uploads, YouTube recommends BT.709 and says it converts full-range uploads to limited range. That guidance does not ensure that a mixed playlist entering OBS will look consistent: OBS must first interpret each source correctly. YouTube video format guidelines
Set a consistent starting point for SDR
- Identify the material. Confirm whether the playlist is SDR, HDR, or a mixture. Do not apply SDR settings to HDR files.
- Open OBS video settings. Go to Settings > Advanced and review the color space and color range controls. For ordinary SDR YouTube streaming, use Rec. 709/BT.709 as the starting color space and Partial as the starting range. OBS defines its default range as equivalent to Partial. OBS media I/O reference
- Check the source files. Inspect files that look different or are known to have been authored with different range assumptions. Compare SDR/HDR status, full/partial range, color-space or matrix metadata, and the output path used by OBS.
- Normalize files that do not match. Convert inconsistent files to a consistent format before putting them in one playlist, rather than changing a global output setting to compensate for each one. A global setting that improves one file may make the others look wrong.
- Preview and test. Preview representative files or make a short test recording. Check black levels, white levels, and midtones in the rendered output, not just the setting labels or metadata.
The Partial starting point is not a guarantee for every possible source and output path. The correct interpretation depends on how the file was encoded and how the downstream path handles it; verify the actual result.
#1 Best Overall
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Can each playlist file have its own range setting?
Do not assume OBS Media Source playlists provide a per-file range override. The available documentation does not establish that control for current OBS versions. Check the interface in your installed version; if the files need different interpretations, the dependable workflow is to normalize them before playlist playback and test the output.
Handle HDR separately
HDR is not simply a Full-versus-Partial choice. YouTube’s documented OBS HDR live workflow calls for an HDR source, hardware HEVC encoding, Main 10, P010, and Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG. Its documented RTMP setup requires OBS 30.1 or later. Follow YouTube’s HDR-specific instructions for the source and output rather than applying the SDR Rec. 709 recommendation. YouTube HDR live streaming
Rank #2
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Diagnose washed-out or overly dark video
- Washed out: a Partial-range source may be interpreted as Full. Check the source and output range interpretation before trying to correct the image with contrast or saturation.
- Too dark or punchy: a Full-range source may be interpreted as Partial. Check the range interpretation; do not assume YouTube’s encode will repair a mismatch already present in the stream.
- Metadata says Full, but the rendered image behaves like Partial: older user reports describe metadata/encoded-range disagreements in custom FFmpeg workflows on OBS 28.0.3 and 29.0.1. These reports do not establish a current OBS defect. Test the exact OBS version, encoder, and container you use. OBS issue 7515 OBS issue 7836
- Webcam or capture card looks wrong: check that the source’s range setting agrees with the device’s actual output. A source-level mismatch can affect the picture before the global output setting is relevant.
- Playlist mixes SDR and HDR: separate or convert the material to a consistent workflow. Range alone cannot reconcile different transfer characteristics and color-space requirements.
Keep a YouTube playlist running without leaving OBS on
If this playlist is meant to keep a YouTube channel live continuously, OBS requires your computer and connection to remain available. StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos on YouTube, not a camera-based live feed. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live; StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
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Or let it run in the cloud
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
- Each slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
To start, try StreamNeo’s free first day.
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