For FFmpeg streaming to YouTube Live, use constant bitrate (CBR), choose the target bitrate for your ingest codec, resolution, and frame rate, and set a two-second keyframe interval. For example, YouTube recommends 10 Mbps for H.264 at 1080p30 and 12 Mbps at 1080p60. These are encoder-to-YouTube ingest settings; YouTube transcodes the incoming feed for viewers.
Choose the bitrate for your output format
YouTube’s current English-language encoder guidance lists CBR as the bitrate mode and gives separate targets by codec, resolution, and frame rate. Do not use a bitrate from one codec’s row as if it applied to another.
| Ingest format | YouTube-recommended bitrate | YouTube-listed minimum |
|---|---|---|
| H.264, 1080p30 | 10 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| H.264, 1080p60 | 12 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
| H.264, 720p30 or 720p60 | 6 Mbps | Not stated here; check the relevant row in YouTube’s current table |
| AV1 or H.265/HEVC, 1080p30 | 10 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
| AV1 or H.265/HEVC, 1080p60 | 12 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
The H.264 minimums shown above are distinct from the recommended targets; they are not alternative recommended settings. YouTube’s full table covers resolutions from 360p through 2160p. For example, it recommends 21 Mbps for H.264 1440p30 and 34 Mbps for H.264 1440p60. Check the current YouTube Live encoder settings table for the exact codec, resolution, and frame-rate combination you will send.
Plan for a sustained upload rate that can carry the video target plus audio and network overhead. YouTube recommends using a reliable quality for your available upload connection and running an upload speed test; a connection that only briefly reaches the target is not a safe basis for a live event.
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Set the keyframe interval and supporting video settings
YouTube recommends a keyframe frequency of two seconds and says not to exceed four seconds. For a fixed output frame rate, calculate the two-second GOP as frame rate × 2: use 60 frames at 30 fps or 120 frames at 60 fps. A value of -g 60 is two seconds only when the output is 30 fps.
- Use progressive scan and square pixels.
- For SDR, use Rec. 709.
- YouTube’s encoder guidance specifies two B-frames, one reference frame, and CABAC.
- For audio, YouTube recommends AAC stereo at 128 Kbps, or AAC 5.1 at 384 Kbps.
- YouTube lists AAC or MP3 audio and supports frame rates up to 60 fps.
The applicable options depend on your source and FFmpeg build. Set an explicit output frame rate and ensure the video and audio inputs behave as expected rather than assuming an input file’s properties match the intended live output.
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Example FFmpeg command for H.264 at 1080p30
This illustrative RTMPS command uses YouTube’s 10 Mbps recommended H.264 target for 1080p30, a 60-frame GOP, and AAC stereo audio. Replace INPUT and STREAM_KEY, and adapt input, audio, and output options to your production. The 20 Mbps VBV buffer is an example choice, not a YouTube-mandated value.
ffmpeg -re -i INPUT
-c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -tune zerolatency
-b:v 10M -minrate 10M -maxrate 10M -bufsize 20M
-x264-params "nal-hrd=cbr:force-cfr=1"
-r 30 -g 60 -keyint_min 60
-c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100
-f flv "rtmps://a.rtmps.youtube.com/live2/STREAM_KEY"Use the stream key from YouTube’s live-stream setup and keep it private. YouTube recommends RTMPS; its encoder page also lists RTMP as a protocol. Match the command’s bitrate and output settings to the format you selected rather than copying this 1080p30 example unchanged.
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What the rate-control flags mean
-b:vsets the target video bitrate.-maxratesets a maximum bitrate constraint; FFmpeg documents that it requires-bufsize.-bufsizesets the rate-control buffer size in bits. The example’s value is a tuning choice, not a YouTube requirement.-minrateis most useful when configuring CBR. The exact rate behavior still depends on the selected encoder and build.- For libx264,
nal-hrd=cbrsignals HRD CBR and requires a VBV buffer size. FFmpeg’s documentation says CBR HRD signaling is not allowed in an MP4 container; the example uses FLV for RTMP delivery.
These flags express rate-control constraints; they do not guarantee a perfectly constant wire rate in every setup. Avoid describing a configuration as strict CBR if its target and maximum differ or if the selected encoder does not behave as expected. FFmpeg options and encoder support vary by build.
For 1080p60
For H.264 at 1080p60, change the target to 12 Mbps and set the two-second GOP to 120 frames. For example, use -b:v 12M -minrate 12M -maxrate 12M and -r 60 -g 120 -keyint_min 120; select a buffer size appropriate to your encoder and validate the resulting stream. Do not retain -g 60 from the 30 fps example.
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Preflight and monitor the live stream
- Choose the ingest format. Decide the output resolution, frame rate, and codec, then read the matching YouTube recommendation and minimum in the current encoder table.
- Check sustained upload capacity. Make sure the connection can carry video, audio, and overhead reliably. If it cannot sustain the selected target, lower the output format or bitrate and check the corresponding YouTube guidance.
- Configure and verify the encoder. Set CBR intent, match the bitrate to the selected recommendation, and calculate the GOP from the output frame rate. Confirm your FFmpeg build supports the chosen encoder and options.
- Run a representative test. Use a private or otherwise safe test stream with audio and movement similar to the real event. YouTube Help specifically recommends testing with representative audio and movement before going live.
- Check stream health. Review YouTube’s stream-health status and encoder warnings during the test. Adjust bitrate or output settings if the machine or uplink cannot sustain them.
- Monitor during the event. Keep YouTube’s stream-health messages in view and respond to warnings rather than assuming a successful test guarantees the live connection will remain stable.
Troubleshoot common CBR problems
Stream health reports unstable or insufficient bitrate
The uplink may not sustain the configured video target plus audio and overhead, or the encoder may be overloaded. Check sustained upload capacity and machine load; reduce resolution, frame rate, or bitrate to a matching YouTube table entry, then test again.
The keyframe interval is longer or shorter than intended
Check the output frame rate and calculate the GOP in frames. Use 60 frames for two seconds at 30 fps or 120 frames at 60 fps. A frame-count value does not represent a fixed duration if the output frame rate changes.
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FFmpeg rejects an option or behaves differently
Encoder options differ across FFmpeg builds. Confirm that your build includes libx264 and supports the parameters you supplied, and consult the documentation for that build. The example is a starting point, not a universal command.
The stream does not meet the expected CBR behavior
Verify that the target, minimum, and maximum are aligned and that the rate-control buffer is set. For libx264 HRD CBR signaling, include the required VBV buffer and observe the MP4 restriction; the example uses an RTMP-compatible FLV output. Validate with a test stream rather than inferring behavior from flags alone.
The video or audio format is unsuitable
Check the selected ingest codec against YouTube’s current guidance, along with progressive scan, frame rate, SDR color space, and audio codec. YouTube’s recommendations include AAC stereo at 128 Kbps; verify the actual output rather than relying on source-file settings.
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