Use HandBrake to re-encode HEVC (H.265) recordings as H.264 in MP4, then upload the converted files to YouTube and add them to a playlist. Changing a filename or remuxing a file does not change its video codec; conversion requires re-encoding. Keep the originals, test one file, and check its picture, sound, and duration before processing the rest.
What conversion changes—and what it does not
HEVC and H.264 are different video codecs. YouTube’s recommended upload settings call for H.264 video in an MP4 container. Converting means decoding the HEVC video and encoding it again as H.264; copying the video stream into another container leaves it HEVC. YouTube also advises uploading at the frame rate at which the material was recorded. See YouTube’s recommended upload encoding settings.
An OBS recording container is separate from the codec inside it. OBS describes MKV as its default and recommended container for most use cases because it can be remuxed to a more compatible format. Remuxing can change the container without re-encoding, but it cannot turn HEVC into H.264. See the OBS Audio/Video Formats Guide.
Convert recordings with HandBrake
HandBrake is free software with Creator presets intended for video-hosting uploads. Its documented Creator presets include 720p60, 1080p60, 1440p60, and 2160p60; these use MP4, H.264, and AAC stereo. Choose the preset that fits the source’s resolution and frame-rate class, then verify the settings rather than assuming the preset fits every source. Consult HandBrake’s official presets.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Protect the originals. Leave the HEVC recordings untouched. Make a separate output folder and use filenames that preserve episode numbers or playlist order.
- Open a source in HandBrake. Install it from the official HandBrake project. Open a video file; if you plan to process a folder, confirm how your installed version and platform handle multiple sources.
- Choose a Creator preset. Select the matching resolution and frame-rate class. For example, choose a 1080p60 preset for a 1080p recording at 60 fps. Do not upscale a lower-resolution source just to match a higher preset.
- Check the Video settings. Confirm H.264 is selected. Preserve the source frame rate and dimensions where possible, and inspect crop, scaling, and filter settings for unintended changes.
- Check audio and subtitles. Select the intended language and audio track, and confirm the output will have sound. HandBrake can re-encode audio or pass through supported formats; AAC is a straightforward choice for MP4 compatibility. Check subtitle tracks and whether the output needs them. YouTube lists AAC-LC, Opus, and Eclipsa Audio among its upload audio options.
- Set a unique destination and filename. Make sure each output has a distinct name so a batch cannot overwrite another episode or the source. Add jobs to the queue. HandBrake documents adding separate sources and jobs before starting the queue; see Using the Queue.
- Test the result. Play a representative converted file and check its duration, resolution, frame rate, aspect ratio, picture, sound, and subtitles. If it is correct, use the same settings for the remaining recordings.
- Upload, then organize. Upload the converted files to YouTube, wait for processing, and confirm each video plays as expected. Then create or populate the YouTube playlist in Studio. Conversion and playlist management are separate tasks.
Settings and trade-offs that matter
Frame rate, resolution, and quality
Retain the recorded frame rate and dimensions unless editing requires a change. YouTube’s recommendation is to encode and upload at the original recorded frame rate. Re-encoding is lossy: the H.264 output may look worse than the source, and a less efficient codec can produce a larger file than HEVC for comparable visual quality. Keep the original as a fallback and inspect the converted output before deleting or uploading a whole batch.
Audio and tracks
Check which audio track HandBrake selects, especially if the recording contains multiple languages or tracks. Passing through supported audio retains its encoded bits, while re-encoding changes them; neither choice guarantees that every track you want will be present unless you select it and verify the output.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
HandBrake’s audio behavior and available passthrough options are documented in Audio Codecs. YouTube’s upload recommendations are not the same as live-stream bitrate guidance.
Hardware encoding versus software encoding
Software H.264 encoding can take longer and use more CPU. Hardware encoding can move work to a supported device, but encoder availability and output characteristics depend on hardware and drivers. The OBS guide explains these considerations in Hardware Encoding. Use the encoder available to you, then judge quality and playback from a test file rather than assuming hardware and software output are identical.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
HDR and 10-bit recordings
Do not apply an SDR conversion workflow blindly to HDR or 10-bit footage. Color handling must be deliberate, and the official material cited here does not establish one universal HDR-to-H.264 recipe. YouTube’s guidance about H.265 for HDR concerns live streaming, a different workflow from uploading prerecorded files; see Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
Batch conversion and command-line use
For a playlist batch, queue each source as a separate job and check naming before starting. Process one representative file first, then apply consistent settings to the rest. HandBrake’s queue supports multiple jobs; unique output paths and a final sample check help avoid overwrites and unnoticed audio or picture problems.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
HandBrakeCLI is an option for repeatable workflows, and its documented encoders include x264. However, the exact command depends on the installed version, source tracks, output paths, and color properties. Do not copy a generic command without checking it against that version and a sample input. Test one conversion, inspect the output and log, and only then automate the batch. Do not use video stream copy when the goal is H.264: copying preserves the HEVC video.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common conversion problems
- The output is still HEVC: You may have changed the container or copied the video stream instead of re-encoding. Reopen the job and confirm the video encoder is H.264.
- The file is silent or has the wrong language: Revisit the Audio track selection and test the output. Do not assume HandBrake chose the intended track automatically.
- Some outputs are missing or overwritten: Check the queue and make sure every job has a unique destination filename.
- The converted video looks cropped, scaled, or has the wrong frame rate: Inspect the Video tab’s dimensions, crop, scaling, filters, and frame-rate setting. Restore source dimensions and frame rate if the changes were unintended.
- The H.264 file is larger or takes a long time to create: Re-encoding costs processing time and H.264 may require more space than the more efficient HEVC source at comparable visual quality. Allow for both the originals and outputs while checking the batch.
- HDR footage looks wrong: Stop and review the color workflow rather than applying an SDR preset by default. Test a deliberate conversion path for the source’s color properties.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep prerecorded videos playing as a 24/7 YouTube stream after conversion, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; StreamNeo plays the uploaded files, not a camera feed.
Recommended Free Tools
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.
- 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.
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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.
