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For 720p pre-recorded video sent to YouTube Live, set H.264 video bitrate to 8 Mbps at either 30 or 60 fps. YouTube lists 3 Mbps as the minimum for both frame rates. A video being pre-recorded does not change the live-ingest settings: use the live-stream recommendations when an encoder sends it as a live stream.
Recommended 720p H.264 bitrate for YouTube Live
YouTube’s live encoder guidance recommends 8 Mbps for H.264 at 720p, whether the incoming stream is 30 fps or 60 fps, and lists 3 Mbps as the minimum for both. These are live-ingest figures, not a special setting for pre-recorded content. The live table is organized by codec, resolution and frame rate; it does not give prerecorded footage a separate bitrate exception. YouTube’s live encoder settings and bitrate guidance has no publication year displayed.
| Delivery method | 720p frame rate | Recommended bitrate | Minimum or qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live stream ingest, H.264 | 30 fps | 8 Mbps | 3 Mbps minimum |
| Live stream ingest, H.264 | 60 fps | 8 Mbps | 3 Mbps minimum |
| Video-file upload | 24, 25 or 30 fps | 5 Mbps | Upload recommendation, not live ingest |
| Video-file upload | 48, 50 or 60 fps | 7.5 Mbps | Upload recommendation, not live ingest |
The upload figures are from YouTube’s video upload encoding recommendations, which also has no publication year displayed. Uploading a finished file and sending that same footage through a live encoder are different delivery methods; choose the row matching how you are delivering it.
Encoder settings to use with the bitrate
- Codec: H.264.
- Rate control: constant bitrate (CBR).
- Keyframes: set a two-second interval; YouTube says not to exceed four seconds.
- Transport: use RTMPS as recommended by YouTube.
These are YouTube’s encoder recommendations for live ingest; find the corresponding controls in your encoder’s stream or output settings. YouTube’s encoder guidance covers the supported codec and settings.
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Check upload capacity and stream health
- Run a representative test before the stream. Include audio and movement similar to the planned video. YouTube advises: “Make sure to test before you start your live stream.”
- Allow bandwidth headroom. YouTube’s streaming tips recommend leaving 20% of upload bandwidth unused. Ensure your connection can handle the stream’s total bitrate with that headroom; if you use a backup stream, account for its bandwidth too.
- Monitor stream health while live. Watch YouTube’s stream health indicators and investigate problems rather than assuming the configured bitrate guarantees a stable connection.
See YouTube’s encoder setup guidance and YouTube’s streaming tips for testing and bandwidth advice; neither page displays a publication year.
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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.
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