Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsTo enable Dual Output in Streamlabs Desktop, open Settings > Video and turn it on, or use the Dual Output toggle at the top of the Editor’s Sources panel. Set up and check the horizontal and vertical canvases separately, then choose which orientation to send in the Go Live flow.
Turn on Dual Output
- Open Streamlabs Desktop. In the app, open Settings > Video and enable Dual Output. You can also use the Dual Output toggle at the top of the Editor’s Sources panel. Streamlabs’ YouTube setup guide documents both controls.
- Configure each output. Set the horizontal and vertical output settings separately in Video settings. Enabling the feature does not automatically make your scene composition work in both shapes.
- Inspect both canvases. Check that gameplay, overlays, alerts, text, and other important sources are positioned and legible in each orientation. Move, resize, or hide sources for a particular canvas where necessary; source visibility can differ by canvas.
- Choose destinations and orientations. Click Go Live, select the destination, then choose the orientation or orientations to send. For YouTube, select Both to send horizontal and vertical outputs.
Make the two layouts work
Horizontal and vertical output are separate compositions. A source that fits beside gameplay in a horizontal layout may be cropped, too small, or obscured in a vertical one. Review each canvas at its intended shape and make any needed placement, size, or visibility changes before going live.
TikTok-oriented vertical settings
For TikTok, Streamlabs suggests a vertical resolution of 1080×1920 at 30 FPS in its TikTok Dual Output guide. Treat that as Streamlabs’ suggested setup for TikTok, not a universal requirement for every platform or output.
What changes by destination
| Destination or combination | What the cited Streamlabs guidance says | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube, horizontal and vertical | The YouTube guide says to select Both. Streamlabs’ free multistreaming guide says one horizontal and one vertical output can be sent for free. | Adding another platform to that YouTube combination requires Streamlabs Ultra, according to the guide. Check current plan terms before subscribing. |
| More destinations or multiple outputs of one orientation | Streamlabs says three or more platforms, or multiple platforms of one orientation, require Streamlabs Ultra. | Destination and plan allowances may change; confirm the current terms for your account and platform combination. |
| Twitch Dual Format | A separate Twitch feature using Enhanced Broadcasting; Streamlabs’ guide describes it as still in testing. | Its platform-specific technical requirements and archive behavior do not apply to every Dual Output setup. |
For YouTube, some controls are limited to the horizontal version: multistream chat appears in one place, Streamlabs Desktop generates shareable links only for horizontal streams, and mid-stream title or category edits are available only for horizontal output. Streamlabs also cautions that YouTube may not always detect a vertical stream sent through third-party software for the Shorts feed, although mobile viewers can still watch the vertical stream. See the YouTube guide for these caveats.
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#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.
Twitch Dual Format requirements are separate
Streamlabs’ Twitch Dual Format guide, updated July 8, 2026, lists Windows 10 or 11, a 1080×1920 (9:16) vertical canvas, and upstream bandwidth of 13.5 Mbps for 1080p. It lists 22.5 Mbps or greater for 1440p/2K, which it says is available only to select streamers. The guide also lists up to four video tracks at 1080p or lower, and up to five at 1440p/2K. These figures are Twitch Dual Format specifications, not general requirements for enabling Dual Output; Streamlabs says the Twitch requirements are still being tested. Check the current Twitch requirements guide, test the stream, and watch performance because multi-format encoding can add load.
For Twitch archives, the same guide says vertical VODs expire after seven days, while the horizontal version remains for the rest of the retention period. Verify current platform behavior if retaining the vertical archive matters.
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.
Set up Dual Output before going live
If you plan to manage horizontal and vertical destinations in the same session with Live Output Editing, enable Dual Output before starting the stream. Streamlabs says a session started without Dual Output is limited to horizontal orientation; Live Output Editing is optional and also must be enabled before going live. See the Live Output Editing guide.
Troubleshooting
- The vertical layout looks cropped or cluttered: Review the vertical canvas independently. Reposition, resize, or hide sources for that canvas rather than assuming the horizontal scene will fit.
- You cannot select both orientations for YouTube: Confirm Dual Output was enabled before going live, then select Both in the Go Live flow. A session started without Dual Output may be limited to horizontal output.
- Your vertical stream is not appearing in the Shorts feed: Streamlabs warns that YouTube may not always detect vertical streams sent through third-party software for that feed. Mobile viewers may still be able to view the vertical stream.
- Twitch streaming performs poorly: Twitch Dual Format is a separate feature and multi-format encoding can add load. Compare your system and upstream connection with Streamlabs’ current Twitch requirements, then test before relying on it for a live broadcast.
- A Twitch vertical VOD is missing later: Streamlabs says vertical VODs expire after seven days. The horizontal version has a different retention period.
Or let it run in the cloud
Dual Output in Streamlabs Desktop is for creating horizontal and vertical live layouts. If your goal instead is to keep a YouTube channel live by looping uploaded video, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams uploaded files at their original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
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.
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
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.
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