Use two compositions, not one overlay stretched across two shapes. A landscape canvas is typically 16:9 and a portrait canvas 9:16; a center crop can turn one into the other, but it may cut off gameplay details, faces, alerts, or text. Choose the platform’s dual-format workflow, build or adjust the portrait layout, route each output correctly, and preview both orientations before starting.
Why one overlay rarely works in both orientations
Landscape and portrait frames have different proportions and viewing contexts. A layout balanced for a widescreen gaming stream can become crowded or lose key information when cropped to a phone-shaped frame. YouTube identifies horizontal as 16:9 and vertical as 9:16, and documents several ways to create the vertical view: center crop, fit-to-phone-width, and stacked layout. YouTube’s dual-format streaming guidance also lets creators adjust zoom and position in the editing canvas.
A crop is useful when the important action stays near the center. If your game HUD, face camera, chat, or alerts sit near the edges, make a dedicated portrait composition where supported instead of assuming an automatic crop will preserve them. Keep text and essential visuals comfortably inside each composition; exact safe-zone measurements are not established in the platform guidance cited here.
Choose a workflow for the platform you are streaming to
| Platform or workflow | What it supports | Check before going live |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Live Control Room | Horizontal and vertical formats, with center crop, fit-to-phone-width, and stacked vertical layout options. Third-party encoder routing is also documented. | Set the vertical layout and verify that the correct content and formats go to their corresponding stream keys. YouTube says you cannot add the vertical format after the stream has started. YouTube Help |
| TikTok LIVE Studio | A dual layout that presents landscape and portrait versions for viewers’ screen orientations. | Check that the portrait composition is legible on a phone and the landscape composition suits widescreen viewing. TikTok LIVE Studio Help |
| Twitch dual format | A separate dual-format workflow. Twitch’s help page names OBS Studio 32.0.0 or newer and other compatible broadcast applications; requirements may change. | Confirm current software compatibility and use Twitch’s scene-transition guidance. Preview on a phone in both portrait and landscape. Twitch Help |
| Restream Studio or OBS plugin workflow | Restream documents portrait and landscape output through Studio and its OBS plugin. | Check the channel orientation and output preview. Restream says an active channel’s orientation cannot be changed during a Studio stream. Restream Studio guide Restream OBS plugin guide |
These are not interchangeable settings: platform-native dual layout, Live Control Room editing, and encoder-based output routing each have their own controls. Follow the workflow for the specific destination and software version you use.
#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.
Set up both layouts before the broadcast
- Choose the delivery path. Decide whether you will use the destination’s native dual-format feature or a broadcast application configured to send separate landscape and portrait outputs. YouTube documents Live Control Room editing and third-party encoder setup; TikTok LIVE Studio and Twitch have their own dual-layout workflows.
- Compose the landscape scene. Place the game or other main content first, then position overlays such as a face camera, alerts, and labels. Do not depend on a later crop to retain information near the frame edges.
- Build or edit the portrait scene. Preview the 9:16 frame and reposition or stack important elements for a narrow screen. In YouTube’s editing canvas, choose among center crop, fit-to-phone-width, or stacked, then adjust zoom and position as needed.
- Route the intended output. For YouTube third-party encoder setup, select the vertical stream key and check that each format and its matching content go to the corresponding key. A correct layout sent to the wrong output is still the wrong stream.
- Preview both orientations. Check the title, gameplay, alerts, faces, and other essential information in both views. Twitch’s instructions recommend checking on a phone in portrait and landscape; for Twitch dual-format scenes, use the primary horizontal scene menu to transition linked scenes as described in its guidance.
- Lock in settings before starting. YouTube says the vertical format cannot be added after a stream has started. Restream Studio says an active channel’s orientation cannot be changed mid-stream. Set the intended formats and layouts before going live.
What to inspect in each preview
- Gameplay and HUD: Make sure objectives, minimaps, scores, and other game information remain visible rather than being clipped by a crop.
- Text and alerts: Check that labels and notifications are readable and do not overlap the action or one another in either frame.
- Faces and focal points: Confirm the crop or repositioning keeps the subject in frame, including during movement.
- Output routing: Verify that each portrait or landscape presentation is connected to the intended destination or stream key.
- Orientation changes: Test any linked scene transitions before the live session; do not assume a setting can be changed once a stream is underway.
Common problems and fixes
The portrait view cuts off the game or face camera
The landscape composition is being cropped without regard to its focal points. Adjust zoom and position, use a different YouTube vertical option such as fit-to-phone-width or stacked, or create a portrait-specific composition if the workflow permits it.
The portrait output is missing after going live
YouTube says the vertical format cannot be added after a stream has started. Stop and configure the vertical format and routing before starting the next stream; do not expect to add it mid-broadcast.
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.
The right scene appears in the wrong format or output
Check the encoder’s selected stream keys and confirm each format is routed with its matching content. YouTube’s encoder guidance specifically calls for checking that the correct formats go to the corresponding keys.
The layout looks fine on a monitor but not on a phone
Preview the portrait and landscape views on a phone as well as in the broadcast software. Reposition or simplify elements that become crowded in the narrow frame.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #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.
The orientation cannot be changed during the stream
This is a setup limitation in some workflows: Restream Studio says an active channel’s orientation cannot be changed during a stream, and YouTube does not allow adding the vertical format after a stream has started. Configure and check the intended orientation before going live.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a 24/7 YouTube stream of pre-recorded gameplay, overlays still need to be composed for the intended viewing format, but a computer at home does not have to stay on to keep the stream running. StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos or playlists to YouTube: upload your recording, add your YouTube stream key, and go live.
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
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Your video streams as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
Monthly service is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start your free 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.
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.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
