Recommended Free Tools
To show a YouTube Live loop in portrait 9:16, set up YouTube’s vertical output before you go live. The simplest option is to use the vertical layout in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room; if you use a third-party encoder, configure a separate vertical feed and stream key. YouTube says you can’t add the vertical format after a stream has started.
Choose how to make the portrait version
| Option | How it works | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Live Control Room | Choose and adjust a built-in vertical layout for the scheduled stream. | A loop that can be reframed from its existing horizontal feed. |
| Third-party encoder | Send the horizontal and vertical versions to their corresponding stream keys. | A loop that needs a separately composed portrait feed. |
YouTube documents both routes for dual streaming. In Live Control Room, the vertical version defaults to a center crop of the horizontal stream. That can cut off game HUD elements, captions, or other details near the left and right edges. Inspect the portrait preview rather than assuming a wide loop will fit.
Set up a 9:16 layout in YouTube Studio
- On a computer, open YouTube Studio and select Create → Go live.
- In Live Control Room, open the scheduled stream from the Manage tab.
- In the vertical preview, select Edit layout.
- Choose Center crop, Fit to phone width, or Stacked. Adjust zoom and position in the canvas, then check that the important part of the loop remains visible.
- Keep dual stream enabled if you also want to serve a horizontal version. YouTube documents turning off the vertical stream from the Stream tab’s settings by disabling Dual stream.
If you make edits in the canvas, YouTube says you can continue adjusting the layout while live. However, the vertical format itself must be configured before the stream starts.
Pick a layout for the footage
- Center crop: uses a centered portion of the horizontal picture. Check the preview carefully if game interface elements or important action sit near the sides.
- Fit to phone width: fits the horizontal video to the phone’s width; inspect how the result uses the portrait frame.
- Stacked: arranges content in a vertical layout. Check the preview to confirm that the composition suits the loop.
These are YouTube’s available layout choices; how well each works depends on the footage and framing.
#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 dual output with a third-party encoder
This route requires the encoder to send the intended horizontal and vertical content to separate keys. Changing a source file’s aspect ratio in YouTube Studio does not, by itself, configure an external encoder’s output.
- Open the stream’s Stream tab in YouTube Live Control Room.
- For the vertical preview, change the setting from Auto to Encoder.
- Select RTMP(S) and choose the second stream key for the vertical output.
- Configure the encoder to send the horizontal and vertical feeds to their corresponding stream keys. Make sure the vertical feed is composed for 9:16.
- Go live from YouTube Studio after checking both outputs in the preview.
For encoder-specific setup context, see YouTube’s guide to creating a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
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.
Preview and check stream settings before starting
YouTube recommends preparing and testing ahead of a live event, checking the Live Control Room preview, and monitoring audio and video quality. Its encoder recommendations depend on codec, resolution, and frame rate; they are separate from the choice of portrait layout. Consult YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrate, and resolution guidance for settings suited to your output, and its live-streaming tips for preparation and monitoring.
- Confirm the portrait preview preserves the parts of the loop viewers need to see.
- Check that the intended format reaches each stream key when using an encoder.
- Test and preview the stream before the planned start, then monitor audio and video quality.
What viewers see with dual stream
YouTube says subscribers receive one go-live notification and a shared stream URL. Viewers in the mobile Shorts feed see the vertical version; other viewers see the horizontal version. Both formats share the same live chat. Vertical live streams may also appear while people browse Shorts in the YouTube mobile app, subject to YouTube’s display and eligibility rules.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your loop is made from uploaded videos and you want it to stay live on YouTube without leaving a computer on at home, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. StreamNeo sends to YouTube only.
- Nothing at home has to stay on for the stream to continue.
- Each slot streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price regardless of quality.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
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
Further guidance
YouTube’s live streaming guide covers dual-stream layouts, encoder setup, viewer behavior, and the limitation on adding vertical after going live. For general player behavior around aspect ratios, see YouTube’s video resolution and aspect ratio guidance.
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.
