Match FFmpeg’s output frame size to the resolution you want YouTube Live to ingest—not to every resolution viewers may watch. YouTube automatically creates multiple playback formats from the incoming stream. For example, -vf "scale=1280:-2" sets the output width to 1280 pixels and calculates a proportional, compatible height. You still need to choose a frame rate, bitrate, codec, and keyframe interval that fit your source and upload connection.
Choose your YouTube ingest target first
Decide what resolution and frame rate to send before changing FFmpeg. The right target depends on the source’s detail and motion, your available upload capacity, and YouTube’s bitrate guidance. Resolution by itself does not determine a suitable bitrate.
YouTube detects encoder settings automatically by default. If you use a custom stream key and enable manual settings, you can select the stream resolution in Live Control Room. YouTube transcodes the incoming live stream into formats for viewers, so you generally configure one ingest feed rather than encoding separate resolutions for playback.
H.264 ingest bitrate guidance
The following are YouTube Help’s current H.264 ingest figures, accessed October 3, 2026. “Minimum” and “recommended” are YouTube’s configuration guidance, not guarantees that your connection or content will stream reliably at those rates.
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| Ingest target | Minimum bitrate | Recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 720p at 60 fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 6 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
Higher frame rates can be useful for fast gameplay, but they also affect the bitrate target. Check your upload speed and leave headroom for a stable connection rather than treating a speed-test result as capacity you can dedicate entirely to the stream. YouTube recommends testing with similar movement and audio before an event.
Resize FFmpeg output without distorting the source
FFmpeg’s scale filter can set the output dimensions. To target a width while preserving the input’s proportions, use a negative multiple for the other dimension:
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-vf "scale=1280:-2"
This sets the width to 1280 pixels and calculates a compatible height based on the input aspect ratio. It is a filter fragment, not a complete streaming command: the input, encoder, protocol URL, credentials, and audio handling all depend on your setup.
When source and target aspect ratios differ
Do not stretch the image to force it into a different shape. Choose deliberately between fitting the whole image, padding the unused area, or cropping part of the source. FFmpeg’s filter documentation describes force_original_aspect_ratio for keeping output within or beyond a specified width-and-height box; the right behavior depends on whether you want to fit, fill, pad, or crop. Check the resulting dimensions and framing before going live.
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Confirm the installed FFmpeg version and the available filters and encoders on your system. Documentation does not ensure every local build exposes every codec or option.
Configure the rest of the live ingest
Resolution is only one part of the encoder setup. YouTube’s live encoder guidance lists RTMP/RTMPS, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1; frame rates up to 60 fps; constant bitrate (CBR); and a recommended two-second keyframe frequency that should not exceed four seconds. YouTube recommends RTMPS. Verify that your FFmpeg build supports the codec and options you intend to use.
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- Bitrate: Choose a target that corresponds to both your ingest resolution and frame rate, then confirm the connection can sustain it.
- Keyframes: Use a two-second interval; do not exceed four seconds, following YouTube’s recommendation.
- Picture and scan: YouTube’s other recommendations include square pixels, progressive scan, CABAC, and two B-frames.
- Color and audio: For SDR, YouTube recommends Rec. 709. For RTMP/RTMPS audio, it lists AAC or MP3.
- Transport: YouTube recommends RTMPS; use the ingest address and stream key provided for your live setup.
For the current ingest recommendations and setup details, see YouTube Help: Live encoder settings and YouTube Help: Set up your encoder for live streaming. For scale-filter behavior, see the FFmpeg filters documentation.
Test the output before the event
- Pick resolution and frame rate. Base them on your source material, motion, upload capacity, and YouTube’s corresponding bitrate guidance.
- Set YouTube’s detection mode. Use automatic detection by default, or use a custom stream key and manual settings if you need to select ingest resolution in Live Control Room.
- Apply the scale filter. Set the intended output dimensions and preserve the source aspect ratio; decide explicitly whether a mismatch should be fitted, padded, or cropped.
- Set the encoder parameters. Use a supported codec, CBR, a suitable bitrate, and the recommended two-second keyframe interval (no more than four seconds).
- Verify and rehearse. Check the actual output dimensions, then test with representative gameplay motion and audio. While live, monitor YouTube’s stream-health messages.
Troubleshoot resolution and ingest problems
- The output is stretched or framed incorrectly: The source and target aspect ratios may differ. Replace a forced width-and-height stretch with proportional scaling, then choose fit, padding, or cropping intentionally.
- The output dimensions are not what you expected: Check the installed FFmpeg version and filter expression, and inspect the actual output dimensions before connecting to the live event.
- YouTube reports encoder or stream-health problems: Check resolution, frame rate, bitrate, codec support, CBR, and keyframe interval together. Test the complete stream with similar motion and audio, and monitor YouTube’s messages while streaming.
- The stream is unstable despite matching the bitrate guidance: A recommended bitrate is not a guarantee of stable delivery. Check upload capacity and leave headroom; reduce the ingest target or bitrate if the connection cannot sustain the chosen settings.
- An encoder option is unavailable: The local FFmpeg build may not expose the codec or option. Check the build and select a supported configuration rather than assuming every documented option is installed.
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