For a typical stereo internet-radio stream sent to YouTube Live over RTMP or RTMPS, use AAC at 44.1 kHz and 128 kbps. YouTube also lists MP3 as supported for RTMP/RTMPS, so an encoder already set to MP3 does not need to be changed just because of compatibility. If you use HLS instead, match the audio codec to that protocol: YouTube lists AAC, AC3, and EAC3 for HLS.
Which audio format should you use?
For most stereo radio-style broadcasts, set your encoder to AAC, 44.1 kHz sample rate, and 128 kbps audio bitrate. Those are YouTube’s recommended stereo audio settings for its live encoder guidance. AAC is the straightforward default, but MP3 is also supported when sending audio through RTMP or RTMPS.
The right choice depends on both the encoder and the ingest protocol. Check the encoder’s available audio codecs and the protocol selected for the YouTube stream; a codec supported for one protocol is not automatically supported for another.
Codec and settings by YouTube ingest protocol
| Ingest protocol | Audio codecs YouTube lists | Recommended stereo settings | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTMP/RTMPS | AAC or MP3 | 44.1 kHz; 128 kbps | YouTube recommends RTMPS for the general live-encoder workflow and recommends constant bitrate (CBR) encoding. |
| HLS | AAC, AC3, or EAC3 | 44.1 kHz; 128 kbps | HLS requires its own segment and playlist setup. YouTube documents HLS segment durations of 1–4 seconds and notes that HLS has higher latency than a continuous stream. |
These codec lists and audio recommendations come from YouTube’s [live encoder settings guidance] for RTMP/RTMPS and [HLS setup guidance] for HLS. Use HLS only when your encoder and workflow support its additional configuration; for a typical radio stream without a specific reason to choose HLS, RTMPS with AAC is the simpler default.
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How to configure and check a stereo radio stream
- Choose the ingest protocol. In your encoder, select RTMPS if it is available and suitable for your workflow. Choose HLS only if your encoder and YouTube setup support HLS’s playlist and segment requirements.
- Set the audio codec. For RTMP/RTMPS, choose AAC; MP3 is also a supported option. For HLS, choose AAC, AC3, or EAC3 from the codecs your encoder offers.
- Set stereo audio to 44.1 kHz and 128 kbps. Confirm that the encoder applies these values to the stream’s audio output, not just to a local recording or monitoring path.
- For RTMP/RTMPS, use CBR encoding. YouTube recommends constant bitrate encoding in its general live-encoder settings. Check the encoder’s own documentation for the exact location of that control.
- Run a representative test before the public broadcast. YouTube recommends testing with audio and movement similar to the planned program. Check the live preview and stream-health messages, then monitor stream health while live.
YouTube’s encoder guidance covers the video stream as well as audio. Its live-streaming system transcodes incoming streams into multiple playback formats, so the codec sent by the station is the ingest format—not a guarantee that every viewer receives that exact format unchanged.
When 5.1 surround audio applies
This recommendation is for stereo internet radio. If you are deliberately producing 5.1 surround, YouTube’s guidance gives different settings: 48 kHz and 384 kbps. For RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube lists AAC for 5.1; for HLS, it lists AAC, AC3, and EAC3. Confirm that the encoder and the rest of the audio workflow actually provide the intended surround layout before selecting those settings.
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Common problems and fixes
- The encoder rejects the selected codec. Its available codecs depend on the encoder and selected protocol. Choose a codec listed for that protocol, or switch to a protocol the encoder supports.
- The stream connects but the audio is silent or missing. Check that the encoder is sending audio from the intended input and that its output settings—not merely its local recording settings—include an enabled audio track. Review YouTube’s live preview and stream-health messages.
- HLS audio is delayed. YouTube notes that HLS has higher latency because it sends segments rather than a continuous stream. Its documented segment duration is 1–4 seconds; verify your HLS segment and playlist configuration against YouTube’s setup guidance.
- You are unsure whether the stream is ready for listeners. Test with a representative program before going public, then check the preview and health indicators during the broadcast.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your internet-radio program is a recording or playlist you can upload, StreamNeo keeps a YouTube stream running from the cloud: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos, so nothing has to stay on at home. You choose the media as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, and the Monthly price is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo streams to YouTube and plays uploaded videos; it does not go live from a camera. See StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
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