For a single YouTube stream that is already encoded and only needs relaying, evaluate Hetzner’s CPX12 first: its published specification is 1 vCPU, 2 GB RAM and 40 GB disk in European locations. That is a cautious starting point, not a performance guarantee. If the server must encode the video, there is no evidence-backed minimum Hetzner size; compare larger shared-vCPU CPX instances with dedicated-vCPU CCX instances using your actual stream workload.
The key sizing question is not simply how many viewers you expect. It is whether the VM relays an encoded feed or encodes the video itself, and what codec, resolution, frame rate, bitrate and number of simultaneous feeds you need.
Choose a server based on what it does
Relay an already encoded stream
If another device or process has already encoded the video, and the Hetzner VM only forwards that stream to YouTube, evaluate CPX12 as a low-resource starting point for one feed. Hetzner lists it with 1 vCPU, 2 GB RAM and 40 GB disk in European locations FSN1, HEL1 and NBG1 in its July 2026 update (Hetzner’s July 2026 update). The recommendation is an inference from the plan’s published specification and the lighter relay workload; it is not a Hetzner benchmark or promise that every relay application will run well.
Test the complete setup over a representative run. Watch CPU and memory use, outbound network performance, reconnect behavior and YouTube’s stream health. The required resources depend on the relay software and the number of feeds, among other factors.
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#1 Best Overall
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Encode video on the VM
Encoding is a different workload from relaying. Do not treat CPX12 as proven adequate for transcoding or live encoding: no official benchmark establishes that a particular Hetzner plan can encode a given resolution and frame rate. Compare a larger shared-vCPU CPX option with a dedicated-vCPU CCX option, then test your intended codec, resolution, frame rate, bitrate and number of outputs.
Hetzner describes CCX instances as having dedicated vCPUs; this makes them a candidate when predictable CPU availability matters, but dedicated vCPUs alone do not prove that an instance can sustain a specific encoder workload. Review Hetzner’s Cloud plans and server documentation for current options and plan details.
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Check the stream settings and bandwidth
YouTube’s recommended ingest bitrate is a streaming configuration target, not a measurement of the CPU required to encode at that setting. For H.264, YouTube’s current encoder guidance recommends 10 Mbps for 1080p30 and 17 Mbps for 1080p60 (YouTube: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions).
- Use RTMPS: YouTube recommends RTMPS for ingest.
- Set constant bitrate encoding: YouTube recommends CBR.
- Set a two-second keyframe interval: YouTube recommends two seconds and says not to exceed four seconds.
- Allow network headroom: YouTube recommends available upload bandwidth at least 20% above the total stream bitrate. For a single stream, a 10 Mbps video bitrate therefore calls for at least 12 Mbps of available upload bandwidth by that rule; a 17 Mbps stream calls for at least 20.4 Mbps. Account for audio and other traffic as well.
The 20% margin is for available upload bandwidth; it is not an additional video bitrate setting. Confirm the actual outbound path from the selected server location to YouTube rather than assuming that the vCPU count tells you the network capacity. YouTube cautions that a connectivity disruption can break a stream and recommends monitoring stream health (encoder guidance; YouTube streaming tips).
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Run a representative sizing test
- Define the workload. Write down whether the VM relays or encodes, the codec, resolution, frame rate, target bitrate, number of feeds and any local recording or buffering.
- Select a candidate by workload. For one relay-only stream, start by evaluating CPX12. For encoding, compare larger CPX and CCX options rather than assuming a minimum from the plan name or vCPU count.
- Configure YouTube ingest. Use RTMPS, the appropriate codec and bitrate guidance, CBR, and a two-second keyframe interval (never more than four seconds).
- Test with representative content. Include audio and the amount of movement expected in the real stream. YouTube explicitly recommends testing with similar audio and video movement before going live.
- Observe a sustained run. Monitor CPU, memory, outbound throughput, process stability, reconnections and YouTube stream health. A brief successful launch does not demonstrate that the workload will remain stable around the clock.
- Adjust and repeat. If the encoder cannot maintain the intended output, test a larger plan or a different encoding configuration. If network interruptions or relay restarts occur, address those operational causes as well as server size.
What disk, reliability and cost do—and do not—tell you
Disk depends on the rest of the application
The CPX12’s listed 40 GB disk is a plan specification, not a stated requirement for relaying a stream. Disk needs depend on whether the VM stores source videos, records locally, buffers content, retains logs or runs other software. The available YouTube and Hetzner specifications do not establish a minimum disk size for a relay-only stream.
A 24/7 plan still needs recovery and monitoring
A server configured to run continuously is not, by itself, a high-availability design. YouTube recommends testing and watching stream health, and warns that disrupted connectivity can break a stream. Plan how the relay or encoder will be restarted after a process failure, how it will reconnect after a network interruption, and how you will notice that the YouTube stream has stopped.
Rank #4
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Check regional pricing and traffic before ordering
Hetzner announced that updated prices for new cloud orders and rescales apply from June 15, 2026. Prices and included traffic allowances depend on location and can change, so check the current plan price and traffic terms for the region you intend to use before estimating a 24/7 bill. The July 2026 CPX12 availability and specifications cited above apply to the named European locations; verify availability and current terms for your chosen location.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is simply to keep uploaded video playing as a 24/7 YouTube stream, StreamNeo is the cloud alternative to consider first: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so no computer, OBS or home connection has to stay on. Every slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it also includes 10 GB of storage per slot, pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, and automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos and streams to YouTube; it does not encode a live camera feed. Learn about StreamNeo, or start the free day.
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- 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.
