AWS does not describe a fee for each input-switch action. Instead, a running MediaLive channel with input switching is charged for two active inputs, even if its schedule contains more than two. Compared with a one-input setup, budget roughly one additional applicable input rate for the time the channel runs. The actual amount depends on the Region, channel class, and input specification.
What input switching adds to the bill
MediaLive charges for inputs attached to a running channel, including inputs that are not currently active or receiving content. AWS’s pricing page says a channel configured for input switching is charged for two active inputs even when more than two inputs are configured in its schedule. The pricing description therefore points to input capacity during runtime—not the number of times you switch—as the cost driver. AWS MediaLive pricing
For a rough comparison, use one applicable input rate for a one-input baseline and two input charges for the switching configuration. The increment is approximately one additional input rate over the running period. This is an estimate from AWS’s documented billing model, not a guaranteed invoice calculation; check current pricing for your exact configuration.
Why there is no universal dollar figure
Input rates vary with attributes such as codec, resolution, and bitrate. Region and channel class also affect rates; single-pipeline and standard two-pipeline channels use different rate bases. Runtime, minimums, and any reservation arrangement shown in current pricing can also affect an estimate. AWS’s live pricing page is the place to verify the rate for your configuration.
#1 Best Overall
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A limited example, not a quote
AWS’s live-streaming solution guide gives an HD AVC input example at $0.234 per hour, under its stated assumptions for US East (N. Virginia) and AVC encoding. Treat that as an illustration from that example, not as a current universal rate for other Regions, resolutions, bitrates, codecs, or channel classes. AWS Live Streaming on AWS solution guide
How to estimate the switching increment
- Identify the input configuration. Record the codec, resolution, and bitrate, plus the MediaLive channel class and Region.
- Find the applicable input rate. Use AWS’s current pricing information for those exact settings, including any applicable minimum or reservation terms.
- Estimate the running period. Multiply the applicable hourly input charge by the channel’s billable running time.
- Compare the setups. Estimate the one-input baseline, then use AWS’s documented two-input charge for switching. The rough difference is one additional applicable input rate over that period.
- Check the whole workflow separately. This comparison estimates MediaLive input charges only. It does not establish YouTube fees or the total cost of a YouTube broadcast. Other AWS services may also add costs; AWS’s solution-guide example, for instance, includes separate MediaPackage and CloudFront charges.
What the schedule does—and does not do
Attaching multiple inputs does not make MediaLive switch automatically, and the documentation does not designate a default main input. A multiple-input channel needs scheduled input-switch actions to change sources. If a switch needs to happen promptly, an input prepare action can reduce the delay. These are scheduling and operational details; AWS does not describe a separate fee per switch action. AWS guide to setting up input switches AWS guide to preparing an input
Rank #2
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When this estimate is not enough
- You need an account-specific budget: confirm Region, channel class, input details, runtime, and current pricing or reservation terms.
- You mean the total cost of streaming to YouTube: the MediaLive input increment is not an end-to-end estimate. The cited AWS pricing information does not establish a YouTube-specific fee.
- You are deciding whether to run a pre-recorded YouTube stream around the clock: AWS MediaLive is a configurable cloud video service, but it is not the only possible approach. StreamNeo is a YouTube-only service for keeping a channel live 24/7 from uploaded videos; its uploaded-video workflow is distinct from switching live production inputs in MediaLive. See StreamNeo for details.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a 24/7 YouTube stream from uploaded videos, StreamNeo’s flow is: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; each slot streams uploaded material at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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Rank #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.
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