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For a YouTube gaming stream encoded in H.264, set OBS to 17 Mbps for 1080p60, 14 Mbps for 1080p30, or 8 Mbps for 720p at either 30 or 60 fps. Use CBR and a 2-second keyframe interval. These are live-ingestion recommendations, so choose a resolution and frame rate your upload connection can sustain reliably—not just the highest settings your PC can encode.
First, what does “VOD stream” mean?
It can mean either a live broadcast that remains available as a video-on-demand archive, or a finished video file uploaded to YouTube. The OBS settings below apply to a live gaming broadcast sent to YouTube. Uploaded-file encoding uses a different bitrate guide.
YouTube says live streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived, and that 1440p and 2160p live streams are automatically archived. Archiving is separate from the encoder bitrate you choose. YouTube’s archive guidance explains the archive behavior.
Choose a live bitrate by resolution, frame rate, and codec
YouTube’s live-encoder guidance lists recommended bitrates by ingestion resolution, frame rate, and codec. For H.264—the common choice for OBS gaming streams—use the matching recommendation below. YouTube’s current live encoder settings also lists the corresponding recommendations for AV1 and H.265/HEVC.
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| Output resolution | Frame rate | H.264 recommended bitrate | H.264 minimum shown by YouTube |
|---|---|---|---|
| 720p | 30 fps | 8 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| 720p | 60 fps | 8 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| 1080p | 30 fps | 14 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
| 1080p | 60 fps | 17 Mbps | 6 Mbps |
| 1440p | 30 fps | 21 Mbps | not stated in the cited H.264 table |
| 1440p | 60 fps | 34 Mbps | not stated in the cited H.264 table |
| 2160p (4K) | 30 fps | 42 Mbps | not stated in the cited H.264 table |
| 2160p (4K) | 60 fps | 50 Mbps | not stated in the cited H.264 table |
The minimum figures shown are not substitutes for the recommended targets or a guarantee of stable delivery. YouTube gives lower recommended values for AV1 and H.265/HEVC at common resolutions: 12 Mbps at 1080p60, 10 Mbps at 1080p30, and 6 Mbps at 720p30 or 720p60. Confirm which codec OBS is actually sending before using a codec-specific recommendation.
Set the encoder for YouTube live ingestion
- Rate control: CBR (constant bitrate).
- Keyframe interval: 2 seconds recommended; do not exceed 4 seconds.
- Video codec: H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 appear in YouTube’s live-encoder guidance. Match the bitrate recommendation to the codec actually in use.
- Connection protocol: Use RTMPS where available; YouTube recommends it.
- Frame rate: YouTube’s listed live-encoder guidance goes up to 60 fps.
OBS menu names and available encoder options can differ by version and selected encoder, so use the relevant rate-control and keyframe fields in your chosen encoder rather than relying on a version-specific click path.
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Pick a setting your upload can sustain
A bitrate recommendation is useful only if your connection can send it steadily. YouTube recommends testing upload bitrate and monitoring stream health; your actual result depends on your connection and conditions during the broadcast. For a gaming stream, test with movement and audio similar to the real session, since a static scene is not a representative test. YouTube’s encoder guidance recommends testing before going live and checking stream-health messages.
- Choose a target output: Decide which resolution and frame rate your system can encode reliably, such as 1080p60 or 720p60.
- Use the matching codec row: For H.264 at 1080p60, start at 17 Mbps; if you choose 1080p30, use 14 Mbps; for 720p30 or 720p60, use 8 Mbps.
- Set CBR and a 2-second keyframe interval: Use RTMPS if configured for your YouTube connection.
- Test the whole path: Run a representative test stream with gameplay movement and audio, and review YouTube’s stream-health status.
- Adjust for instability: If the upload or stream health is unstable, lower resolution or frame rate and switch to that output’s recommended bitrate instead of forcing a higher target.
Live bitrate is not upload-file bitrate
Do not use a live-ingestion number as a target for encoding a finished video file. YouTube’s separate SDR upload guidance lists 8 Mbps for 1080p files at standard frame rates (24, 25, or 30 fps) and 12 Mbps for high frame rates (48, 50, or 60 fps). Those figures are for uploaded files, not the live OBS feed. See YouTube’s recommended upload encoding settings.
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Common bitrate problems and fixes
YouTube reports an unstable or poor stream
Likely issue: The upload connection cannot sustain the selected bitrate consistently. Fix: Test upload capacity, check YouTube’s stream-health messages, then reduce output resolution or frame rate and use the corresponding live recommendation.
The picture is soft or breaks up during fast gameplay
Likely issue: The selected bitrate may be too low for the resolution and frame rate, or the stream may be unstable. Fix: Check that you are using the recommendation for the actual codec and output. If you cannot sustain that target, lower the output resolution or frame rate rather than keeping a high output that your connection cannot deliver reliably.
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The video stutters even though the bitrate matches the table
Likely issue: A matching bitrate alone does not establish that the entire encoding and delivery path is stable. Fix: Test with representative gameplay, watch YouTube’s stream-health messages, and try a lower resolution or frame rate if problems persist. The cited YouTube guidance does not identify one universal cause for every stutter.
You used the finished-file bitrate for a live broadcast
Likely issue: YouTube publishes separate recommendations for live ingest and uploaded video files. Fix: For a live OBS broadcast, use the live table above; use the upload-file table only when encoding a completed recording for upload.
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Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded gaming video live on YouTube around the clock, StreamNeo can loop uploaded videos from the cloud rather than relying on OBS and a computer at home. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay powered on at home; it streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60 fps, at one price per slot, and can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free first day.
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