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Does YouTube Live Accept AV1 From a Software Encoder?

YouTube Live accepts AV1 over RTMP/RTMPS, including from compatible software encoders. Here are the settings and AV1 caveats to check before going live.
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Yes. YouTube Live lists AV1 as a supported video codec for RTMP/RTMPS encoder streams, and YouTube’s encoder guidance allows software encoders. The documentation does not make AV1 ingest hardware-only. Your particular encoder software must still offer AV1 output and produce a stream that meets YouTube’s settings.

What YouTube’s guidance confirms

YouTube lists H.264, H.265 (HEVC) and AV1 for RTMP/RTMPS live ingest. Its encoder setup guidance recognizes both streaming software and hardware encoders, so the published requirements support sending AV1 from software over RTMP or RTMPS. YouTube recommends RTMPS.

This is platform-level compatibility, not certification of every application, version or computer. YouTube does not publish a complete compatibility matrix for third-party software. Check that your chosen encoder actually offers AV1 output and can use the required transport and settings.

AV1 settings to check before going live

Use the resolution and frame-rate row that matches your stream in YouTube’s live encoder settings, bitrates and resolutions. Recommended bitrates vary by codec, resolution and frame rate; there is no single AV1 bitrate that applies to every stream.

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  • Transport: RTMP or RTMPS is listed for these codecs; YouTube recommends RTMPS.
  • Frame rate: YouTube’s guidance specifies up to 60 fps.
  • Bitrate mode: Use CBR.
  • Keyframes: A two-second interval is recommended; do not exceed four seconds.
  • HDR: AV1 is not supported for HDR in the cited settings.
  • 4K and above: For AV1 at 3840×2160 or higher, YouTube specifies at least two tile columns.

Set up and verify a software AV1 stream

  1. Confirm AV1 output is available. In your encoder’s output or streaming settings, check that AV1 can be selected. Availability depends on the software and your system; YouTube’s support for AV1 does not guarantee that a particular encoder can produce it.
  2. Configure the stream for YouTube. Select RTMPS where available, set CBR, choose a supported frame rate up to 60 fps, and set the keyframe interval to two seconds. Select the bitrate from YouTube’s table for your codec, resolution and frame rate.
  3. Check AV1-specific requirements. Do not use AV1 if your stream requires HDR. At 3840×2160 or higher, ensure the AV1 encoder is configured for at least two tile columns.
  4. Connect and test before the event. Follow YouTube’s encoder setup instructions to create the stream and connect your software. Check the Live Control Room preview and confirm the incoming stream is recognized before going live. YouTube says it automatically detects the encoder settings selected in the Live Control Room setup context.

If AV1 does not appear or the stream will not start

  • No AV1 option in the encoder: YouTube’s platform support does not add AV1 to software that lacks it. Check the application’s output options and documentation for your installed version, or use an encoder that provides AV1 output.
  • Stream fails to connect: Check the selected RTMP/RTMPS destination and stream key against the YouTube setup, then verify that the software is sending a supported video codec.
  • Preview reports a settings problem: Recheck CBR, the selected row’s bitrate, frame rate and keyframe interval. Keep the interval at the recommended two seconds and no longer than four.
  • AV1 with HDR: The cited YouTube settings do not support HDR with AV1. If HDR is required, choose a compatible codec listed in YouTube’s guidance instead.
  • AV1 at 4K or above: Check that the encoder uses at least two tile columns.

When a software encoder is the wrong question

If your goal is to keep uploaded videos playing on a YouTube channel around the clock, rather than encode a live camera or desktop production, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream a camera, and it is for YouTube only.

Or let it run in the cloud

With StreamNeo, nothing has to stay on at home. One flat price per slot covers uploaded video at its original quality up to 4K 60fps, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.

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