For a YouTube Live stream, use 44.1 kHz for stereo or 48 kHz for 5.1 surround sound, following YouTube’s recommendations for live encoders. If you are preparing a video file to upload to YouTube rather than sending a live stream, YouTube recommends 48 kHz. The right setting depends on the workflow and audio channel layout—not on the video’s frame rate or resolution.
Which sample rate should you use for YouTube Live?
| Workflow | Audio layout | Recommended sample rate |
|---|---|---|
| Live over RTMP/RTMPS | Stereo | 44.1 kHz |
| Live over RTMP/RTMPS | 5.1 surround | 48 kHz |
| Live over HLS | Stereo | 44.1 kHz |
| Live over HLS | 5.1 surround | 48 kHz |
| Uploaded video file | Upload audio settings | 48 kHz |
YouTube lists the live RTMP/RTMPS recommendation as “44.1 KHz for stereo audio, 48 KHz for 5.1 surround sound.” Its HLS guidance gives the same split. The upload recommendation is a separate setting for a file being uploaded, not a reason to change a stereo live stream to 48 kHz. See YouTube’s live encoder settings, HLS setup guidance, and recommended upload encoding settings.
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Why live streaming and uploading have different recommendations
A video file uploaded to YouTube is encoded according to upload guidance. A live stream is an audio/video signal sent by an encoder to YouTube using a live ingest workflow such as RTMP/RTMPS or HLS. YouTube’s live recommendations specify the sample rate according to channel layout; its upload guidance lists 48 kHz. Treat these as recommendations for distinct workflows rather than competing rules.
Recommended Free Tools
Set the sample rate and codec in your encoder
- Confirm whether the outgoing live audio is stereo or 5.1. Do not choose a rate based on the video’s resolution or frame rate.
- Open the encoder’s audio output settings and set its sample rate. For stereo live audio, choose 44.1 kHz; for 5.1, choose 48 kHz.
- If sending 5.1 over RTMP/RTMPS, use AAC: YouTube specifies that 5.1 audio over RTMP/RTMPS is supported only for AAC. The live RTMP/RTMPS guidance lists AAC or MP3 audio generally, while codec and sample rate remain separate choices.
- Test the stream before the event and check stream health during it. Encoder interfaces may label settings differently, so verify the actual output configuration rather than assuming a particular menu name.
YouTube describes encoder setups as either software applications or standalone hardware. Its sample-rate guidance does not imply that you need to buy a hardware encoder; software can be sufficient.
#1 Best Overall
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the upload setting for every workflow: 48 kHz is YouTube’s recommended upload-file sample rate, but the live recommendation for stereo is 44.1 kHz.
- Choosing by video resolution: sample rate concerns audio. The live recommendation is determined by stereo versus 5.1 layout.
- Confusing codec and sample rate: selecting AAC does not itself decide whether the rate should be 44.1 or 48 kHz. Set both according to the workflow and channel layout.
- Assuming a specific encoder menu: interfaces differ. Look for audio output or audio encoding settings and verify the transmitted stream.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your live stream is a pre-recorded video that needs to loop on YouTube, StreamNeo can keep it running from the cloud: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. The uploaded file streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; StreamNeo also automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for uploaded video playback to YouTube, not a live camera feed. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Rank #4
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Rank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
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