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For a continuously CPU-heavy YouTube encoder, C7i is the better-supported starting point; T3 is more suited to workloads that use CPU in bursts. AWS classifies video encoding as a C7i workload and advises fixed-performance instances for consistently high CPU use. T3 can still fit a variable workload, but its CPU-credit behavior, network limits, instance size, and cost need to be checked. AWS does not publish an apples-to-apples T3-versus-C7i benchmark for a specific YouTube encoder setup, so validate the exact instance under your intended stream settings.
Which EC2 family is the better fit?
Choose based on how steadily the encoder needs CPU, not on the family name alone. AWS describes C7i as compute optimized and lists video encoding as a suitable workload. Its instance-type guidance recommends fixed-performance instances for workloads that sustain high CPU use. T3 is a burstable general-purpose family: it earns CPU credits below its baseline and spends them when it runs above baseline. AWS C7i specifications · AWS T3 specifications · AWS instance-type guidance
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- Start with C7i if encoding is consistently CPU-intensive and predictable CPU capacity matters.
- Consider T3 if the workload is intermittent or has periods of low CPU use, and the chosen size’s baseline and credits are appropriate.
This is a workload-based recommendation, not a claim that C7i has a measured performance ratio over T3 for YouTube. AWS’s published specifications and workload classifications do not establish which will encode a particular codec, resolution, or frame rate faster.
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Compare the exact size you intend to run. Family-level labels conceal meaningful differences in vCPU, memory, CPU baseline, and network behavior.
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| Example size | vCPUs | Memory | CPU or network detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| t3.medium | 2 | 4 GiB | 20% CPU baseline per vCPU; up to 5 Gbps network burst bandwidth |
| t3.2xlarge | 8 | 32 GiB | 40% CPU baseline per vCPU; up to 2.78 Gbps network burst bandwidth |
| c7i.large | 2 | 4 GiB | Up to 12.5 Gbps network bandwidth |
| c7i.8xlarge | 32 | 64 GiB | 12.5 Gbps network bandwidth |
| c7i.48xlarge | 192 | 384 GiB | Up to 50 Gbps network bandwidth |
These are AWS-listed examples, not a like-for-like performance test. In particular, “up to” bandwidth is not a promise of sustained end-to-end throughput to YouTube. Consult the size-specific AWS tables when selecting another size or region.
How T3 CPU credits affect a long-running encoder
T3 instances earn CPU credits while using less than their baseline and spend credits when operating above it. AWS defines one CPU credit as one vCPU running at 100% utilization for one minute. T3 instances start in Unlimited mode by default; sustained high use can incur additional charges under AWS’s terms. AWS T3 specifications and pricing context
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That makes a T3 trial period potentially misleading: an encoder can run above baseline while credits are available, but a continuous stream makes sustained CPU demand especially important to evaluate. Check the selected size’s baseline and credit balance as well as CPU utilization over a representative run. Do not assume the t3.medium baseline or bandwidth applies to a larger or smaller T3 instance.
Networking: nominal bandwidth is not a stream guarantee
A live stream needs sustained outbound throughput along the whole path from the EC2 instance to YouTube ingest. AWS says network bandwidth depends on instance size and traffic path. Some smaller instances marked “up to” can burst above a baseline using network I/O credits, and AWS documents constraints for traffic routed through an internet gateway. AWS network bandwidth documentation
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- Verify the selected size’s baseline and burst behavior instead of relying only on its maximum listed figure.
- Test sustained outbound throughput from the instance in your chosen region to your intended YouTube ingest destination.
- Allow for the encoder’s actual output bitrate and avoid treating nominal network bandwidth as proof of stable delivery.
Choose by testing the actual stream workload
Before committing to a size, run the encoder configuration you intend to use for a representative duration. AWS’s published pages do not provide a T3-versus-C7i YouTube benchmark for a named encoder, codec, resolution, frame rate, or ingest setup.
- Fix the workload. Specify encoder software, codec, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and whether the instance will do anything beyond encoding and sending the stream.
- Select a candidate size in the target region. Confirm vCPU and memory requirements; for T3, also note the baseline and credit terms for that exact size.
- Run a sustained test to the intended destination. Observe encoder CPU use, dropped or delayed frames, output bitrate, and outbound network behavior over time—not just during startup.
- Review T3 credits and billing exposure. If CPU demand stays above baseline, account for the applicable Unlimited-mode charges before treating the setup as affordable.
- Compare with a C7i size and repeat. Judge stability and cost using the same encoder settings and test conditions, then recheck after changing region, stream settings, or workload.
Compare the full cost, not just EC2 compute
EC2 hourly pricing depends on the specific instance, region, operating system, and pricing arrangement. The T3 page’s displayed price context is Linux/Unix in US East (Northern Virginia), not a universal rate; check the live AWS price for your own configuration. Also include any applicable T3 surplus-credit charges.
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A live-streaming system can have separate costs for encoding or packaging and for distribution. AWS’s planning guide treats these as distinct parts of deployment, so the EC2 instance’s hourly price alone is not the total cost of a streaming architecture. AWS live-streaming deployment planning guide
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a prerecorded YouTube stream running rather than manage an EC2 encoder, StreamNeo is a cloud service that loops uploaded videos or playlists to YouTube. Upload your recording, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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