In OBS, preserve each clip’s aspect ratio: use Fit to Screen when the whole image must remain visible, or crop and zoom when filling the frame matters more than keeping the edges. Do not stretch portrait footage to fill a landscape canvas, or landscape footage to fill a portrait one; stretching distorts the image. These are choices about arranging sources in OBS. YouTube’s separate options for horizontal and vertical live formats address a different problem: presenting distinct compositions to viewers on different screens.
Choose the canvas and output resolution separately
OBS’s Base (Canvas) Resolution is the workspace where you arrange sources. Output (Scaled) Resolution controls the resolution delivered in the stream or recording. Changing the canvas can require repositioning or resizing your sources; changing the output resolution does not rearrange them. See the OBS Studio Overview.
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For one conventional horizontal YouTube stream, a 16:9 canvas is a common choice. OBS notes that 16:9 is the most common device aspect ratio and is expected by major platforms, including YouTube; it is guidance, not a requirement for every stream. Set the canvas for the composition you intend to build, then choose the output resolution for the quality you can reliably deliver.
Fit, crop, or fill: what each transform does
| Choice | What viewers see | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | The full source image remains visible, but unused canvas space may appear around it. | Nothing in the clip can be cut off, such as a person, text, or an important scene detail. |
| Crop or zoom to fill | The source occupies more of the frame, but some edges are lost. | The edges can be sacrificed and a fuller frame is more important. |
| Stretch | The source is distorted to match the canvas dimensions. | Generally avoid this for mismatched portrait and landscape footage. |
The OBS Project’s Aspect Ratio Guide warns that stretching mismatched content will warp and distort it and is generally not recommended. Keep the source’s proportions intact and decide whether full visibility or a filled frame matters more.
#1 Best Overall
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
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- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
Set up mixed footage in an OBS scene
- Set your canvas and output. In OBS, open Settings > Video. Choose the Base (Canvas) Resolution for your intended composition and the Output (Scaled) Resolution for the stream. If the canvas changes later, check every source’s position and size again.
- Add each video as its own source. Select the source in the preview and resize or position it using its bounding box. Apply transforms to the individual source rather than changing the proportions of the whole scene.
- Fit portrait footage on a landscape canvas when every part matters. Use the preview shortcut Ctrl+F to fit the selected source to the screen. The clip may leave unused space on the sides. Make that space part of the composition—for example, by adding a background or companion content—rather than widening the portrait image.
- Fit landscape footage on a portrait composition when the full image matters. Fitting can leave space above and below. If those areas look unfinished, use a background or another deliberate layout element; do not stretch the landscape source vertically.
- Crop only the edges you can afford to lose. Hold Alt while dragging a source’s bounding-box edge to crop it. For exact crop values, use the source’s Edit Transform options. You can also enlarge a source beyond the canvas and reposition it, but that is a pan-and-scan crop, not a lossless fit.
- Review the source at the intended output size. If a resized image looks soft, OBS’s aspect-ratio guidance suggests considering bicubic scaling. For retro or pixel-art content where crisp edges matter, it suggests point or area filtering. Check the result in the preview rather than assuming one filter suits every clip.
- Test the finished scene before the event. Check the actual YouTube preview, audio, representative movement, stream health, scene transitions, smoothness, and system performance. A private or unlisted preflight is one practical way to inspect the stream if appropriate for your setup; it is a workflow suggestion, not a platform requirement.
OBS preview shortcuts also include Ctrl+S for Stretch to Screen, plus commands to center or reset a source. Stretch is available as a transform, but it is not the right fix for a portrait/landscape mismatch when accurate proportions matter. The OBS Studio Overview documents the preview and transform controls; the Aspect Ratio Guide explains the fit-versus-crop trade-off.
For separate horizontal and vertical YouTube compositions
A single OBS scene has one composition. If viewers need a purpose-built horizontal and vertical presentation, YouTube’s dual-format live feature is a separate option: its documentation describes simultaneous 16:9 horizontal and 9:16 vertical formats. By default, YouTube’s vertical version uses a center crop, which can cut off a subject positioned toward the sides of a horizontal frame. YouTube lists center crop, fit to phone width, and stacked as vertical layout choices.
Rank #2
- [Enhanced 4K-1080P Video Capture Experience] Capture the Magic: Elevate your video recordings to new heights with our upgraded anti-static 1080P Video Capture Card. Immerse yourself in stunning visuals, supporting HDMI input at 4K 60FPS and USB output for capturing in 1080P, complete with rich stereo sound. Enjoy crystal-clear video recordings, dynamic gaming live streams, and professional conference broadcasts. Note: HDMI resolution: Max input can be 3840×2160@30Hz / Video output resolution: Max output can be 1920×1080@30Hz
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For a scheduled stream, use YouTube’s vertical layout editor to choose the vertical presentation. Alternatively, YouTube says a third-party encoder can send dual streams over RTMP(S), using a second stream key for the vertical stream. Make sure each output has the right composition for its format. YouTube says the vertical format cannot be added after the stream has started, so configure it before going live. Consult YouTube’s guide to horizontal and vertical live streams for availability and setup details.
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Choose a bitrate your connection can sustain
Resolution and frame rate affect the encoder bitrate needed for a stream. YouTube’s encoder recommendations include the following figures; they are recommendations, not measured outcomes. YouTube advises choosing a quality that your internet connection can sustain.
Rank #3
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
| Output | H.264 recommended bitrate | AV1/H.265 recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p at 30 fps | 6 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 17 Mbps | 12 Mbps |
These codec-specific recommendations come from YouTube’s live encoder settings. Test with representative motion and watch YouTube’s stream health before relying on the setup for a live event.
Troubleshoot common scaling problems
- The clip looks too wide or too tall. It may have been stretched. Select the source and use Fit to Screen, then decide whether to accept the surrounding space or crop/zoom while preserving proportions.
- Important content disappears after fitting or filling. Fitting should preserve the full source; a source enlarged beyond the frame or cropped with Alt-drag will lose edges. Reset or adjust the transform, then crop only after choosing which areas may be cut off.
- A portrait clip has empty side areas on a landscape canvas. That is the expected result of fitting a narrower source without distortion. Use the space deliberately with a background or companion content, or choose a crop if losing part of the image is acceptable.
- The vertical YouTube version cuts off the subject. The default center crop may not match the subject’s placement. Choose a different vertical layout in the YouTube setup or create a separate vertical composition; make this choice before the stream starts.
- The resized source looks blurry or pixelated. Review the scale filter and output-size preview. Bicubic may help with a blurry source; point or area filtering can suit pixel-art content where sharp edges are preferred.
- The stream stutters or drops frames. Check stream health and whether the upload connection can sustain the selected resolution, frame rate, and bitrate. Test a lower output quality if it cannot; the YouTube figures above are recommendations, not a guarantee that a particular connection can hold them.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos looping on YouTube rather than mix live OBS sources, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free day on StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AV TO USB Converter: Capture videos and audios from VHS, VCR, Hi8, DV tapes to a PC, with the help of our USB Video Converter. Save room while digitizing your favorite old memories
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- Note: The Video Converter is used with acquisition software. We recommend OBS Studio or PotPlayer for Windows, and QuickTime Player for Mac. They can be downloaded for free online. Please operate according to the steps in User Manual or contact us if you have any questions
Rank #4
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
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