For a live stream from OBS to YouTube, choose CBR (constant bitrate). YouTube’s current live encoder guidance lists CBR for RTMP/RTMPS ingest. Choose your bitrate separately, then make sure your upload connection can sustain it with room to spare.
CBR vs VBR: the short comparison
| Mode | How it behaves | For YouTube Live from OBS |
|---|---|---|
| CBR | Targets a steady bitrate. | YouTube Help lists CBR as the live encoder setting. Use it as the default. |
| VBR | Allows bitrate to vary. OBS’s NVENC target-quality option can also set a maximum bitrate. | It is an encoder-specific option, not YouTube’s listed live-ingest recommendation. |
This guidance is about sending a live stream to YouTube. It does not establish a universal choice for local recording, which is a separate workflow. YouTube’s encoder settings are available at Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions (current guidance accessed October 3, 2026).
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Choose bitrate separately from rate control
CBR answers how the encoder controls the stream’s bitrate; it does not tell you what target bitrate to set. YouTube’s recommended bitrate depends on codec, resolution and frame rate. For H.264, its current table recommends:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches| H.264 stream format | YouTube-recommended bitrate |
|---|---|
| 1080p at 60 fps | 17 Mbps |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 14 Mbps |
| 720p at 60 fps | 8 Mbps |
| 720p at 30 fps | 6 Mbps |
These are YouTube’s recommendations, not a guarantee of a particular picture quality. Check YouTube’s current encoder table for other codecs, resolutions and frame rates rather than applying one of these figures to a different format.
#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
Set the mode in OBS
The available rate-control choices depend on the encoder you select and OBS’s output configuration. In OBS, open Settings and then Output, locate the streaming encoder’s rate-control setting, and choose CBR if that option is available. OBS does not present identical controls for every encoder, so labels and options may differ; do not assume an NVENC-specific setting applies to another encoder.
For NVENC specifically, OBS documents a Variable Bitrate with Target Quality mode that can set a maximum bitrate. That option is intended to seek quality while limiting bitrate or file size; it does not replace YouTube’s CBR live-ingest guidance. OBS’s description is on its Advanced NVENC Options (31.0) page, dated August 21, 2024. OBS’s NVENC implementation also exposes CBR and VBR choices, but implementation details on its moving master branch are not a version-pinned user guide.
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
Check upload capacity and stream settings
Leave upload headroom
Your total stream bitrate must fit within the upload bandwidth available to OBS. YouTube recommends leaving 20% headroom and using a reliable connection. A CBR setting cannot prevent interruptions if the connection is unstable or lacks capacity. YouTube’s advice is in its Streaming tips; its encoder guidance also says, “We recommend running a speed test to test your upload bitrate.”
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Use the recommended keyframe interval
YouTube recommends a two-second keyframe frequency and says the interval should not exceed four seconds. Check the encoder’s keyframe-interval control and set it to two seconds where the selected encoder exposes that setting.
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.
Test and monitor before relying on a stream
- Configure the encoder, bitrate, keyframe interval and YouTube stream destination for the format you intend to broadcast.
- Run a test stream using audio and motion similar to the real program; a static screen or silent test may not reveal how the full stream behaves.
- Check YouTube’s stream health and adjust only after identifying the problem. If the stream is unstable, confirm available upload capacity and connection reliability as well as the encoder settings.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a 24/7 YouTube stream from uploaded videos, StreamNeo is an alternative to keeping OBS and a computer running. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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
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