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For an OBS stream to YouTube, set the encoder to constant bitrate (CBR), use a 2-second keyframe interval, and choose YouTube’s recommended bitrate for your codec, resolution, and frame rate. Then select Ultra low-latency separately in YouTube’s broadcast settings. OBS encoder settings do not enable YouTube’s latency mode.
Which OBS encoder settings should you use?
In OBS, open your stream output’s encoder controls and set the rate control, video bitrate, and keyframe interval. Exact labels and available codec choices can vary by OBS version, hardware, and encoder. YouTube’s current guidance is to use CBR and a 2-second keyframe interval; do not exceed 4 seconds. Choose a codec supported by both your YouTube ingest setup and your encoder.
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| Setting | What to use |
|---|---|
| Rate control | CBR (constant bitrate) |
| Keyframe interval | 2 seconds; YouTube says not to exceed 4 seconds |
| Video bitrate | Use YouTube’s recommendation for the codec, resolution, and frame rate you selected |
| Codec | A codec supported by the selected YouTube ingest setup and your local encoder; YouTube lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 |
| Ingest protocol | For RTMP-based streaming, YouTube recommends RTMPS |
YouTube lists frame rates up to 60 fps. The figures below are YouTube’s H.264 recommendations, not guarantees of image quality or end-to-end delay.
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| Output | YouTube-recommended H.264 bitrate |
|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 8 Mbps |
| 720p at 60 fps | 8 Mbps |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 14 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 17 Mbps |
For other codec, resolution, and frame-rate combinations, use the corresponding row in YouTube’s encoder settings and bitrate guidance. Do not assume an H.264 value is the right bitrate for a different codec or output.
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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
- 【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
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
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- 【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
How to configure OBS and YouTube
- Choose the output you intend to stream. Set your resolution and frame rate in OBS, and choose a codec that your computer’s encoder and the YouTube ingest setup support.
- Set OBS’s streaming encoder controls. In the output or streaming encoder settings, choose CBR, enter the bitrate YouTube recommends for your selected codec, resolution, and frame rate, and set the keyframe interval to 2 seconds. OBS labels and available options can differ by version and hardware.
- Use a supported YouTube ingest configuration. In YouTube’s stream setup, use the appropriate ingest protocol; YouTube recommends RTMPS for RTMP-based streaming.
- Select the broadcast latency mode in YouTube. In the YouTube broadcast’s latency settings, choose Ultra low-latency. This is a platform setting separate from OBS’s encoder controls.
- Test before the event. Send audio and movement like those planned for the real stream. Check YouTube’s stream health and messages during the test and broadcast, and choose a quality your available upload connection can sustain.
What ultra-low latency changes—and what it does not
Latency mode determines YouTube’s broadcast behavior for viewers; CBR, codec, bitrate, resolution, frame rate, and keyframe interval describe the encoded video OBS sends to YouTube. Correct encoder settings alone do not guarantee a particular end-to-end delay.
- YouTube’s Live Streaming API says ultra-low latency does not support closed captions or resolutions above 1080p.
- YouTube’s encoder help says 2160p (4K) streams cannot use the improve-for-low-latency option and are set to normal latency.
- If captions or a resolution above 1080p are essential, ultra-low latency is not the appropriate mode for that broadcast.
See the YouTube Live Streaming API reference for the stated ultra-low-latency limitations.
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- 【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.
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- 【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.
Test and troubleshoot before going live
YouTube advises testing with audio and movement comparable to the planned stream. A still image or silent test may not expose problems that occur during the actual event.
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| Symptom | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube reports stream health or ingest problems | OBS’s stream output, selected ingest setup, and YouTube’s health messages | Correct the issue reported by YouTube, then test again before the event. |
| Connection struggles at the chosen quality | Whether the upload connection can reliably sustain the selected output | Choose a quality and bitrate that are reliable on the available connection; monitor stream health. |
| Ultra-low latency cannot be selected for the intended stream | Whether captions or a resolution above 1080p are required; whether the output is 2160p | Reconsider the broadcast requirements: YouTube does not support captions or resolutions above 1080p in ultra-low latency, and 2160p is set to normal latency. |
| OBS appears to offer a low-latency encoder option, but viewers do not get YouTube ultra-low latency | The latency setting on the YouTube broadcast itself | Select ultra-low latency in YouTube’s broadcast settings; an encoder option does not choose the platform mode. |
YouTube’s live encoder guidance covers testing, stream health, ingest settings, and recommended output settings.
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Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
- 【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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuous YouTube stream rather than a live OBS event, StreamNeo is a different option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It is for uploaded video, not a camera feed.
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Capture Card 4K HDMI Video Streaming to USB 3.0 1080P 60FPS Capture Device
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60 fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; one free day per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
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