Restream has very loose guidelines on incoming streaming settings, as we don't display your streams to an audience. Instead, we send it off to your end platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and more. With that in mind, following the guidelines set by each platform you intend to stream to with Restream is important.
Restream Common Guidelines
While we have no set limitations, we find these settings are what most Restreamers use.
Video Guidelines
Resolution: Up to 3840 × 2160
FPS: 30 or 60
Codec: H.264 (x264)
Mode: Strict CBR
Keyframe Interval: 2 Seconds
Max Bitrate: 15,000 Kbps
Min Bitrate: 500 Kbps
Audio Guidelines:
Codec: AAC-LC, Stereo or Mono
Max Bitrate: 160 Kbps (AAC)
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 (AAC)
YouTube
YouTube has fewer limitations and offers superior quality options compared to alternative platforms. It is important to select a quality setting that aligns with your internet connection to ensure a consistent streaming experience.
For additional guidance, refer to YouTube's official guide.
Video Guidelines
Resolution / Frame Rate | Minimum Bitrate | Maximum Bitrate |
2160p @60fps | 10 Mbps | 40 Mbps |
2160p @30fps | 8 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
1440p @60fps | 6 Mbps | 30 Mbps |
1440p @30fps | 5 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
1080p @60fps | 4 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
1080p @30fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
720p @60fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
720p @30fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
Codec: H.264
Mode: CBR
Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds (recommended), do not exceed 4
Max Bitrate: 40,000 mbps
Audio Guidelines
Codec: AAC
Bitrate: 128 Kbps for stereo
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 KHz for stereo audio
If you stream to Facebook at the same time as well as to other platforms, you want to make sure that your stream matches the restrictions that Facebook has. If your stream has higher parameters than suggested, you may have trouble streaming to Facebook.
Video Guidelines
Resolution: Up to 1920 × 1080
FPS: max 60
Codec: H.264 (x264)
Mode: Strict CBR
Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds (recommended), max 4
Max Bitrate: 9,000 Kbps
Audio Guidelines:
Codec: AAC-LC, Stereo or Mono
Max Bitrate: 128 Kbps (AAC), max 256 Kbps
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 (AAC)
X
Please follow the stream specifications recommendations below for the best experience.
Video Guidelines
Resolution: 1280 x 720 (recommended) and 1920 x 1080 (maximum)
FPS: 30 (recommended) and 60 (maximum)
Codec: H.264/AVC
Keyframe Interval: 3 seconds
Max Bitrate: 9,000 Kbps (recommended) and 12,000 Kbps (maximum)
Audio Guidelines:
Codec: AAC-LC
Max Bitrate: 128 kbps (maximum)
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 (AAC)
Twitch
If you stream to Twitch, the main limiting factor is a maximal bitrate of 6000 Kbps. If you exceed that Twitch bitrate limitation, you will get an error, and your viewers will not be able to watch your stream.
Video Guidelines
Resolution: 1920 × 1080
Streaming in 4K (3840x2160) resolution is currently in beta mode. For more details, contact Twitch directly.
FPS: max 60
Codec: H.264 (x264)
Mode: Strict CBR
Keyframe Interval: 2 Seconds
Max Bitrate: 6,000 Kbps
Audio Guidelines:
Codec: AAC-LC, Stereo or Mono
Max Bitrate: 160 kbps (AAC)
Sampling Frequency: 48.0 (AAC)
If your stream exceeds any of the requirements below, especially the FPS, LinkedIn will not allow the stream to connect to its platform.
Duration: max 4 hours
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Resolution: max 1080p
Frame Rate: max 30 fps
Key Frame: every 2 seconds (60 frames)
Bitrate: max 6,000 Kbps video; max 128 kbps audio, 48 kHz sample rate
Encoding: H264 video, AAC audio
Protocol: RTMP/RTMPS (preferred)
Here are Instagram's recommended settings when using Live Producer to avoid any potential issues with your stream.
Video Guidelines
Aspect Ratio: 9x16 (recommended but not required)
Resolution: 720x1280
Frame Rate: 30 fps (note: 30 fps is recommended, but Live Producer can also support 60 fps if desired. When using 60 fps, the Live Producer preview screen will still display 30 fps.)
Alternatives (supported but not recommended): 480p at 30fps, 360p
Bitrate: 2,250-6,000 Kbps
Audio Guidelines
Sample rate: 44.1KHz
Channel layout: Stereo
Bitrate: up to 256 Kbps
Don't want to worry about manually adjusting your stream settings? Use Restream Studio! It automatically optimizes video settings for the smoothest streaming experience on the most popular platforms