OBS export settings for Twitch.
1920 x 1080 at 60 fps, H.264, 6 Mbps CBR and AAC 160 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in OBS Studio.
OBS to Twitch
Official- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Frame rate
- 60 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.2
- Bitrate
- CBR: target 6 Mbps (6000 kbps)
- Keyframes
- Every 2 s = 120 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
- Audio
- AAC-LC, 160 kbps, 48 kHz, stereo
- Colour
- Rec. 709 (BT.709), 8-bit 4:2:0, limited (TV) range
- Container
- MP4 with Fast Start (moov atom at the front)
Twitch Broadcasting Guidelines value. Enhanced Broadcasting can go higher (up to 7.5 Mbps at 1080p).
Estimated size: 5.60 GB for 2:00:00.
Step by step in OBS
- 1Settings > Stream: choose Twitch and connect your account or paste the stream key.
- 2Settings > Video: Output (Scaled) Resolution 1920x1080, Common FPS Values 60.
- 3Settings > Output: Output Mode Advanced, Streaming tab.
- 4Video Encoder: NVIDIA NVENC H.264 (or x264). Rate Control CBR, Bitrate 6000 Kbps.
- 5Keyframe Interval 2 s (never 0 for streaming). Profile High, B-Frames 2.
- 6Audio tab: Audio Bitrate 160, Sample Rate 48000 Hz. Apply, then Start Streaming.
Bitrate at other resolutions
Same settings, different size or frame rate.
| Resolution | 30 fps | 60 fps |
|---|---|---|
| 720p | 3 Mbps, level 3.1 | 4.5 Mbps, level 3.2 |
| 1080p | 4.5 Mbps, level 4.0 | 6 Mbps, level 4.2 |
Twitch upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the keyframe interval on automatic. Twitch wants a keyframe every 2 seconds; automatic is often longer and causes buffering.
- Using VBR for a live stream. Twitch expects CBR (constant bitrate); VBR spikes cause dropped frames for viewers.
- Typing a frame count into OBS's keyframe field. It is in seconds here: 2.
- Entering 6 in a Kbps field. OBS takes kilobits: 6 Mbps is 6000.
- Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to Twitch. There is no published HDR path, so colours can look washed out; export SDR Rec. 709.
- Keyframe Interval in OBS is in seconds, not frames. 0 means automatic, which is too long for platforms that want 2 s.
- Plain MP4 recordings are unreadable after a crash; Hybrid MP4 or MKV is safe.
For comparison, YouTube publishes 12 Mbps for 1080p at 60 fps. Example length used for sizes: 2:00:00.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from OBS for Twitch?
For 1080p at 60 fps use about 6 Mbps (6000 kbps) CBR. Twitch Broadcasting Guidelines value. Enhanced Broadcasting can go higher (up to 7.5 Mbps at 1080p).
What resolution and frame rate should I use for Twitch?
1920 x 1080 at 60 fps is a safe choice. Twitch: 1080p standard (H.264). 2K 1440p via Enhanced Broadcasting for Affiliates/Partners. Frame rate: 60 or 50 fps (or 30/25); Enhanced Broadcasting up to 60.
What is the maximum file size and length on Twitch?
Length: Maximum broadcast length 48 hours.
Which codec should I pick in OBS for Twitch?
H.264, profile High, level 4.2, in an MP4 file. Twitch lists: H.264 (x264 Main/High or NVENC, 2 B-frames), keyframe 2 s. 2K uses HEVC via Enhanced Broadcasting.
Can I export HDR from OBS to Twitch?
Twitch has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
OBS for other platforms
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get Twitch-ready edits back?
Our editors cut, caption, colour and export to each platform's spec, with 2 revision rounds. Shorts come back in 48-72 hours, long videos in 5-10 days.