Switchboard: Configure your Encoder Settings

Now that you've set up your Switchboard account, you need to make sure your encoder is properly configured to send the best-quality stream to your multiple destinations. Below, you will find our recommended streaming settings, which are based on recommendations from Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X.

Last updated 8 months ago

Setting up your encoder properly is essential for a successful live streaming experience with Switchboard Live. Choosing the correct settings ensures that your stream quality is high and your broadcast remains stable, thereby avoiding common issues such as buffering, lag, or pixelation.

This guide outlines the recommended encoder settings and explains how to determine the optimal bitrate based on your internet connection.

Minimum Encoder Settings for Switchboard Connect

Resolution: Minimum 720p (1280 x 720) resolution, at 30 frames per second
Note: Facebook & YouTube support an aspect ratio of 1080p (1920x1080)
Video Bit Rate: Minimum bit rate of 2000 Kbps (2 Mbps)
Note: Facebook's maximum bitrate is 4000 Kbps (4 Mbps)
Audio Bit Rate: Minimum Audio bit rate of 96 Kbps. (128 Kbps)
Key Frame Interval: An I-frame (keyframe) must be sent at least every 2 seconds
Encoding Profile: Main (H.264 or MPEG-4 Part 10)

Now that you've configured the encoder with the correct settings, you will need to tell it where to send the live stream. This is typically referred to as the Stream Server, FMS URL, or RTMP server; we've heard it all. The bottom line is that it typically starts with rtmp://yourstreamingserver.com.

Choosing the Proper Bitrate

What is Bitrate?
Bitrate refers to the amount of data transmitted per second during your live stream. Higher bitrates generally mean better image quality, but they also require more bandwidth for internet uploads.

Why Bitrate Matters
If your bitrate is too high for your internet upload speed, viewers may experience buffering or disconnects. If it's too low, your video may look pixelated or blurry.

How to Match Bitrate to Your Upload Speed
You should allocate only 50–70% of your available upload speed to your live stream.
For example:

  • If your upload speed is 10 Mbps, a safe streaming bitrate would be around 3500–5000 Kbps.

Tip: Always test your network before going live. Upload speeds can fluctuate!

Recommended Bitrate Settings Based on Resolution

Resolution

Recommended Bitrate (Kbps)

640x360 (SD)

600 – 1000 Kbps

1280x720 (HD)

2500 – 4000 Kbps

1920x1080 (Full HD)

4500 – 6000 Kbps

Higher resolutions (like 4K) are not recommended unless you have a very fast and stable internet connection.

Best Practices and Tips

  • Use a wired Ethernet connection whenever possible for better stability.

  • Test your internet upload speed before streaming.

  • Choose a bitrate that uses no more than 70% of your maximum upload bandwidth.

  • Do a private test stream before your public broadcast to ensure smooth delivery.

  • Monitor your stream health during your broadcast, if possible.

Summary and Next Steps

To ensure the best live streaming experience:

  • Set your encoder according to the recommended settings above.

  • Choose the right bitrate based on your upload speed and resolution goals.

  • Always test before going live!

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