In this video
I'll walk you through some high-level information
about what an encoder is
some use cases for using it to live stream
and some basics on how to set one up.
Streaming with an encoder is a great option for more highly produced live streams
that require a more polished experience for viewers.
OK, so what is an encoder?
An encoder bridges the gap between your video content and YouTube.
Essentially, an encoder converts your video content into a compressed format
that can be sent to YouTube for playback on your channel.
Some encoders are software applications on your computer
while others are stand-alone hardware.
Although some components are standard
each encoder is slightly different and has different capabilities.
For a list of YouTube-verified encoders, be sure to check out this Help Center article
linked in the description below.
An encoder requires more equipment and setup than mobile or webcam streaming.
So why would you use it?
Well, an encoder lets you share your screen and broadcast your gameplay
use external cameras and microphones
use multiple audio tracks
or ad special effects on screen
like using third-party tools and integrations to create on-screen popups
stream with multiple remote participants, for example by using screen-sharing software
and manage an advanced production
with multiple cameras, video inputs, microphones, and media assets.
Again, remember that each encoder has different capabilities
and will require different setup.
But now that you have a sense of what encoders let you do
and you've checked out the list of verified ones you can choose from
in our Help Center
here are some basics that apply to most encoders
that'll help you set up the content that feed into yours.
Some encoders let you set up scenes, layouts, or shots.
Think of these as template arrangements for your content.
Scene layouts and shots allow you to change the layout of your camera
screen capture, and other assets that you'd like to display on screen.
They're made up of one or more media assets that appear to your viewers
and these assets are called sources.
Your next step is to add sources.
Any content you choose to display to your viewers will be considered a source
within a scene, layout, or shot.
This could be things like your webcam
your screen capture, like the video game you're streaming
images, graphics, and more.
Press the plus symbol to add your new source.
Once you've added a source, you can choose where it shows up on screen.
Ensure audio is added.
Most encoders will automatically add your desktop sound and default microphone.
If using a capture card, you may want to add an extra audio source
to ensure your sound, like gameplay sound, is captured.
Audio can be tricky, so make sure you test everything out.
Testing will help you make sure that
the audio captured from your sources is the best it can be
and it'll help you make sure the media asset isn't too loud
or too low in comparison to the others.
You might want to add or edit sources to make sure your audio isn't echoey.
Adjust your sources.
After adding all your sources
adjust them by dragging them on the preview to fit your desired orientation and size.
Test everything out.
Once everything is set up
test everything out to make sure you know how it looks to viewers.
If you're using a software encoder, make sure the computer you're running it on
is capable of handling the strenuous task of encoding.
You'll also want to test out your Internet strength
so you'll get a sense of the stability of the broadcast signal.
Finally
check out our recommended encoding specs by going to this Help Center article
about encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
This will help you see which resolution you should stream at
based on your Internet strength
and give you an overview of recommended settings.
From there, you're ready to set up your live stream on YouTube.
Check out this video that shows you how to use the Live Control Room
and shows you how to connect your encoder to your stream on YouTube.
Remember, before you can live stream on YouTube
you'll need to enable your channel for streaming
and verify your channel at YouTube.com/verify if you haven't already.
Note that this verification is different than
the verification badges you might see on some other channels.
For more info on how to create and manage live streams, watch this playlist
and check out the Help Center articles linked below in the description.
Thanks for watching.