This feature requires an Enterprise plan with the 4K add-on for Events added.
You can broadcast your live events in 4K (2160p) or 2K (1440p) resolution directly from an external encoder. This article outlines the requirements and steps for configuring a 4K live stream.
In this article:
What to know before streaming in 4K
Before you start your 4K stream, make sure you know the following:
- You must use a 4K/2K-capable camera and an external encoder that supports 4K (2160p) or 2K (1440p) streaming.
- 4K streaming is only supported via RTMP while using an external encoder. It is not compatible with SRT, 24/7 streaming, or the browser-based studio.
- For a stable 4K stream, we recommend a minimum upload speed of 25-40 Mbps.
- You can’t switch resolutions (e.g., from 4K to 1080p) mid-stream. To change the resolution, end the current stream, adjust the encoder settings, and begin a new stream.
For full details on usage and limitations, visit About 4K streaming.
How to stream in 4K
Once the 4K add-on is active on your Enterprise account, you can stream in 4K using an external encoder. To do so:
- Select your event from your live events folder in your Library, or create a new event to access the browser-based production studio.
- At the top of the page, select the drop-down arrow next to Go live.
- Select Use an external encoder.
- In the settings pane on the right side of the screen, select RTMP in the header of the Stream menu.
- Copy your RTMP URL and Stream Key and paste it into your 4K/2K-capable encoder.
- In your encoder's settings, set your output resolution:
- For 4K: 3840 x 2160 or other 4K variation.
- For 2K: 2560 x 1440.
- Start streaming from your encoder.
We’ll automatically detect your 4K (2160p) or 2K (1440p) input of the encoder and broadcast your event in that resolution.