Recommended encoder settings

These settings work well for streaming into ApexStream from OBS, Streamlabs, vMix, or any other encoder that lets you set a custom RTMP server.

Video settings

Setting	Recommendation
Resolution	Match your plan's cap: 720p on Free, 1080p on Hobby, up to 4K on Creator and above.
Bitrate	Stay at or below your plan's cap: Free 3 Mbps, Hobby 6 Mbps, Creator 9 Mbps, Scale 15 Mbps, Enterprise 50 Mbps.
Keyframe interval	2 seconds.
Codec	H.264.
Rate control	CBR (constant bitrate).
Frame rate	30 fps maximum.

Audio settings

Setting	Recommendation
Sample rate	48 kHz for most platforms. Use 44.1 kHz if you're streaming to Facebook.
Bitrate	128–160 kbps stereo.
Codec	AAC.

Upload bandwidth

Aim to use about 75% of your tested upload speed or less. For example, if you test at 8 Mbps upload, a 6 Mbps stream leaves room for network dips. If your upload is close to your bitrate cap, lower the bitrate or use a wired connection.

Good to know: Sending a higher resolution or bitrate than your plan allows won't improve quality — ApexStream enforces the plan cap, and if you send more than your plan allows, ApexStream can stop the stream or refuse to relay it. Match your encoder output to your plan instead.