Streaming HDR Content Live on YouTube

Windows, Mac

With YouTube live streaming in the PRISM app, you can stream High Dynamic Range (HDR) videos that showcase sharper and more realistic colors. However, it is important to ensure that both your environment and content support HDR.

For example, to live stream HDR gaming content, you need to:

• Play a game that supports HDR output.

• Turn on HDR in both the os and game settings.

• Use a monitor or TV that supports HDR.

• Use a compatible encoder, such as H.265.

To live stream other HDR video content, you need to:

• Use a camera that supports HDR video with either the PQ or HLG color standards. Check your camera’s manual to confirm compatibility.

• Use a monitor or TV that supports HDR.

• Use a compatible encoder, such as H.265.

If any of these requirements are not met, it may not be possible to view or stream the content in HDR format properly.

Multi-streaming is not supported when streaming HDR content live on YouTube.

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To set live streaming to HDR format, click the Settings icon in the lower-left corner. Make sure you have linked your YouTube channel.

You can find the settings icon in the lower-left corner.

In Settings, select the Output tab, then choose Youtube - HLS as the service, and set Output Mode to Advanced.

In the Streaming section, locate the Video Encoder option and set to H.265 or HEVC. The exact name may vary depending on your graphics card manufacturer.

Next, adjust the Bitrate option to 10,000 Kbps. Although other values can be used, HDR content generally requires a higher bitrate than standard video, making 10,000 Kbps the recommended setting. Ensuring a stable and fast internet connection will help maintain smooth streaming.

Follow the order indicated on the image to set H.265 (HEVC) Encoder and Bitrate.

After configuring these settings, move to the Advanced tab. In the Video section, set the Color Format to P010, the Color Space to Rec. 2100 (PQ) or Rec. 2100 (HLG), and the Color Range to Full.

Set the Color Format, Color Space, and Color Range as described in the image.

At this point, HDR streaming is enabled, but additional configurations are required for PRISM Live Studio sources to ensure that they output HDR content correctly. PRISM Live Studio supports HDR content in the following sources:

• Video Capture Device

• Game Capture

• Display Capture

• Window Capture

PRISM Lens does not currently support HDR output.

The instructions for configuring each source are provided below.

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Setting HDR in Video Capture Device source

Once HDR live streaming is enabled, configuring the individual sources is necessary to ensure proper HDR output. To enable HDR for a Video Capture Device source, open its Properties window by double-clicking the source. In the Properties window, adjust the Color Space option to Rec. 2100 (PQ) or Rec. 2100 (HLG) and set the Color Range to Full. Additionally, make sure that the capture device itself is transmitting video in HDR format.

Set Color Space to Rec.2100 and set Color Range to Full.

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Setting HDR in Game Capture source

Once HDR live streaming is enabled, configuring the individual sources is necessary to ensure proper HDR output. To enable HDR for a Game Capture source, open its Properties window by double-clicking the source. In the Properties window, set the RGB10A2 Color Space option to Rec. 2100 (PQ).

Set the RGB10A2 Color Space option to Rec. 2100 (PQ).

It is also essential to verify that both the operating system and the game have HDR enabled. For example, in Windows 11, HDR is disabled by default. To activate it, navigate to Settings > System > Display > HDR, then enable the Use HDR option.

Set Use HDR and HDR video streaming to On.

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Setting HDR in Display Capture source

Once HDR live streaming is enabled, configuring the individual sources is necessary to ensure proper HDR output. To enable HDR for a Display Capture source, open its Properties window by double-clicking the source. Select DXGI Desktop Duplication as the Capture Method. The Force SDR option should be unchecked, as enabling it will prevent HDR output.

Select DXGI Desktop Duplication as the Capture Method.

Similar to game capture, HDR must be enabled at the system level. For example, in Windows 11, HDR is disabled by default. To activate it, navigate to Settings > System > Display > HDR, then enable the Use HDR option.

Set Use HDR and HDR video streaming to On.

Desktop, Guides, Streaming, YouTube Streaming