You can now broadcast live to YouTube in high-dynamic range (HDR). The new feature is already live and YouTube claims it is the first major platform to support live HDR streams.

How to Stream to YouTube in HDR

As of today, you can now broadcast to YouTube in HDR. This means that your streams will have more vibrant and realistic colors for those able to watch on devices that support HDR.

HDR isn't a new feature for YouTube. In fact, the video website added support for HDR videos in 2016. However, being able to broadcast live in HDR is apparently a first for major streaming platforms.

Streaming live in HDR is available to everyone who has the equipment and encoder to support it.

For example, if you want to stream HDR gaming content then the game needs to support it, as does the monitor or TV, and you need to use a compatible encoder.

At the moment, the only compatible software encoder is Mirillis Action. For hardware, you can use any encoder with HLS output, Cobalt, or Telestream.

The full list of compatible software and hardware encoders, along with instructions on how they should be configured, can be found on YouTube Help.

While currently only the HDR10 and HLG standards are supported, YouTube says that it hopes to offer more in the future.

How to Watch YouTube in HDR

If you're watching a stream that is broadcasting in HDR, and you're using a device that supports HDR, then you will automatically see the content in HDR.

As per YouTube Help, supported devices include the following:

  • The YouTube app on HDR TVs.
  • Casting to Chromecast Ultra devices connected to HDR TVs.
  • Android-based mobile devices with an HDR display.
  • Windows and Mac PCs with HDR graphics support and an HDR display.

If you meet the requirements, you should see an "HDR" badge in the video quality settings menu. You don't need to enable anything---the stream will run in HDR automatically.

If you don't see this badge, or your device doesn't support HDR, you will still be able to watch the live stream, but it will just be in standard dynamic range.

Do You Need HDR?

If you've never experienced HDR, you might be wondering whether it's worthwhile. While HDR is undoubtedly an improvement, lots of streaming content still doesn't support it.

That's why it's great to see YouTube making a move and allowing streamers to broadcast in HDR.