Factors to Consider While Choosing a YouTube Encoder
With the recent upgrade of Youtube that now enables live streaming, things have been revolutionized for vloggers, businesses, live streamers, and broadcasters. The addition of such a new feature has raised the demand for an encoder. If you are into live streaming, an encoder certainly makes it to the list of essentials that you must have in order to deliver a seamless experience for your audience. In order to give you a better idea of what it does, an encoder is capable of receiving the video content directly from your camera and transforming it into a format that is conveniently accessible to your audience.
What You Need To Know
Simply put, a YouTube Encoder helps a great deal in letting you have control over your live streams and manage them effectively. For instance, it is remarkably more convenient and efficient for you to include the prerecorded segments into your live streams or customize the appearance of the stream with the use of the encoder. What’s more, is that it is made possible for you to simultaneously control multiple camera feeds. The method used for such a purpose, however, varies with the encoder that you are using.
How To Choose A Suitable YouTube Encoder
A simple Google search will confront you with a myriad of options available in the market when it comes to choosing a suitable Youtube encoder. The good news, however, is that keeping your focus on a few important factors can make the task easier for you and help you choose an encoder that delivers exactly as per your requirements.
First of all, of course, you will have to make sure that the encoder you are choosing is compatible with the platform that you will be using. Yes, YouTube is a universal platform and yet you can find a range of encoders in the market that are impeccable in terms of their features and functionalities and yet are not compatible with YouTube. Therefore, the first step is to make sure that your chosen encoder is compatible with Youtube.
Once the compatibility is made sure, take some time and make a list of your requirements for shooting and editing videos and live streams. Once you have the details of what you need, you can then simply compare and contrast the features and functionalities of each encoder that made it to the list of your top 5 and see which one is catered to your individual specifications.
Like choosing anything else, pricing plays an imperative role in determining the Youtube encoder that will be suitable for you. Remember that there is no limit to what you can spend and what you can get in return. This is exactly why it is indispensable to have a list of your requirements so you can compare it with the available encoders and choose the one that delivers as per your requirements while being the lightest on your wallet. Without thorough research, you can end up paying a lot more for an encoder that serves a range of features, most of which are not even usable for you in the first place. Simply put, knowing what you are looking for will enable you to get the best possible product at the most affordable price.
But that is not all. There are a number of other factors which determine the Youtube encoder which will be suitable for you. For instance, an evaluation of your target audience is crucial since it will determine the kind of format which will be most suitable for them, based on which you will choose your encoder. Similarly, you should have an idea about the number of feeds that you are looking forward to controlling at any given time. This plays a defining role in the selection of the Youtube encoder as well. Similarly, the computer system that you are currently using for live streaming and specifically the operating system that is powering your device has a say in the choice of the encoder as well. Based on the kind of editing or studio effects that you are planning on utilizing in your video streams, you will have to choose a compatible Youtube encoder.
It is evident that taking all of the above-mentioned information into consideration is certainly going to take a bit of your precious time. But it is only after considering these factors that you would be able to choose a product that doesn’t make you lose your money for no good.
What Are The Prominent Options Available In The Market?
For anyone who is in search of a Youtube encoder, there are two which are likely to give you a satisfactory experience. The first one on our list of top 2 is the Wirecast Pro. The defining features of this Youtube encoder include compatibility with replays, virtual 3D, 8-track audio output, live scoreboards, and the utilization of web streams and IP cameras. The next encoder on our list is the Open Broadcaster Studio. It enables you to capture or mix your video or audio in real-time, offers an intuitive audio mixer, an uncountable amount of custom transitions and scenes, and the state-of-the-art modular Dock UI.
For someone who is new to the world of streaming live on the website, it is recommended to go with the Open Broadcaster Studio (OBS) as it is more user-friendly and helps to familiarize yourself with the process. Once you have a firm understanding of the basics, you can then upgrade to the likes of Wirecast Pro.
Final Note
Putting it simply, the importance of choosing a Youtube encoder that caters to your individual requirements of editing and shooting your live streams is next to nothing. Remember, you are going to be paying for this piece of software. It is nothing but a waste if you don’t get value for money. Therefore, avoid rushing into finalizing your decision. Perform market research and take your time before you choose an encoder. The time that you invest in researching will absolutely be worth the while in the long run.