What is AV1 Encoder and How to Use It in OBS

This article explains what the AV1 video encoder is, why it represents a major leap forward for live streaming and recording, and provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to enable and configure it within OBS Studio.

What is the AV1 Encoder?

AV1 (AOMedia Video 1) is an open-source, royalty-free video coding format designed for video transmissions over the internet. Developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a coalition of tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Netflix—AV1 is the successor to the widely used H.264 (AVC) and HEVC (H.265) codecs.

The primary benefit of AV1 is its superior compression efficiency. It can deliver the same visual quality as H.264 while using up to 30% to 50% less data (bandwidth). For content creators and streamers, this means you can stream in higher resolutions (like 1440p or 4K) and higher frame rates at much lower bitrates, resulting in a clearer picture with less buffering for your viewers.

Requirements for Using AV1 in OBS Studio

To use AV1 encoding in OBS Studio, you need compatible hardware and software:

• OBS Studio: Version 29.0 or newer.
• Graphics Card (Hardware Encoding): AV1 encoding requires dedicated hardware chips on your GPU. Compatible cards include:
  • NVIDIA: GeForce RTX 40-Series or newer.
  • AMD: Radeon RX 7000-Series or newer.
  • Intel: Arc GPUs or Intel Core Ultra processors.
• Software Encoding: If you do not have a supported GPU, you can use the SVT-AV1 software encoder, though this is highly CPU-intensive and not recommended for live gaming.

How to Configure AV1 in OBS Studio

Once you have verified your hardware is compatible and your OBS Studio is up to date, follow these steps to enable AV1:

Step 1: Access Output Settings

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. Click on Settings in the bottom-right corner (or go to File > Settings).
3. Click on the Output tab in the left-hand menu.

Step 2: Switch to Advanced Mode

1. Locate the Output Mode dropdown menu at the top of the window.
2. Change it from Simple to Advanced.

Step 3: Enable the AV1 Encoder

Depending on whether you want to stream or record, select the corresponding tab:

• For Streaming:
  1. Click the Streaming tab.
  2. Find the Video Encoder dropdown menu.
  3. Select your hardware-based AV1 encoder (e.g., NVIDIA NVENC AV1, AMD HW AV1, or Intel QuickSync AV1).
• For Recording:
  1. Click the Recording tab.
  2. Set the Video Encoder to your hardware AV1 option.

Step 4: Configure Bitrates

Because AV1 is highly efficient, you can adjust your bitrate settings to optimize your stream:

• For 1080p at 60 FPS: Set your bitrate between 4,000 to 5,000 Kbps (previously 6,000+ Kbps was required for H.264).
• For 1440p at 60 FPS: Set your bitrate between 6,000 to 8,000 Kbps.
• For 4K at 60 FPS: Set your bitrate between 10,000 to 15,000 Kbps.

Click Apply and then OK to save your settings.

Current Platform Support

Before streaming, make sure your target platform supports AV1 input:

• YouTube: Fully supports AV1 live streaming via the RTMP and HLS protocols.
• Twitch: Supports AV1 streaming via the Twitch Enhanced Broadcasting feature (currently in rolling beta for compatible hardware).
• Discord: Supports AV1 screen sharing for high-quality, low-latency streams directly to friends or servers.