What determines the maximum streaming resolution achievable on a specific platform?

The maximum streaming resolution achievable on a specific platform is primarily determined by the platform's technical specifications and limitations. Each platform, such as YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch, sets its own limits on the maximum video resolution it supports for live streams. These limits are influenced by factors such as the platform's encoding infrastructure, server capacity, and bandwidth capabilities, as well as considerations for viewer accessibility and device compatibility. For example, a platform might support a maximum resolution of 1080p (1920x1080 pixels) or 4K (3840x2160 pixels). While you can technically stream at a higher resolution from your encoder, the platform will typically downscale the video to its maximum supported resolution, negating the benefits of the higher resolution. Additionally, the platform may also have bitrate limitations that affect the visual quality at a given resolution; exceeding the recommended bitrate may not result in improved quality and could even lead to streaming issues. Therefore, it is essential to consult the platform's official documentation or guidelines to determine the maximum supported resolution and bitrate before configuring your streaming settings.