When you upload to YouTube, do you limit to 80000 Kb/s ??

I would always upload the lossless progressive version aka the master version.

Personally, I use the x264 codec due to its maturity, and I use the CRF 0 option (lossless) which creates as lossless of a version as possible (after editing).

YouTube's max upload size is 256 GiB which is more than enough in 90% of situations. But at the same time, so is 80 MB/s bitrate in typical situations, although there is no real reason to limit it to 80 MB/s or lower unless you have to -- for space reasons.

Visually speaking, bitrate matters. Limiting it in any way downgrades the picture quality, but depending on the resolution, and a few other factors. It's hard to comment... 80 MB/s for a master file MIGHT be an overkill for a 1080p source, but it might not be enough at all for a 2160p (4K) one. Especially if it has a lot of nature shots, etc.

So... if the space allows it. Definitely go for it.

I would store my archival copies in x264 @ CRF 0.

Thanks. That's pretty much what I thought. My stuff IS Nature Stuff and it is 4K. I know youtube is gonna process it down somewhat, but at least your answer makes me feel that I'm not unnecessarily wasting my time with longer uploads.

So, I've experimented with today's video - Results are:

Video is 00.05.06 in length, encoded via H.265

Video 1 Lossless:
Size: 4.80 GB
Data Rate: 13455kbps
Total Bitrate: 134451kbps

Video 2 'HIGH' Setting:
Size: 3.42 GB
Data Rate: 95634kbps
Total Bitrate: 95830kbps

Video 3 'Medium' Setting:
Size: 2.50 GB
Data Rate: 69853kbps
Total Bitrate: 70049kbps

Video 4 'Restricted Setting:
Size: 2.93 GB
Data Rate: 81912kbps
Total Bitrate: 82108kbps

No real comment to make, as nothing unexpected, but just thought it would be interesting to post my results...