Systems and methods are described to enable synchronized encoding of streaming audio or video content between multiple encoders, in a manner that provides for seamlessly interchangeable encodings. A first encoding begins encoding streaming content at a first point in time, and at a later point in time, a second encoder is configured to begin encoding the streaming content in a manner synchronized with the first encoder. The second encoder communicates via a synchronization protocol with the first encoder, and receives state information of the first encoder, such as a timecode of the streaming content at which the first encoder began encoding. The second encoder uses the received state information to determine a difference in encoding start times between the first and second encoder, and to adjust its timestamp values to match those of the first encoder. Thereafter, the first and second encoders can encode content in a synchronized manner.