diff --git a/video/video_stream_encoder.cc b/video/video_stream_encoder.cc
index 7bb17b01c2..19d64392e3 100644
--- a/video/video_stream_encoder.cc
+++ b/video/video_stream_encoder.cc
@@ -774,18 +774,33 @@ void VideoStreamEncoder::MaybeEncodeVideoFrame(const VideoFrame& video_frame,
       stats_proxy_->OnInitialQualityResolutionAdaptDown();
     }
     ++initial_rampup_;
-    pending_frame_ = video_frame;
-    pending_frame_post_time_us_ = time_when_posted_us;
+    // Storing references to a native buffer risks blocking frame capture.
+    if (video_frame.video_frame_buffer()->type() !=
+        VideoFrameBuffer::Type::kNative) {
+      pending_frame_ = video_frame;
+      pending_frame_post_time_us_ = time_when_posted_us;
+    } else {
+      // Ensure that any previously stored frame is dropped.
+      pending_frame_.reset();
+    }
     return;
   }
   initial_rampup_ = kMaxInitialFramedrop;
 
 
   if (EncoderPaused()) {
-    if (pending_frame_)
+    // Storing references to a native buffer risks blocking frame capture.
+    if (video_frame.video_frame_buffer()->type() !=
+        VideoFrameBuffer::Type::kNative) {
+      if (pending_frame_)
+        TraceFrameDropStart();
+      pending_frame_ = video_frame;
+      pending_frame_post_time_us_ = time_when_posted_us;
+    } else {
+      // Ensure that any previously stored frame is dropped.
+      pending_frame_.reset();
       TraceFrameDropStart();
-    pending_frame_ = video_frame;
-    pending_frame_post_time_us_ = time_when_posted_us;
+    }
     return;
   }