Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo stream an existing SHOUTcast station on YouTube Live, play the station feed on a computer, capture its audio in OBS, pair it with a visual scene, and send the resulting encoder stream to YouTube using YouTube’s server URL and stream key. YouTube’s encoder documentation does not establish that you can paste a SHOUTcast URL directly into YouTube as an audio source.
What you need before you start
- A SHOUTcast station stream URL that plays on your production computer.
- OBS Studio and a way to capture the audio playing on that computer.
- A still image, logo, text, or other visual you are authorized to use.
- A YouTube channel with live streaming enabled. YouTube says first-time activation can take up to 24 hours, so enable it in advance.
- Permission to rebroadcast the station’s music, spoken content, and artwork on YouTube. The technical setup does not grant those rights.
YouTube Live’s encoder workflow uses a server URL and stream key. Treat the station’s SHOUTcast URL as the audio source to play and capture—not as a substitute for YouTube’s ingest details. See YouTube’s encoder instructions.
Set up the station audio and YouTube stream
1. Confirm the station feed
- Open the SHOUTcast stream URL in an audio player or browser on the computer that will run OBS.
- Listen for the expected station audio, and keep the URL and any player-specific settings available in case the feed needs to be reconnected.
2. Create or select a YouTube encoder stream
- Open YouTube Studio and go to Live Control Room.
- Create or select a stream that uses an encoder, then copy its server URL and stream key into a secure place for setup.
- Keep the stream key private. Anyone who obtains it may be able to send a signal to your stream.
If live streaming is not yet enabled on the channel, complete YouTube’s activation process and allow up to 24 hours for first-time access.
3. Make an OBS scene with a visual
- In OBS, create a scene for the broadcast.
- Add an authorized image or logo, and use text sources for items such as the station name or schedule if useful. OBS also offers browser and media sources for scene elements.
- Make sure the scene produces visible video throughout the broadcast. This workflow sends a video scene along with the station audio; it is not a direct audio-only SHOUTcast handoff.
OBS’s guides explain its scene sources, including media sources and browser sources.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
4. Capture the playing station audio
Choose the capture method that matches your operating system and OBS version:
- Windows: OBS Application Audio Capture is supported on Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11.
- macOS: OBS Studio 30 provides macOS Audio Capture on macOS 13 and later. OBS’s Screen Capture source can also capture audio.
- Linux: Use the appropriate ALSA or PulseAudio capture source.
- If application capture is unavailable: Use desktop or output-audio capture so OBS receives the sound from the player.
After selecting a source, play the station and watch the OBS audio mixer. Confirm its meter moves and that the channel is neither muted nor clipping. Avoid capturing the same sound through both application audio and global Desktop Audio: duplicate routing can cause echo or doubled audio. See OBS’s Application Audio Capture Guide and Audio Sources documentation.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Configure OBS and test the YouTube signal
Encoder and audio settings
Connect OBS to the YouTube stream using YouTube integration or enter the server URL and stream key in the encoder settings. YouTube recommends RTMPS for ingest. For stereo audio, its encoder settings page recommends AAC or MP3, a 44.1 kHz sample rate, and 128 Kbps. These are YouTube recommendations; check the current encoder settings page and your OBS version when choosing exact settings.
Use a representative test rather than checking only a silent scene or a moment when the station is between tracks. Confirm that both the visual and audio reach YouTube, inspect the preview and stream health in Live Control Room, and only proceed when the signal is ready.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Start the broadcast
- Start streaming from OBS.
- Wait for the signal and preview in YouTube Live Control Room; check that the station audio is audible and the scene is visible.
- When the preview is ready, click Go Live in Live Control Room to make the broadcast public or otherwise available according to the stream’s audience settings.
End the stream and check its archive
Stop the encoder in OBS, then end the broadcast in Live Control Room. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Check the resulting archive for audio, visual, and timing issues before sharing or promoting it.
Troubleshooting common problems
- YouTube never receives a signal: Check that OBS is streaming, the correct YouTube server URL and stream key are selected, and the key has not been mistyped. Do not enter the SHOUTcast URL in place of YouTube’s server URL.
- The preview has video but no station audio: Confirm the station is playing on the production computer, the correct application or output device is selected in OBS, and the mixer source is not muted. Check that its meter moves.
- The audio echoes or sounds doubled: Check whether the same player is captured by both application audio and global Desktop Audio. Disable one of the overlapping routes.
- The mixer meter does not move: Verify the player is producing sound, then review the capture source and operating-system support. On Windows, Application Audio Capture requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later or Windows 11; on macOS, OBS Studio 30’s macOS Audio Capture requires macOS 13 or later.
- The audio distorts: Check the OBS mixer for clipping and reduce the source or mixer level until peaks no longer clip. Re-test the actual station signal before going live.
- Live streaming is unavailable: If this is the channel’s first activation, YouTube says enabling it may take up to 24 hours. Complete activation before the planned broadcast.
- The broadcast ends without an archive: YouTube’s automatic archive statement applies to streams under 12 hours. Check the stream duration and the recording in YouTube Studio.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a continuous YouTube channel built from uploaded recordings rather than a live SHOUTcast feed, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, and the monthly option is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
