Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
You can schedule a YouTube Live event in YouTube Studio and play prerecorded video through OBS, but the schedule does not make the video play by itself. OBS must send the video to YouTube at the right time, and for a truly always-on stream your computer, OBS, and internet connection must remain available.
What “schedule” means for an always-on stream
There are two separate jobs: YouTube Studio sets up the broadcast event, while OBS acts as the encoder that sends your prerecorded video. YouTube describes an encoder as software that converts video into a digital format for streaming. YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
Scheduling an event does not schedule an OBS media source or keep OBS running. Treat an always-on channel as a continuous encoder feed paired with a YouTube broadcast. Google’s API documentation models stream settings separately from broadcast events; stream settings can be reused for events at different times, while concurrent programs with different settings may need distinct streams. YouTube Live Streaming API.
What you need before configuring OBS
- A prerecorded video file, or a playlist prepared for continuous playback.
- An OBS installation on a computer that can stay powered on and connected for the full run.
- A stable upload connection and the correct YouTube stream URL and stream key from the event’s encoder settings.
- Access to YouTube Studio to create the event and check its start behavior.
Keep the stream key private. Anyone with access to it may be able to send video to your channel, so do not show it in screenshots or share it in published material.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- 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.
Schedule the YouTube Live event
- Open YouTube Studio and go to the Live Control Room.
- Create or schedule a broadcast. Set its title, description, visibility, thumbnail, and scheduled start time.
- Open the event’s stream or encoder settings and note the provided stream URL and stream key. Use the settings for this event when connecting OBS.
- Check whether the event is configured to start automatically when YouTube receives encoder data or whether you must start the broadcast separately. The exact controls can change; verify the current labels and behavior in Studio.
The scheduled time creates the event page and its metadata. It does not start the prerecorded video in OBS, so the encoder still needs to be running and sending data when the event is due.
Prepare the prerecorded video in OBS
- Open OBS and add a Media Source for a single video, or configure the source or playlist workflow you intend to use for recurring programming.
- Check playback behavior before going live: whether the file starts when the source becomes active, what happens at the end, and whether the source loops or advances to the next item. Do not assume a finished file will restart on its own.
- Set up the scene and audio, then preview playback. Confirm that the video and sound are present and that the intended source remains active for the full schedule.
- In OBS’s YouTube connection or stream settings, enter the event’s stream URL and key, or use the applicable YouTube connection flow. Confirm the destination before starting the encoder.
OBS and YouTube interface details evolve. The OBS Project forum’s YouTube guide can help explain the integration, but use current YouTube Studio controls as authoritative rather than relying on an older screenshot or menu path. OBS Project forum: How to stream to YouTube with OBS Studio.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 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.
Start, verify, and test the broadcast
- Start streaming in OBS early enough to confirm that YouTube is receiving the feed. Sending encoder data and the broadcast being live are distinct states.
- In Live Control Room, check the event’s status and stream health. If the event does not become live automatically, use the applicable YouTube go-live control.
- Watch the public or unlisted playback and verify picture, audio, and the correct event details.
- Before relying on unattended operation, test with a private or unlisted event. Check the end of the file, the loop or playlist transition, and what happens if OBS or the network disconnects.
- Keep OBS open, the computer powered, and the upload connection usable for as long as the stream should run. Monitor the setup if a failure would interrupt the channel.
Choose between local OBS and cloud playout
| Factor | Local OBS | Cloud playout |
|---|---|---|
| Where video is sent from | Your computer running OBS | A provider’s cloud service |
| Must a home computer stay available? | Yes; OBS, power, and upload connectivity are part of the delivery chain. | Not for the playout itself; check the provider’s current terms and workflow. |
| Scheduling and repeat behavior | You configure and test the OBS source or playlist, and coordinate it with the YouTube event. | Depends on the service’s current scheduling and file-handling controls. |
| Disconnect recovery | Depends on the local setup and how OBS and YouTube reconnect; test it. | Depends on the provider’s current recovery behavior; verify before choosing. |
| YouTube event control | You create and manage the event in Studio and connect OBS using its encoder settings. | You still need to understand and manage the YouTube event and its start behavior. |
| Cost | Depends on the computer, power, and connection you use. | Depends on the provider and plan; compare current terms and what each slot includes. |
YouTube’s encoder guidance lists cloud tools for continuous prerecorded streaming, including Gyre and Upstream. That establishes them as options listed by YouTube, not a guarantee of a particular provider’s reliability or results. YouTube’s verified encoder options. Upstream also describes a cloud workflow as an alternative to running OBS locally; treat provider statements about its own service as vendor claims. Upstream: How to Schedule a Pre-Recorded Live Stream on YouTube.
Copyright, reused content, and stream-key safety
- Only stream video and audio you have the rights or permissions to use. A scheduled event or prerecorded format does not remove copyright obligations.
- Review YouTube’s current monetization and reused-content rules separately from whether a stream technically works. Permission to use material and eligibility for monetization are not the same question.
- Do not expose your stream key. If it is disclosed, replace or reset it through YouTube’s current stream settings and update OBS before streaming again.
Use this copyright safety checklist to review material before putting it on an always-on channel.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- 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.
Common problems and fixes
- The scheduled event exists but no video appears: Studio schedules the event; OBS must still send the video. Start OBS with the correct event settings and check that YouTube is receiving data.
- OBS is sending data but the event is not live: Check the event’s auto-start configuration and whether YouTube requires a separate go-live action.
- The video stops at the end: Check the media source’s end-of-file and loop or playlist behavior. Test a full playback cycle before leaving it unattended.
- The wrong broadcast receives the feed: Recheck which event’s stream URL and key are configured in OBS. Avoid reusing a key without confirming which broadcast it feeds.
- The stream drops when nobody is at the computer: OBS relies on the local computer and upload connection. Check power settings, network stability, and whether OBS remains open; test recovery after an interruption.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service for looping uploaded videos or playlists. Upload your recording, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 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
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- 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.
