To transfer a video already on your computer to a Google Cloud Compute Engine VM, use Google Cloud CLI’s gcloud compute scp command over SSH:
gcloud compute scp "/path/to/video.mp4" VM_NAME:/home/USERNAME/ --zone=ZONEThis copies a local file to the VM; it does not download a video from YouTube or upload or publish it on YouTube. Replace the example path, VM name, username, and zone with your own values.
What “upload a YouTube stream file” means here
In this guide, “upload” means copying a video file from your workstation to a Google Cloud VM. SCP transfers files over SSH. It does not retrieve a video from YouTube, create a livestream, or publish a video to your channel.
If you need a file for a livestream, first make sure you have a legitimate local copy of that file. The Google Cloud transfer documentation does not define a special “YouTube stream file” format or a separate YouTube-to-VM SCP procedure.
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Before you copy the file
- Install and configure Google Cloud CLI on the computer that has the video. Google’s file transfer guide identifies the CLI as a transfer option.
- Identify the Google Cloud project, VM instance name, and VM zone. Include
--zoneif the correct zone is not already available in your CLI configuration; see the gcloud compute scp reference. - Confirm that SSH access to the VM is configured and permitted. Google’s guide calls out firewall access for SSH on TCP port 22. Follow your project’s access policy rather than opening access broadly.
- Choose a destination directory your SSH user can write to, such as that user’s home directory. Do not assume you can write to a privileged system directory.
Copy a video with gcloud compute scp
- Open a terminal on the workstation that contains the video and make sure Google Cloud CLI is configured for the project containing the VM.
- Run the transfer command, replacing the example values:
gcloud compute scp "/local/path/my video.mp4" VM_NAME:/home/USERNAME/ --zone=ZONEKeep quotation marks around a local path containing spaces. The remote destination is a directory on the VM; the file is copied there.
- Wait for the command to finish. If it reports an SSH, project, instance, or zone error, use the troubleshooting section below to check the connection and identifiers.
- Connect to the VM and verify the file. Google documents
gcloud compute sshfor connecting to an instance:gcloud compute ssh VM_NAME --zone=ZONECheck the destination directory for the copied filename before using the file.
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The command reference also supports options such as --recurse for directories, --tunnel-through-iap and --internal-ip for applicable network setups, and compression or key-related settings. Use those options only when they match your configured connection path.
Copy a directory tree
Add --recurse when the source is a directory rather than a single file:
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gcloud compute scp --recurse "/local/path/video-assets" VM_NAME:/home/USERNAME/ --zone=ZONEThe command reference documents recursive local-to-VM copying.
Other ways to transfer a file
| Method | When it may fit | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|
gcloud compute scp |
You can install Google Cloud CLI on the workstation and want a direct workstation-to-VM transfer. | Requires a working SSH connection and the correct project, instance, and zone. |
| SSH-in-browser upload | You are already using Google Cloud’s browser-based SSH connection and prefer its upload control. | Google says the upload goes to the user’s /home/ directory and warns that browser uploads may be slow for large files; it recommends gcloud compute scp if transfer speed is poor. |
Direct OpenSSH scp |
You use Linux or macOS and can manage SSH keys and connect to the VM directly. | Google’s documented approach requires manual key management and an SSH-allowing firewall rule. Its example uses the VM’s external IPv4 address; direct access should not be assumed when there is no suitable external network path. |
| Cloud Storage staging | You would rather upload the file to a bucket first, then download it from the VM. | This adds a staging step and requires suitable bucket permissions. Google lists Storage Object Admin for uploaders and Storage Object Viewer for downloaders; delete staged files you no longer need to avoid unwanted storage charges. |
| WinSCP | You want a graphical transfer client from a Windows workstation to a Linux VM. | Google lists WinSCP as an option and says it uses SSH keys compatible with PuTTY. |
Direct OpenSSH example
On Linux or macOS, Google documents a direct scp pattern using a key file and the VM’s IPv4 address:
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scp -i KEY LOCAL_FILE USERNAME@IPv4_ADDRESS:~The VM needs a configured public key and an SSH-allowing firewall rule. For an external IPv6 address, Google documents a bracketed address form with -6. If direct connectivity is unavailable, check whether your environment is configured for a supported route such as IAP or an internal IP; the applicable IAM and network setup must already be in place.
Troubleshooting transfer problems
- SSH connection fails: Check that the CLI is using the intended project, that the instance name and zone are correct, that the VM is running, and that SSH access and the required firewall path are configured. Google’s transfer guide specifically calls out TCP port 22. The precise cause depends on your project’s configuration.
- The destination reports a permission error: Use a directory writable by the SSH user, such as that user’s home directory, rather than a protected system path.
- A large browser upload is slow: Google notes that SSH-in-browser uploads can be slow for large files and recommends
gcloud compute scpwhen transfer speed is poor. - You cannot transfer directly from the workstation: Stage the file in Cloud Storage, then download it from the VM. Set the bucket permissions for the uploader and downloader, and remove staged files when they are no longer needed.
- You are connecting through IAP or an internal IP: The current
gcloud compute scpreference exposes--tunnel-through-iapand--internal-ip. These flags do not configure the network or grant access by themselves.
Getting a YouTube video file legally
If by “YouTube stream file” you mean a video you previously uploaded to your own channel, YouTube Help says creators can download their uploaded video as an MP4 at 720p or 360p, depending on video size, or export videos with Google Takeout. YouTube’s creator-download route does not let you download other users’ uploads. The same Help page notes that download availability can be affected by conditions such as removal, strikes, pre-approved audio, or reaching five downloads of one video within 24 hours; check the current YouTube download instructions for the latest details.
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For someone else’s video, get the rights or permission before using it. YouTube says it cannot grant rights to another person’s upload; third-party material may lead to a Content ID claim or removal after a copyright request. See YouTube’s copyright guidance.
Copying to a VM is not publishing on YouTube
After the file reaches the VM, it is still only stored on that machine. YouTube’s separate Studio workflow is to select Create → Upload videos, choose a local file, and configure its details and visibility. YouTube distinguishes uploading, which imports the file, from publishing, which makes it available to viewers. A file copied to a Google Cloud VM with SCP has not thereby been uploaded or published on YouTube. See YouTube’s video upload instructions.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded video running as a YouTube livestream, rather than to transfer a file to a VM, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service for looping uploaded videos to YouTube. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; video streams as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. To start, create a StreamNeo account.
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