You can record separate audio tracks in OBS while sending one complete audio mix to YouTube Live. Assign sources to recording tracks in Advanced Audio Properties, enable those tracks for recording, then choose a single streaming track that contains everything viewers should hear. YouTube’s standard live ingest does not deliver OBS’s isolated track layout as audience-selectable audio.
What separate OBS tracks can—and cannot—do on YouTube Live
Separate OBS audio tracks are primarily useful for editing a local recording after capture. For example, you can keep game audio, microphone commentary, and music isolated in a recording, then adjust them independently in an editor. OBS notes that standard video players play back only one audio track at a time, so a complete mix on track 1 helps ensure the recording plays normally outside an editor. OBS Project’s Multiple Audio Track Recording Guide explains the recording workflow.
For a standard YouTube Live encoder feed, send one audio stream containing the complete program mix. Google’s YouTube Live API documentation specifies that an ingestion stream containing multiple audio streams must contain only one. OBS’s separate recording tracks therefore do not let viewers choose between your isolated microphone, game, or music tracks during an ordinary YouTube Live stream.
Set up separate tracks in OBS
- Assign sources to tracks. In the Audio Mixer, open the gear menu and choose Advanced Audio Properties. Select track checkboxes for each source according to how you want to edit the recording. Keep all sources needed for normal playback assigned to track 1; use additional tracks to isolate sources. OBS’s example and guidance are in its multiple audio track guide.
- Enable the tracks for recording. Open Settings → Output and, in the recording section, enable the tracks you want saved. Assigning sources to tracks and enabling those tracks for recording are separate steps; do both.
- Choose one full mix for streaming. In the streaming output settings, select the single audio track that contains the full intended program mix. Check that it includes every source viewers should hear. Do not select an isolated microphone or game-only track unless that is genuinely the complete show mix.
- Test and monitor the live feed. Run a test with representative gameplay, microphone levels, and other audio, then check stream health in YouTube Live Control Room. YouTube recommends testing and monitoring; its encoder settings guidance describes the recommended audio settings.
OBS control names and available options can vary by release, operating system, and output mode. If the track controls differ in your installation, consult the guide for your current OBS version rather than assuming an identical interface.
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Audio format settings for YouTube Live
YouTube lists AAC or MP3 as supported live audio codecs. Its advanced encoder recommendations specify the following audio settings: YouTube’s live encoder settings page is the reference for the destination and current recommendations.
| Audio configuration | Sample rate | Bitrate | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stereo | 44.1 kHz | 128 kbps | YouTube advanced recommendation |
| 5.1 surround | 48 kHz | 384 kbps | YouTube advanced recommendation; RTMP/RTMPS 5.1 support is AAC-only |
These are YouTube recommendations, not a requirement to create multiple transmitted audio feeds. Keep your OBS streaming output to one full mix for a standard ingest.
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Will YouTube archive a 24/7 live stream?
YouTube Help says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That guidance does not establish that a stream running longer than 12 hours will produce a complete 24-hour archive. If preserving the entire program matters, plan a local recording, segment the broadcast, or use another archive workflow, and verify the current YouTube behavior for your account before relying on a full-day replay. See YouTube’s encoder setup and live stream guidance.
Troubleshooting audio track problems
- The recording plays only some sources: The player may be playing a different track, or the selected track may not contain the complete mix. Keep the full mix on track 1 for standard playback, and verify each source’s track assignment in Advanced Audio Properties.
- The recording has no isolated tracks: Check both parts of the setup: source assignments in Advanced Audio Properties and enabled recording tracks under Settings → Output.
- Viewers cannot select microphone and game audio separately: That is expected for a standard YouTube Live ingest. Select one streaming track that combines the sources viewers should hear.
- The stream is missing a source: Confirm that the chosen streaming track contains that source, then test the full mix and review YouTube Live Control Room stream-health messages.
- You need a full replay of a broadcast longer than 12 hours: Do not assume YouTube will archive the whole stream. Use a recording or segmentation plan and check the current archive behavior before going live.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a 24/7 YouTube channel rather than a continuous local OBS session, StreamNeo keeps an uploaded video or playlist live from the cloud. Upload your video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on; uploaded video streams as made, 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. Monthly: $9.99 per month. For five or more slots, contact support. This is for uploaded videos and playlists streaming to YouTube, not a live camera feed.
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