No. If OBS is the encoder sending the playlist to YouTube, closing OBS stops that video feed. A scheduled broadcast or YouTube’s auto-start settings do not replace the encoder. To keep the live stream running with your computer off, another encoder must continue sending video—such as a cloud playout service.
Why closing OBS stops the live stream
OBS runs on your computer and sends its output directly to YouTube. YouTube’s encoder instructions say, “To end the stream, stop sending content from your encoder.” Once OBS closes, it no longer sends the playlist feed, so YouTube cannot keep generating the same live video from that closed session. YouTube’s encoder instructions and the OBS Project Help Portal describe this encoder-to-service connection.
A YouTube video playlist that viewers can play on demand is not the same thing as a live broadcast. A live broadcast needs an active source sending video; placing videos in a playlist does not make YouTube play them as a live feed after the encoder stops.
What scheduling and auto-start settings do—and do not do
Scheduling a YouTube live stream creates an event viewers can find in advance, share, or request notifications for. At broadcast time, the encoder still needs to connect and start sending video. YouTube’s live-stream settings documentation also describes auto-start and auto-stop as controls for encoder behavior, not as a server-side playlist player.
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Switching from RTMP to HLS does not remove this requirement. HLS is an ingestion protocol: an encoder still has to send YouTube the media feed. See YouTube’s HLS ingestion instructions.
Ways to keep a playlist stream running
Keep OBS and the computer running
- Configure the playlist source in OBS so it plays or loops as intended.
- Connect OBS to the YouTube event using its stream key, then start streaming from OBS.
- Wait for the preview in YouTube’s Live Control Room and check the stream health before relying on the broadcast.
- Keep the computer, OBS, and a suitable internet connection running for the duration of the stream.
- When finished, end the event on YouTube and stop the encoder feed. YouTube recommends setting up in advance, starting the encoder at least 15 minutes before the scheduled event, checking the preview, and monitoring quality. See its live-streaming tips.
This method is appropriate if you want to keep using OBS, but the computer and its connection cannot be turned off while they are the only source sending video.
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Move the encoder off your computer
If the computer needs to be off, use another encoder that remains online. A cloud playout service can send prerecorded video to YouTube without requiring your local OBS session to stay open. YouTube’s encoder directory lists cloud services for continuous prerecorded-video streams, including Gyre and Upstream. Those are examples in YouTube’s directory, not endorsements; check each provider for current features, pricing, file limits, rights requirements, and reliability terms.
For a YouTube-only cloud option, StreamNeo keeps a channel live from uploaded videos or a playlist. Upload your video, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the video from the cloud. It is #1 among the options here for readers who want an always-on stream, any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and a first day free.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Plan for stream length, archives, and rights
Check archive behavior for long broadcasts
YouTube says encoder-based streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That guidance does not promise that a longer continuous stream will be preserved as one replay. For a 24/7 broadcast, verify current archive behavior and decide how you will preserve recordings before going live. See YouTube’s encoder guidance.
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Use video and audio you have rights to stream
Continuous playback does not change your obligations under YouTube’s content requirements and platform policies. Make sure you have the necessary rights to every video and audio track in the playlist; a loop is still a broadcast of that material.
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Troubleshooting: the stream stops or never starts
- OBS was closed: The encoder feed ended. Restart OBS and reconnect, or move playout to an encoder that remains online.
- The YouTube event is scheduled but shows no video: Scheduling does not supply the feed. Start the encoder and wait for the Live Control Room preview.
- Auto-start is enabled but the stream is not playing: Auto-start controls encoder behavior; it does not create a playlist feed. Confirm that an encoder is connected and sending media.
- You changed the ingest protocol: RTMP or HLS still requires an encoder to send video. Check that the encoder is configured for the chosen protocol and is actively sending.
- The local computer must be shut down: A local OBS session cannot send video while closed. Use a cloud playout service or another encoder on a machine that remains powered and connected.
- You need a replay of a long stream: Do not assume a broadcast longer than 12 hours will be archived as one replay. Check current YouTube guidance and arrange a separate recording or preservation plan.
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