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How to Add a Countdown and Holding Screen to a 24/7 Church YouTube Stream

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In OBS, create separate Holding, Countdown, and Service scenes, then switch between them while keeping the same YouTube stream connected. This changes what viewers see without starting a new broadcast for each screen. You will need OBS, prepared visuals, and a YouTube stream URL and key; the encoder computer and its internet connection must remain available for a locally run 24/7 feed.

Choose how the stream and service broadcasts should work

For the simplest setup, use one continuing stream and change OBS scenes as the service approaches. Viewers stay on the same stream page while the holding image changes to a countdown and then the service feed.

There is an important replay limitation: YouTube Help says, “All streams under 12 hours will be automatically archived.” A continuous 24/7 broadcast exceeds that stated threshold, so do not count on YouTube automatically archiving the complete feed. Decide separately how you will publish service replays.

If each service needs its own watch page and replay, YouTube’s API documentation describes a more involved arrangement in which separate broadcast videos can use a stream; it gives a 24/7 feed with a separate interview broadcast as an example. Compare the approaches by whether viewers need a distinct event page, how you will handle replays, and how much encoder or API workflow your church can maintain. Google for Developers: Understanding broadcasts and streams

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Prepare the holding screen and countdown

Make visuals readable and authorized

  • Create a holding image with the church name, service time, and useful viewer instructions. Keep text large and uncluttered so it remains readable on a phone.
  • Make a countdown clip or graphic that suits the service. A video can include motion; a static graphic can be used as a simple countdown scene.
  • Use only images, video, and music that the church owns or is authorized to stream. Check music permissions and any required Content ID allowlisting before using it.

OBS scenes combine sources such as images, text, and media. The source order matters: place the background below text and overlays so they remain visible. See the OBS Project Sources Guide.

Create the three OBS scenes

  1. Open OBS and add scenes. In the Scenes panel, create and name Holding, Countdown, and Service. OBS labels and layout can vary by version.
  2. Build Holding. Select the scene, add an Image source for the holding graphic, and add Text sources for any information that should remain editable. If you want motion, use a licensed video Media Source or an image slideshow. Avoid capturing the desktop unless that is intentional.
  3. Build Countdown. Add the countdown clip as a Media Source, or add the graphic assets needed for your countdown design. In the Media Source properties, enable Loop only if you want the file to repeat. Looping repeats playback; it does not synchronize a timer to the service start time. If it should run once, leave looping off and switch scenes manually when it finishes.
  4. Build Service. Add the camera, capture, or other sources used for the service production, then arrange and preview them as needed.
  5. Check source order and canvas fit. Keep backgrounds behind text and overlays, and make sure the holding image fills the canvas without obscuring important information.

OBS documents supported media-source formats and the Loop behavior in its Media Sources guide.

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Connect OBS to YouTube and run the transition

  1. Create or schedule the stream. In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create a stream or schedule one using YouTube’s encoder workflow.
  2. Copy the connection details. Enter YouTube’s server URL (stream URL) and stream key in OBS’s stream settings. Treat the key like a password: do not show it on screen or share it publicly.
  3. Start the encoder and verify the preview. For a scheduled workflow, check the Live Control Room preview and use YouTube’s Go live control if the Studio workflow requires it.
  4. Show Holding first. With the same encoder output connected, select Holding, switch to Countdown at the planned time, and switch to Service when the service begins.
  5. Test before service. Check the scenes locally and in YouTube’s preview. Confirm phone-size text readability, canvas coverage, countdown timing, and that no unintended desktop or audio is being sent.

YouTube’s encoder instructions cover stream setup, scheduling, and the server URL and key: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder. OBS recommends testing settings before a first stream in its Help Portal.

Account for copyright and 24/7 reliability

Check music and other third-party content

YouTube says live streams are scanned for matches to third-party content, including another live broadcast. A match can cause a placeholder to replace the stream or lead to interruption or termination. Permission alone may not prevent interruption: YouTube says a rights holder may need to add the channel to its Content ID allowlist. Confirm both rights and allowlisting before using music in a countdown or holding screen. YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams

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Plan for the encoder to stay available

A locally operated 24/7 stream depends on the encoder computer staying on and a stable internet connection. OBS’s Help Portal notes that an unstable or insufficient connection can cause dropped frames. Monitor the stream rather than assuming any setup guarantees uninterrupted service, and have a plan for restarting the encoder and reconnecting if it stops.

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