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You can’t keep OBS streaming the same live scene after shutting down the computer running OBS. OBS sends video directly from that computer to YouTube, so the encoder and its source must stay active somewhere. For live gameplay, a webcam, or desktop capture, move the production to another running device or a properly configured cloud production system. For a pre-recorded video or file-based loop, a cloud service can stream the uploaded video without your computer staying on.
Why OBS stops when you shut down the computer
OBS is an encoder running on your computer, not a relay that continues working independently in the cloud. The OBS Project’s official help explains that the connection goes directly from your computer to the streaming service (OBS Help). When the computer shuts down, OBS stops encoding and sending frames, and the stream cannot continue with that scene.
YouTube accepts a feed from an encoder. That encoder may be software on a computer or standalone hardware, but it must remain active and connected while it sends the stream (YouTube: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder). Scheduling an event to start or stop automatically does not keep an encoder running after its device is powered off.
Choose the right solution for what you’re streaming
Live gameplay, webcam, or desktop capture
The game, camera, desktop, or other live source—and the encoder that sends it—must keep running somewhere. If the source exists only on the computer you plan to turn off, another encoder cannot reproduce it just by having the YouTube stream key. You need to keep the original setup on, or move and configure the necessary sources, audio, scenes, and output on another suitable system.
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A pre-recorded video or a file-based loop
If the content is a video file rather than a live scene, a cloud streaming service can send it without your own computer staying on. YouTube’s encoder catalogue names Gyre as a cloud-based service for 24/7 live streaming of pre-recorded videos (YouTube: Live streaming encoders). Check the service’s current terms, limits, and pricing before choosing it. This approach plays uploaded or hosted video; it does not preserve a game or camera feed from a powered-off PC.
A cloud-hosted live production
A cloud encoder can produce a live stream only if the live source is available to that system and the production is configured there. YouTube lists AWS Elemental MediaLive as a live video processing service, but that does not mean an existing OBS scene transfers automatically or that a typical OBS setup is ready to move without additional configuration (YouTube: Live streaming encoders).
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Keep a live OBS-style production running on another device
- Inventory the production. Identify the game or capture source, cameras, microphones, audio routing, media files, overlays, and scene transitions your stream needs. Anything stored or captured only on the old computer must be available to the replacement system.
- Choose a device that can remain on. This could be another suitable computer or dedicated encoder hardware. YouTube recognizes both computer software and standalone hardware as encoder options (YouTube encoder setup). Confirm that the chosen system can access the source and handle the required production.
- Recreate or transfer the production. Install and configure an encoder on the new system, then set up its scenes, inputs, media, audio, and output. Do not assume that copying an OBS scene alone brings along every source file, device, or dependency.
- Connect it to the YouTube event. In YouTube Studio, create or open the live stream and use the event’s stream URL and stream key in the encoder’s streaming settings. YouTube describes these as the connection details the encoder needs (YouTube encoder setup; YouTube stream settings). The exact encoder interface varies, so enter the values in that software’s stream or output settings.
- Preview and test before relying on it. Start the encoder and check the Live Control Room preview, stream health, audio, and video. YouTube recommends testing the encoder and monitoring the stream during the event (YouTube live streaming tips).
- Keep the replacement system and source available. The new device must stay powered, connected, and able to access the scene’s inputs for the live production to continue.
Protect your YouTube stream key
Treat the stream key as a credential: YouTube describes it as the encoder’s password and address. Enter it only in the encoder you intend to use, and do not share it publicly. If you think it has been exposed, use YouTube Studio’s stream settings to reset it, then update the encoder with the new key (YouTube stream settings).
Or let it run in the cloud
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Troubleshooting and limits to know
The stream stops when the PC powers down
That is expected if OBS was sending from that PC. Keep the encoder and source running on another configured system, or use a cloud workflow suited to pre-recorded video.
The replacement encoder connects, but the scene is missing sources
The encoder can only send what its system can access. Check that capture devices are connected, media files are present, and audio and scene inputs are configured on the replacement system.
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YouTube does not receive the encoder feed
Confirm that the encoder is using the correct event’s stream URL and key. If the key may have been exposed or is no longer valid, reset it in YouTube Studio and update the encoder (YouTube stream settings).
You are counting on YouTube to hold a disconnected stream open
Do not treat YouTube’s archive rule as a disconnect grace period. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; that is an archive threshold, not a promise that a disconnected stream stays live for 12 hours (YouTube live stream archiving). Test the actual encoder setup and monitor its stream health.
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The stream content may include copyrighted material
Before broadcasting gameplay, music, or other material, check that you have the rights or permissions needed for the content. A continuously looping file does not remove copyright obligations; review YouTube’s applicable policies and rights information for your stream.
Quick Recap
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