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To make a static-image radio stream on YouTube, create an OBS scene with an image source and a looping audio file, connect OBS to YouTube Live Control Room with your stream URL and stream key, then check the preview before going live. Keep rights to both the music and artwork cleared: YouTube may interrupt a live stream when it detects third-party content.
What you need
- A verified YouTube channel with no live-stream restrictions in the past 90 days; streamers must be at least 16 years old. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility guidance.
- OBS Studio, a still image, and an audio file you have permission to use. OBS supports image sources and media sources; its media source documentation lists MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV files.
- A stable internet connection with enough upload capacity for your selected stream bitrate.
This setup sends an encoded video to YouTube: the image is the visual frame, while the audio source supplies the radio program. A camera is not required.
Build the static-image scene in OBS
- Create a scene: In OBS, use the Scenes panel to add a scene for the stream.
- Add the image: In Sources, select + > Image, choose the artwork file, and confirm. Resize or use the fit-to-screen option so the image fills the canvas without unwanted borders. If you want a changing visual rather than a static one, OBS also documents image slideshows.
- Add the audio: Select + > Media Source, choose the audio file, and enable Loop if it should repeat when it ends. Confirm that the source is not muted and its level is visible on the OBS audio meter.
- Check the mix: Play the source and listen through OBS monitoring or a local test recording. Check that the image remains visible and that the audio is neither silent nor distorted.
OBS may play a media source from its beginning when the source is restarted. If your radio format uses multiple files, prepare a playlist or combine the audio into a continuous file and verify the transitions before streaming.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live Control Room
- Open YouTube Live Control Room and choose to start a stream now or schedule one.
- In the stream settings, copy the stream URL and stream key. Treat the key like a password: do not show it on screen, include it in a recording, or share it publicly.
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream. Choose YouTube if an appropriate service preset is available; otherwise select a custom service and paste the server URL and stream key into their respective fields. YouTube recommends RTMPS, its encrypted RTMP option. To use it, reveal the RTMPS URL in YouTube’s stream settings and enter that URL in OBS.
- Apply the settings, return to the scene, and select Start Streaming. Wait for the incoming preview in Live Control Room.
- For a scheduled stream, check the preview and then select Go live in Live Control Room. For a stream starting immediately, follow the on-screen controls after the preview appears.
When finished, stop streaming in OBS and end the event in Live Control Room if YouTube has not ended it automatically. YouTube automatically archives streams that are under 12 hours.
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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Choose settings that match YouTube’s guidance
Use YouTube’s current encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions table for the resolution, frame rate, and ingestion codec you select. Its recommended video bitrate changes with those choices, so there is no single correct bitrate for every static-image radio stream. Leave upload headroom rather than setting the encoder at the full sustained capacity of your connection.
- Protocol: RTMPS is recommended by YouTube.
- Rate control: Use CBR.
- Video codec: YouTube lists H.264, H.265, and AV1 as supported options. Select a codec supported by your encoder and use the matching YouTube bitrate guidance.
- Frame rate: YouTube supports up to 60 fps. A still-image stream does not need a high frame rate for motion, but follow the frame-rate row corresponding to your chosen output.
- Keyframes: Set a two-second keyframe interval; YouTube says not to exceed four seconds.
- Audio: YouTube lists AAC and MP3. Its stereo recommendations are 44.1 kHz sample rate and 128 kbps audio bitrate.
These are platform recommendations, not a guarantee of uninterrupted delivery. Test the encoder and monitor stream health and audio/video quality during the broadcast.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rights, copyright checks, and YouTube rules
Clear permission for both the music and the artwork before broadcasting. Owning a recording or finding an image online does not by itself establish that you have the rights needed for a live stream. YouTube scans live streams for third-party matches, including material from another broadcast. If it detects such content, it may replace the stream image with a placeholder and can interrupt or terminate the stream if the content continues.
Even if you have licensed music, the rights owner may need to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist for the live stream to avoid a claim. Resolve that with the rights owner before going live; do not rely on a license document alone to prevent automated interruption. Review YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams.
The Tool Desk
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Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Preflight checklist and troubleshooting
Before you start
- Confirm the artwork fills the intended frame and is the version you have rights to use.
- Play the audio through a full loop or representative segment; confirm loop behavior, levels, and transitions.
- Check that OBS is sending to the correct YouTube stream and that the stream key has not been exposed.
- Wait for the Live Control Room preview, inspect both picture and sound, and verify stream health before making the event public.
- If this is your first time using the workflow, run a short test stream. YouTube recommends preparing the encoder ahead of the event and checking the preview.
Common problems
- No preview arrives: Check the server URL, stream key, and OBS connection status. Confirm that the selected YouTube preset or custom RTMPS URL matches the current stream settings.
- Audio is missing: Make sure the Media Source is enabled and unmuted, the correct file is selected, and the OBS audio meter responds during playback.
- Audio stops at the end: Enable Loop on the Media Source and verify the source is not being stopped or replaced by another scene or playlist action.
- Image is cropped or has borders: Resize the Image source or fit it to the canvas, then inspect the YouTube preview rather than relying only on the OBS preview.
- Stream health is poor or the broadcast drops: Check YouTube’s stream-health indication, lower the video bitrate to the applicable YouTube recommendation if your upload cannot sustain it, and leave more headroom. Retest before resuming.
- YouTube replaces the image or interrupts the stream: Review the copyright notice, stop using the matched material, and contact the relevant rights owner about permissions and any Content ID allowlisting.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a prerecorded radio stream to keep running without leaving OBS or a computer on at home, StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded video from the cloud; it does not broadcast from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream runs in the cloud.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required; one free day is available per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
To start, create a StreamNeo account and try the free day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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