To switch a live stream in AWS Elemental MediaLive, attach the intended inputs to the channel, then create input-switch actions in that channel’s schedule. Attaching multiple inputs alone does not make MediaLive rotate between them. Use a fixed start for a known time, an immediate start for an ad-hoc switch, or a follow start when the next input should begin after a prior file action ends.
How MediaLive input switching works
MediaLive switches inputs through actions in the schedule associated with a channel. Each action identifies a target input attachment and specifies when the switch should occur. The schedule is part of the channel configuration; it is not a separate schedule resource.
A multi-input channel does not automatically move to the next attachment in the list, and there is no special “main” input that it returns to by default. As AWS explains in its multiple-input channel and schedule documentation, the schedule must specify the switch.
Choose a switch timing mode
| Start mode | Use it when | Important behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | The switch should happen at a known wall-clock time. | The time is specified in UTC. AWS’s input-switch behavior page says a fixed action must be at least 15 seconds in the future and no more than 14 days away. However, AWS’s fields page specifies at least 30 seconds for a static live input. The documentation does not reconcile these limits, so use the validation for your exact console or API path and switch configuration; verify the current requirement before a time-critical event. Input-switch action behavior · Input-switch schedule fields |
| Immediate | You need an ad-hoc switch or cannot specify the exact transition time in advance. | For a standard channel with two pipelines, MediaLive sets an internal start time 10 seconds ahead so both pipelines switch together. This is internal coordination, not a promise that every source or downstream viewer will change at precisely the same instant. Input-switch action behavior |
| Follow | The next input should start when a referenced input-switch action ends, typically when a file input reaches its end. | The reference input must have Source end behavior set to Continue. Input-switch action behavior |
Prepare the channel and schedule
- Create or identify the inputs. Confirm that every intended source exists as a MediaLive input and is attached to the channel. A switch action targets an attachment on that channel, not an unattached input.
- Map out the sequence. For each planned transition, note the action name, target attachment, and start mode. For file inputs, decide whether clipping settings should limit the portion of the source used. The input-switch action documentation describes fixed, immediate, and follow starts, while the CLI schedule-fields reference shows the corresponding settings.
- Plan the first switch. AWS recommends creating known fixed and follow actions before channel startup where practical. Make the first switch immediate, and target a static input. The first switch must target a static input. Set up a schedule for input switching · Input-switch limits
- Add switch actions to the channel schedule. In the MediaLive console, open the channel’s schedule and add an input-switch action for each transition. Choose the target input attachment and its start settings. AWS’s schedule guide covers working with the schedule. Console labels can change, so confirm the current fields shown for your channel before saving.
- Start the channel and manage later transitions. Once the channel is running, you can continue to add planned actions or issue an immediate action when needed. For an immediate switch expected on short notice, consider a prepare-input action if reducing switch delay matters. Schedule action types
Set up a switch with the AWS CLI or API
A schedule action uses the channel ID, a unique action name, start settings, and InputSwitchSettings containing an InputAttachmentNameReference. Choose one start configuration—fixed, immediate, or follow—and provide values appropriate to your channel. AWS’s CLI schedule-fields reference includes payload patterns for fixed-time live switching, a file switch that follows another action, and an immediate dynamic-file switch.
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Treat the AWS examples as patterns, not production-ready commands: replace sample channel IDs, action names, attachment names, timestamps, and input details with values from your own configuration. Validate the fixed-start timing for your exact input and API or console path because AWS documents differing minimums for some configurations.
Account for file inputs and revisiting a source
When you switch away from a static file input and later switch back to it, MediaLive begins ingesting that file or its selected clip from the beginning. Do not assume that returning to a file resumes at the previous position. This behavior is listed in AWS’s input-switch limits.
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Keep scheduled switching separate from failure handling
An operator-directed schedule action is not the same as automatic input failover. Scheduled actions switch according to the timing you configure. Input-loss handling applies when a previously healthy source becomes unhealthy and can provide replacement content; automatic input failover is a separate feature that can switch to another input when its configured trigger occurs. Input probing failure at channel startup is another distinct case: if MediaLive cannot detect the first input, the input or channel can fail, requiring correction and a restart. Review AWS’s input-loss behavior and failover documentation, then configure and test the behaviors that match your reliability needs.
Troubleshoot a switch that does not happen as expected
- The channel stays on its current input: Confirm that you created a switch action in the channel schedule. A list of attached inputs does not create automatic rotation.
- The target is unavailable in the action: Check that the intended input is attached to this channel and that the action references its attachment name.
- A fixed action is rejected: Check the UTC timestamp, whether it is in the future, and the timing validation for your input type and configuration. AWS documentation gives different minimums for some fixed-start cases; rely on the validation for the exact operation and verify it before a time-critical switch.
- A follow action does not start: Check that its referenced input-switch action is correct and that the reference input’s Source end behavior is Continue.
- A file starts over after switching back: This is expected for a static file input; revisiting it starts at the beginning of the file or selected clip.
- The channel fails during startup: Check whether MediaLive can detect the first input. Input probing failure at startup is not a failed scheduled transition; correct the input or channel configuration and restart as needed.
- The source fails while live: Check the channel’s input-loss and automatic-failover configuration rather than treating a planned schedule action as a recovery mechanism.
Or let it run in the cloud
MediaLive schedule actions are for switching attached inputs within a MediaLive channel. If your goal is instead to keep uploaded video playing as a 24/7 YouTube stream, StreamNeo is a different, simpler workflow: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The cloud keeps the loop running, so nothing has to stay on at home; uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
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