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To stream a prerecorded video through OBS as a YouTube Live event, create or schedule a stream in YouTube Studio, copy its server URL and stream key from Live Control Room, enter them in OBS, and start the encoder. For a scheduled event, starting OBS only sends the preview feed—you still need to click Go live in Live Control Room when the preview is ready.
Choose between an OBS live stream and a YouTube Premiere
A prerecorded video can reach viewers in two different ways. Use an OBS encoder feed when you want YouTube to receive a live signal, such as a feed with OBS scenes or overlays. Use a Premiere when you simply want viewers to watch an uploaded video together on a shared watch page.
| Option | Best for | What happens | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBS encoder feed to YouTube Live | A live-event presentation, OBS scenes or overlays, or a scheduled Live Control Room event | OBS sends video and audio to YouTube using the stream URL and key. | A scheduled stream needs a received preview and a separate Go live action in Live Control Room. |
| YouTube Premiere | Watching a finished uploaded video together | Upload the video and choose an instant or scheduled Premiere. Viewers use a shared watch page and can set reminders, chat and comment. | A Premiere is not an OBS encoder connection. YouTube’s Premiere guide says Shorts are unsupported and output above 1080p is unsupported. |
If the goal is an OBS-produced live feed, follow the setup below. If the video is finished and you do not need OBS’s live production controls, a Premiere avoids the encoder connection.
Prepare the YouTube Live event
- Open YouTube Studio → Create → Go Live. For a first encoder stream, use the Stream tab and create the stream. To promote an event in advance, schedule it from the Manage tab; YouTube creates a shareable page where viewers can set reminders.
- Find the server URL and stream key in Live Control Room. YouTube provides both values for OBS. The URL tells OBS where to send the feed; the key lets YouTube accept it.
- Keep the stream key private. Treat it like a password: do not show it in screenshots or share it publicly. If it is exposed, reset it in Live Control Room and replace the saved value in OBS. YouTube says only channel owners or managers can reset a key.
Connect OBS to YouTube
- Open OBS’s streaming settings. Select YouTube as the service if that preset is available in your OBS version.
- Enter the YouTube connection details. If you are not using a YouTube preset, paste the Live Control Room stream URL into OBS’s server field and the stream key into its stream key field. OBS menu names may vary by version.
- Set the video and audio output for the file you are playing. Use the resolution and frame rate you intend to deliver, and choose a bitrate that your upload connection can sustain. The exact OBS source-loading steps for a prerecorded file can differ by version; the YouTube connection itself requires the server URL and key.
- Start streaming in OBS. For a scheduled event, wait for YouTube to receive the encoder feed and show its preview in Live Control Room. When it is ready, click Go live there. Starting the OBS encoder alone does not publish a scheduled event.
Choose reliable stream settings
YouTube’s encoder guidance supports RTMP or RTMPS; H.264, H.265/HEVC or AV1 video; AAC or MP3 audio; CBR encoding; and frame rates up to 60 fps. It recommends a two-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed four seconds. Use YouTube’s current bitrate table for your chosen resolution and frame rate rather than copying a number without checking whether your connection can sustain it.
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#1 Best Overall
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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
When available, choose RTMPS. YouTube describes it as RTMP over a TLS/SSL connection that provides encryption. Live Control Room may show the ordinary RTMP URL by default; reveal and use the RTMPS URL if your encoder supports it.
Test, monitor and end the event
- Test with representative material. Before the event, check both picture and sound using content similar to the actual stream.
- Check the Live Control Room preview. Confirm YouTube is receiving the expected image and audio before publishing a scheduled stream.
- Monitor stream health during broadcast. Watch the picture, sound and YouTube’s stream-health status rather than assuming that a started encoder is delivering a good feed.
- Allow setup time. YouTube recommends setting up encoders at least two hours before a stream and starting them at least 15 minutes before the scheduled event. These are preparation recommendations, not technical minimums.
- End both sides deliberately. Stop the event in YouTube and stop sending from OBS as directed by the current Live Control Room workflow. YouTube says encoder streams under 12 hours are automatically archived.
Troubleshoot common connection problems
- YouTube does not receive a signal: Verify that OBS has the matching stream URL and key from the correct Live Control Room event, then confirm OBS is actively streaming.
- The scheduled event is not public: Check for the preview in Live Control Room and click Go live when it is ready. OBS sending a feed is not the same as publishing the event.
- The stream key may have been exposed: Reset it in Live Control Room if you are a channel owner or manager, then update OBS with the replacement key.
- The stream is unstable or its quality is poor: Run an upload-speed test, choose a bitrate your connection can reliably sustain, and check the resolution-specific guidance in YouTube’s encoder settings. Test audio and video before the event and monitor stream health live.
- You cannot find an RTMPS address: Look in Live Control Room for the RTMPS URL; YouTube may display the regular RTMP URL first. Use RTMPS only if the encoder supports it.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a prerecorded video to keep a YouTube channel live without leaving OBS or a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option made for looping uploaded videos and playlists. Upload your video, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the file as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and the first day is free with no card. The monthly option is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube streams of uploaded videos, not camera broadcasts. Start the free first day on StreamNeo.
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SaleBestseller No. 4
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Capture Card, USB Video Capture Card Device, Audio Video Converter Grabber for RCA to USB-Convert VHS Mini DV VCR Hi8 DVD to Digital, for PC TV Tape Player Camcorder, MAC Windows Vista Compatible
- AV TO USB Converter: Capture videos and audios from VHS, VCR, Hi8, DV tapes to a PC, with the help of our USB Video Converter. Save room while digitizing your favorite old memories
- Quality Capture Card: Our USB Video Capture Card converting anolog RCA composite input into HD 720P USB output and capturing audio without any sound card. Advanced signal processing technology provides you with great precision, colors, resolutions, and details.
- Plug and Play: Automatically install the driver once you hook up this RCA to USB Converter to a PC. No external power is needed. User-friendly and easy to operate
- Wide Compatibility: The Video Capture Card can work with video devices with RCA connector or S-Video connector, such as VHS, VCR, Hi8, camcorder, compatible with Windows and Mac OS. Support video formats like NTSC, PAL, and support brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation control
- Note: The Video Converter is used with acquisition software. We recommend OBS Studio or PotPlayer for Windows, and QuickTime Player for Mac. They can be downloaded for free online. Please operate according to the steps in User Manual or contact us if you have any questions
Rank #4
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Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
Rank #3
Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
Rank #2
Audio Express AXHDCAP 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Cam Link Card Game Audio Adapter HDMI to USB 2.0 Record Capture Device for Streaming, Live Broadcasting, Video Conference, Teaching, Gaming
- [Enhanced 4K-1080P Video Capture Experience] Capture the Magic: Elevate your video recordings to new heights with our upgraded anti-static 1080P Video Capture Card. Immerse yourself in stunning visuals, supporting HDMI input at 4K 60FPS and USB output for capturing in 1080P, complete with rich stereo sound. Enjoy crystal-clear video recordings, dynamic gaming live streams, and professional conference broadcasts. Note: HDMI resolution: Max input can be 3840×2160@30Hz / Video output resolution: Max output can be 1920×1080@30Hz
- [Seamless Real-Time Preview] Stay in the Moment: Our advanced ultra-low latency technology ensures seamless real-time transmission of video streams. Experience instant, lag-free previews, allowing you to capture every detail precisely. Effortlessly record video directly to your hard disk, all without compromising on quality or introducing any delays.
- [Versatility and Broad Compatibility] Your Creative Hub: Connect your DSLR, camcorder, or action camera to a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Unlock a world of possibilities with real-time streaming to popular platforms like Twitch, Youtube, OBS, Zoom, Potplayer, and VLC, giving you the tools to share your content effortlessly.
- [Effortless Plug and Play] Simplicity Redefined: Say goodbye to complex installations. Our plug-and-play design eliminates the need for drivers or external power supplies. Seamlessly integrate high-definition acquisition into various scenarios, whether it's educational recordings, immersive gaming, precise medical imaging, captivating live streams, or professional broadcasting.
- [Seize Every Detail with Precision] Unleash your creativity and attention to detail with our video capture card. Capture every nuance, every color, and every moment with precision, thanks to the enhanced capabilities of our technology. Whether you're a content creator, a gamer, or a professional, our capture card empowers you to seize the finest elements and bring them to life in your recordings and live streams.
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