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Use Liquidsoap to build the radio program and FFmpeg to encode its audio and video for YouTube Live. YouTube expects a video stream, so pair your audio with a still image or other suitable visuals. The setup is: create the program in Liquidsoap, connect it to YouTube with the server URL and stream key, test the preview and stream health, then monitor the broadcast.
What each part does
- Liquidsoap selects and combines sources, such as a playlist, jingles, live DJ input, transitions, and fallback audio.
- FFmpeg encodes and muxes the audio and video for the output format used by the Liquidsoap stream.
- YouTube Live receives the stream at its ingest URL, uses the stream key to identify it, and provides the viewer-facing live page and stream-health feedback.
For a playlist-only radio stream, Harbor is not required. Harbor is relevant if you want to accept a live DJ source and switch between that input and other program material; see Liquidsoap’s Harbor documentation.
Before you configure the stream
- Install a Liquidsoap build with the FFmpeg support needed by your chosen output and confirm syntax against documentation for that installed version. Liquidsoap’s Quickstart explains the source-to-output model, while its FFmpeg cookbook provides examples. The cookbook and development reference may not match your installed release.
- Prepare audio files you have the rights to broadcast. YouTube may detect copyrighted material; permission to stream music and permission to keep an archive are separate considerations. Review YouTube’s applicable copyright and monetization rules rather than assuming that a playlist or radio format is exempt.
- Choose a visual source. For an audio-first stream, a static branded image can supply the video signal; use artwork and other visuals you are entitled to display.
- Create or select a YouTube live stream in Live Control Room so you can copy its server URL and stream key.
Build the Liquidsoap program
Start with a continuous playlist source. Add scheduling, jingles, transitions, or fallback audio only as your station needs them. Liquidsoap’s Quickstart shows how sources connect to outputs; its source/output reference documents the relevant interfaces.
Then create a video source and combine it with the radio audio. The FFmpeg cookbook illustrates using an image as video and muxing it with audio. A conventional YouTube video stream needs that video signal even when the program is primarily audio. Check that the image is correctly sized and visible in the YouTube preview before going live.
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Liquidsoap’s reference includes a YouTube-specific output.youtube.live.rtmp output with an FFmpeg encoder, and the cookbook also demonstrates an output.url pattern using an RTMP URL. Treat these as version-dependent API examples, not scripts guaranteed to work unchanged. Confirm the function names, encoder options, and endpoint format against the documentation for your installed Liquidsoap build.
Configure the YouTube connection and encoder
- Open YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room. Create or select the live stream and copy the server URL and stream key. YouTube describes the key as a password and address for the stream in Manage live stream settings.
- Keep the key private. Do not publish it in a public script, repository, screen capture, or log. The Liquidsoap cookbook demonstrates reading a key from a file instead of embedding it directly. If a key is exposed, replace or reset it in YouTube Studio before using it again.
- Select the ingest protocol carefully. YouTube recommends RTMPS for encrypted ingestion in its encoder setup guidance. The Liquidsoap YouTube-specific reference surfaced here defaults to an RTMP URL; verify that your installed Liquidsoap build supports the endpoint and protocol you intend to use. Do not assume RTMPS is configured simply because YouTube recommends it.
- Choose supported video settings. YouTube’s current general encoder guidance supports H.264, H.265/HEVC, or AV1 video up to 60 fps, with constant bitrate (CBR). It recommends a 2-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed 4 seconds. Select a resolution and bitrate pairing from YouTube’s live encoder settings and bitrate table; there is no single bitrate that suits every codec, resolution, and frame rate.
- Set audio parameters. YouTube lists AAC or MP3 as audio codec options. For stereo, its advanced settings specify a 44.1 kHz sample rate and 128 Kbps audio bitrate. Match the encoder configuration to the current guidance and confirm that the resulting audio is audible and in sync.
- Allow for bandwidth headroom. Run an upload-speed test from the machine that sends the stream. YouTube recommends leaving 20% headroom; account for both primary and backup bitrate where applicable. A connection that only just matches the selected stream bitrate leaves no margin for ordinary variation. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
Liquidsoap’s documentation provides API examples rather than a universal copy-and-paste script. Use the cookbook’s general sequence—select audio, create video, encode video, mux the tracks, select an FFmpeg encoder and output URL, then launch the output—as a guide, and adapt it to the installed version.
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Test and start the broadcast
- Start the Liquidsoap output while the YouTube event is set up for testing or preview. Keep the event unlisted or otherwise restricted if you do not want a public test, and confirm its visibility settings before launch.
- Wait for the Live Control Room preview. Check that the image appears, audio plays, and the picture and sound stay in sync.
- Review stream-health messages and correct warnings before starting the public broadcast. YouTube recommends testing the setup and monitoring stream health; see its streaming tips.
- Start the event from YouTube Studio when the preview is ready. Keep Liquidsoap and its FFmpeg output running for the duration of the stream.
Monitor the stream and end it safely
During the broadcast, watch YouTube’s stream-health feedback and periodically verify the actual live page for picture, audio, and sync. If the output stops or the health indicator reports a problem, inspect the Liquidsoap and FFmpeg process output and the connection before restarting; avoid exposing the stream key while reviewing logs.
When the event is over, end it in YouTube Studio and stop the Liquidsoap output. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; it does not promise automatic archiving for streams that run longer, so save a separate recording if you need one. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
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Common problems and fixes
- YouTube receives audio but no picture: the output may lack a video source, or the image-to-video setup may have failed. Confirm that Liquidsoap is generating video and check the Live Control Room preview. A still image is sufficient as a visual source for an audio-first program.
- YouTube cannot connect: check that you copied the correct server URL and stream key for the selected event, that the key has not been reset, and that the endpoint’s RTMP or RTMPS protocol matches the Liquidsoap output. Verify the protocol support and syntax for your installed build.
- The output command or script fails: Liquidsoap APIs and cookbook examples can differ by version. Compare the output function and FFmpeg options with the documentation for the installed release, and check process errors for the first failure rather than relying on a development-reference example unchanged.
- Stream health reports instability: compare the selected bitrate with measured upload capacity, leave YouTube’s recommended 20% headroom, and check whether other traffic is consuming the connection. If needed, choose a lower resolution/bitrate combination from YouTube’s current table.
- Audio is silent, distorted, or out of sync: check the playlist/source output, selected audio codec and parameters, and the audio-video muxing configuration. Test the complete path in the preview before returning to a public broadcast.
- A stream ends but no archive appears: automatic archiving is stated for streams under 12 hours only. For longer events, keep an independent recording if an archive matters.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a 24/7 YouTube stream of uploaded recordings without keeping your Liquidsoap/FFmpeg computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud option. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The cloud loops the uploaded video, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a live camera feed. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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