Yes—if the video source and encoder keep running somewhere other than your PC. YouTube receives a live feed from an encoder, not directly from your computer. If your PC is the only place creating or sending that feed, turning it off ends the stream. For uploaded, prerecorded video, a cloud service can loop the video and send it to YouTube while your computer is off.
What has to keep running after you turn off your PC?
A typical PC streaming setup does two jobs: it supplies the content—such as gameplay, a camera feed, or a media file—and runs the encoder that sends the video to YouTube. For the stream to continue with the PC off, both jobs must be handled elsewhere. A remote encoder needs an available source, and it must continue sending that source to YouTube.
YouTube’s encoder workflow calls for entering the YouTube Live server URL and stream key into an encoder, then starting the encoder. To end the feed, stop sending content from that encoder. YouTube’s encoder setup guidance explains this connection. A powered-off PC cannot keep sending a feed that exists only on that PC.
Choose an approach based on what you are streaming
Uploaded or prerecorded video
If your goal is to keep a channel live by playing prerecorded videos, you can upload the files to a cloud service that loops them or schedules a playlist, then give that service your YouTube stream key. The service supplies both the video and the encoder, so your home computer does not need to stay on.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Gameplay, a camera, or another live source
A cloud encoder alone cannot reproduce a live source that only exists on your PC. You must move or recreate the source remotely—for example, make the relevant media or live input available to the remote setup—or leave the PC running. YouTube names AWS Elemental MediaLive as a cloud live video processing service, but its documentation does not specify a particular configuration, price, runtime limit, or uptime commitment for your use case. Check YouTube’s encoder compatibility guidance and the current vendor documentation before choosing an infrastructure setup.
Scheduled prerecorded media without a general-purpose PC
YouTube’s encoder compatibility guidance also mentions AJA PlayToStream functionality for scheduling prerecorded media and streaming it directly to YouTube Live without a computer. That is a specific prerecorded-media path, not evidence that it can replace a remote source for every camera, gameplay, or continuous live-feed setup. Confirm the current product’s availability and supported modes before relying on it.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Set up a remote encoder for YouTube
- Create or manage the stream in YouTube Studio. Open the live-stream setup in YouTube Studio and use the stream’s connection details in the remote encoder. YouTube’s documented workflow requires the YouTube Live server URL and stream key.
- Enter the connection details in the encoder. Copy the server URL and stream key from YouTube Studio into the encoder’s corresponding fields. Treat the stream key as a credential: anyone who has it may be able to publish to your channel, so do not post or share it unnecessarily.
- Use RTMPS where supported. YouTube recommends RTMPS, which encrypts the connection to Google’s servers. Follow the encoder’s current instructions for selecting the RTMPS server URL and configuring the connection. YouTube’s encoder guidance covers compatible encoders and connection details.
- Start the remote encoder and check the feed. Start the encoder, then verify the incoming preview or feed in YouTube Live Control Room before making the stream public or scheduled. Do not shut down the PC until you have confirmed that the remote encoder has the source it needs and YouTube is receiving the stream.
- Keep the remote source and encoder available. The cloud setup must continue supplying content and sending it to YouTube for as long as you want the stream to run. Check the service’s current input, storage, runtime, and recovery limits; YouTube’s setup documentation does not establish those limits for a particular provider.
What YouTube’s 12-hour archive note does—and does not—mean
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. This is an archive threshold, not a stated maximum runtime: the guidance does not say that a stream longer than 12 hours is impossible, nor does it promise an encoder will run indefinitely. If you need an extended or continuous broadcast, check the current limits and recovery behavior of both your encoder and your YouTube setup rather than treating the archive note as an uptime guarantee.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
For prerecorded videos, StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers, and includes 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and StreamNeo team support.
Rank #3
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Billing options are Daily $0.99 per day · Weekly $2.99 per week · Monthly $9.99 per month · 6 months $49.99 for 6 months · Yearly $89.99 a year. Plans have the same features; only the billing length changes. You can cancel any time. UPI and cards are supported in India, and card checkout is available worldwide; contact support for five or more slots.
To try the one-day free period, create a StreamNeo account.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【What you Get】You will get 1*Pi 5 8GB Single Board,1*RasTech Case,1*Active Cooler,1*Screwdriver,1*Installation instructions,12-month free warranty, lifetime service, 24-hour prompt and friendly response.
- 【More Connectors】There are two USB 3.0 ports(5Gbps simultaneously) and two USB 2.0 ports, which triple total bandwidth ,support any combination of up to two cameras or displays. Peak SD card performance is doubled through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. It provides a smooth desktop experience for you. Offer Gigabit Ethernet and a PCIe interface, along with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE wireless capability. The RasTech Pi 5 Kit use the new 27W 5.1V 5A USB-C power connector.
- 【 Support Dual 4Kp60 Display 】Each of the two microHDMI sockets can control a 4K display at 60 Hertz, now support HDR, offering super HD video for media streaming projects. RPi 5 is the first RPi model that comes with a PCI Express port (PCIe 2.0 x1 with 500 MB/s) to attach SSDs (requires separate M.2 HAT).
- 【 Excellent Chips And Applications】Pi 5 is a full-size Pi computer using silicon built in-house at Pi. The RP1 “southbridge” provides the bulk of the I/O capabilities for Pi 5. Pi 5 is more friendly and convenient in the development of Internet of Things, Web development, machine identification, automatic control and other electronic equipment applications and network.
- 【 Faster CPU, Better GPU 】 Pi 5 features a Broadcom BCM2712 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz, it delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance relative to RaspberryPi 4. The 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU is compatible to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, substantial uplift in graphics performance. Pi 5 Offers lightning-fast CPU speed, a PCI Express interface, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a power button and runs significantly cooler than Pi 4.
Rank #4
- All-in-One Complete Kit: This SANOOV RPi 5 bundle comes with Raspberry Pi 5 4GB RAM single board, active cooler, durable ABS case and screwdriver. No extra parts needed, ready to use right out of the box for beginners and hobbyists
- Powerful Single Board Computer: Equipped with 4GB RAM and high-performance processor, delivers fast running speed for 4K playback, AI projects, programming and daily computing tasks. SANOOV for raspberry pi 5 4GB is equipped with broadcom 64 quad-core Arm Cortex A76 processor with gigabit ethernet and upgraded with IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 dual-band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz and Power Over Ethernet (POE). Upgrading delivers 2-3 x speed vs Pi 4, redefining the experience
- Efficient Active Cooler: Effectively lowers operating temperature and prevents performance throttling. Runs quietly even under long-time heavy load, ensures stable operation all day long. SANOOV RPi 5 4GB kit offer an active cooler, which combines an aluminium heatsink with a high-performance PWM fan. Active cooler is fully compatible with the Pi OS, which can effectively reduce the temperature of RPi5 and ensure its good performance during long-term high load operation
- Sturdy ABS Protective Case: Well-fitted for Raspberry Pi 5 board, can be secured with 4 screws to effectively protect the Pi 5 motherboard from damage, reserves full access to all ports and buttons. SANOOV uses ABS material to produce the case, which has a softer texture and feel. Meanwhile, SANOOV case adopts a layered design for easy disassembly and installation. (Tip: The Case cannot install M.2 HAT Add on Board and Solid State Drive!)
- Wide Application & Full Compatibility: Seamlessly compatible with official OS and mainstream peripheral accessories for Raspberry Pi 5. Whether you are a beginner, student, electronics hobbyist or professional developer, this all-in-one kit meets your diverse needs. It excels in IoT projects, robotics design, retro gaming devices, home media servers and other DIY creations. Backed by a large global community, you can easily find guides, technical support and shared projects online
Troubleshoot a stream that stops when the PC goes off
- YouTube stops receiving video: The encoder may still be on the PC, or the remote encoder may have stopped. Confirm the remote service is actively sending content and that it has a working source.
- The remote encoder is running but the feed is blank: Check that the uploaded file, playlist, or remote input is available to the encoder. A cloud encoder cannot access a file or live source left only on a powered-off PC.
- YouTube does not receive the stream: Recheck the server URL and stream key in the encoder against the details in YouTube Studio. Confirm that the encoder is set to the intended YouTube stream.
- The connection fails or is insecure: Use the RTMPS connection recommended by YouTube when the encoder supports it, and follow the provider’s current connection instructions.
- The stream ends after a provider interruption: Check whether the encoder or service has automatic recovery and what conditions it covers. YouTube’s general encoder guidance does not promise uninterrupted service or specify a provider’s recovery behavior.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
