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If OBS’s YouTube stream-key field is blank after you reconnect your account, first check whether OBS is using its linked-account integration. That workflow and manually entering a stream key are separate setup paths, so a blank key field does not necessarily mean the key was erased. In OBS Settings → Stream, confirm the selected service and connection method, then choose the account-linked or manual-key workflow you intend to use.

Why the stream-key field can be blank

OBS can connect to YouTube by linking a Google account in its Stream settings, or by sending a manually entered stream key. If the account is connected, OBS may be using its integrated YouTube workflow rather than showing a field for a key you paste yourself. The blank field alone does not establish that reconnecting deleted or invalidated your key.

OBS’s YouTube integration documentation describes account linking, though its integration section is marked as work in progress and refers to OBS Studio 27.1 and newer. Treat the exact interface labels as version-dependent. OBS: YouTube setup

Choose the connection method you want

Method What to do Best fit
Account-linked YouTube integration Keep the Google account connected in OBS Stream settings and use OBS’s YouTube integration and broadcast controls. You want OBS to use the linked account and its integrated broadcast workflow.
Manual stream key Choose the YouTube RTMPS/manual-key route in OBS, then copy a key from YouTube Studio into the key field. You want to supply and manage the stream key directly.

Do not paste the YouTube stream URL into the stream-key field. The ingest URL and stream key are separate values; the key is the credential YouTube uses to accept the encoder feed. OBS forum discussion

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Fix the blank field step by step

  1. Check the current connection in OBS. Open Settings → Stream. Confirm the service is YouTube RTMPS and check whether YouTube is connected as an account. If it is, the blank manual-key field may simply reflect the account-linked workflow.
  2. Decide whether to keep account linking or enter a key manually. To continue with the integration, leave the account linked and use OBS’s YouTube controls. To enter a key yourself, switch to the manual stream-key configuration route for YouTube RTMPS.
  3. Check the active OBS profile. Select the profile you normally use and revisit Stream settings. OBS profiles save Stream settings, including the connected account, so another profile can show different connection details. OBS supports exporting and importing profiles as a backup or for use on another installation. OBS: Profiles
  4. Copy the key from YouTube Studio for manual setup. In YouTube Studio, select Create → Go Live, open the Stream tab, and copy the value under Stream key. Paste that key into OBS’s manual key field—not the stream URL. YouTube explains that stream keys tell an encoder where to send the feed and let YouTube accept it. YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder
  5. Reset the key only if necessary. In Live Control Room, use Reset beside the hidden key, then copy the newly generated key into OBS. Resetting invalidates the old key, so update every encoder that uses it. You must be a channel owner or manager to reset a key; editors and viewers cannot.
  6. Reconnect or update only after checking the route. If the correct account-linked or manual setup still does not appear, note your OBS version and consult OBS support. Available guidance does not establish a current, confirmed bug specifically caused by reconnecting a YouTube account.

A possible workaround—and its limits

An OBS forum user reported that disconnecting the connected YouTube account made the key box appear. This is an anecdotal report from 2023, not a guaranteed fix for current OBS versions. If you try it, first make sure you can sign back into the intended account, then revisit Settings → Stream and configure the manual route. Read the forum report

If the stream starts but has errors

A visible key field and a successful connection are different issues. If OBS starts the stream but YouTube reports errors, check the encoder’s error messages and outbound connection, and make sure the encoder software is up to date. For account-linked logins that do not use a stream key, YouTube advises contacting the streaming software’s support. YouTube Help: Fix live stream issues

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Or let it run in the cloud

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