Use SAM Broadcaster to play your radio station, then capture its audio in OBS and send an audio-and-video feed to YouTube Live. SAM’s documented encoders are for radio-streaming destinations such as SHOUTcast and IceCast; the cited documentation does not establish direct YouTube video output from SAM. OBS provides the bridge: capture the device playing SAM, add a visual, and connect OBS to the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio.
What you need before you start
- SAM Broadcaster configured to play your station and send its output to an operating-system audio device.
- OBS Studio installed on the same computer, or on a computer that can capture the device carrying SAM’s audio.
- A visual source for OBS, such as a station image or other suitable graphic. OBS sends a video feed, even when the program is audio-led.
- A YouTube channel with live streaming enabled. YouTube says first-time activation may take up to 24 hours.
SAM’s documented MP3 and AAC encoders and its Icecast v2-compatible source-stream guidance describe radio audio delivery, not a direct YouTube-compatible video stream. See the SAM Broadcaster information and SAM Broadcaster Cloud guidance; exact controls and audio routing can vary by edition and local setup.
Set up the station feed in OBS
- Start playback in SAM. Confirm the station is playing and identify the computer audio device carrying its output. SAM’s exact output-device controls vary, so verify the output locally rather than assuming a particular menu path.
- Create an OBS scene and add a visual. Add a static image, station branding, or another appropriate visual source to the scene. Check that it appears in the OBS preview.
- Add the station audio source. In OBS, add an Audio Input/Output Capture source and select the device carrying SAM’s audio. OBS documents device capture for Windows and macOS. On Linux, use an ALSA or PulseAudio source as appropriate. The OBS Audio Sources guide describes these capture options.
- Check the audio meter. With SAM playing, confirm the selected source’s meter moves in OBS. Avoid selecting the same device as both a global audio source and a scene source: OBS warns that duplicate capture can cause echo.
- Listen before going live. Check for silence, distortion, or unintended audio. If you use a microphone as well as station playback, verify the mix and monitor for feedback.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Open YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room. Select Create > Go Live, then create a stream or choose an existing one. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions explain how to obtain the server URL and stream key.
- Copy the connection details. Copy the URL and key for the intended YouTube stream. Treat the key like a password: do not show it in screenshots, overlays, or on air.
- Enter the details in OBS. In OBS stream settings, select YouTube if it is offered, or enter the supplied server URL and stream key manually. Prefer RTMPS when the encoder supports it and use the endpoint YouTube supplies.
- Start the OBS stream and check YouTube’s preview. Confirm the picture and station audio arrive as expected. For a scheduled broadcast, wait for the preview in Live Control Room and then click Go live.
- End the broadcast cleanly. Stop the encoder output and follow the Live Control Room’s end-stream flow if the broadcast was scheduled. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived.
Choose an ingest protocol
YouTube documents RTMP, RTMPS, HLS, and DASH as third-party ingest options. They are not interchangeable in every encoder; use only a protocol your encoder supports and the endpoint YouTube provides.
| Protocol | What matters for this workflow |
|---|---|
| RTMPS | Encrypted transport and a practical default for an audio-led OBS stream when supported. Google’s requirements specify the rtmps protocol, port 443, TLS, and correct hostname/SNI handling. |
| RTMP | Can support normal, low, or ultra-low latency, but is not encrypted like RTMPS. |
| HLS and DASH | Support additional codecs and can suit some high-resolution workflows, but generally have higher latency. Confirm encoder compatibility before choosing either. |
For RTMPS connection requirements, see Google’s RTMPS ingestion guide. Google’s protocol comparison outlines the differences in latency and codec support. Both pages display a last-updated date of 2026-09-14.
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Protect the music rights and channel
Capturing audio successfully does not establish that you have permission to broadcast it. Confirm that you have the rights and permissions needed for every recording, composition, and other material in the station output on YouTube. The cited setup documentation does not verify rights for your music or guarantee that a particular broadcast will avoid copyright claims or other platform action.
Troubleshoot common problems
| Symptom | What to check |
|---|---|
| OBS cannot connect to YouTube | Confirm the URL and key belong to the selected YouTube stream and were copied correctly. For RTMPS, verify the rtmps prefix, port 443, TLS, and hostname/SNI handling. |
| SSL error or connection timeout | Google notes that an SSL error can indicate an RTMP endpoint was used instead of RTMPS, the wrong port, or a TLS/SNI problem. A timeout can occur when plain RTMP is attempted against an RTMPS endpoint. Recheck the protocol and endpoint in OBS. |
| YouTube shows video but no station audio | Confirm SAM is playing through the device selected in OBS, then check that the source is active and its meter moves. Make sure the device is not being captured twice. |
| OBS meter moves but YouTube preview is silent | Check OBS’s audio output configuration and the YouTube preview. The available setup guidance does not establish one universal, SAM-version-specific cause for this symptom. |
| You cannot start a live stream | If this is the channel’s first live stream, activation may take up to 24 hours, according to YouTube. |
| Audio echoes | Check whether the same device is selected as both a global OBS audio source and a scene source; remove the duplicate capture and listen again. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can SAM Broadcaster send a video stream directly to YouTube?
The documented SAM encoder guidance covers radio audio destinations; it does not establish direct YouTube-compatible video output. Use a separate video encoder such as OBS for the YouTube feed.
Can I use a static image instead of a camera?
Yes. Add an appropriate image or station graphic as the OBS scene’s visual source while OBS captures SAM’s audio.
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