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You can’t publish a completed YouTube Live replay as a separate archive while that same stream is still running. Instead, turn on DVR so viewers who join late can pause and rewind within the live broadcast. The completed replay becomes available only after the stream ends, if YouTube successfully archives it.

Replay and DVR are different

DVR is a control for the broadcast that is currently live: viewers can pause, rewind, and resume playback within the stream. It does not create or publish a separate completed replay. YouTube explains DVR at Turn on DVR on live streams.

A replay or archive is the recording associated with the broadcast after it ends. YouTube says a channel may post a replay once a live stream is over; it is not available as a completed archive while that broadcast continues. See Learn about live streams.

Turn on DVR so late viewers can rewind

Before the prerecorded stream starts

  1. In YouTube Studio, select Create → Go Live.
  2. Open the relevant stream using the Stream or Manage tab.
  3. Open Stream settings, then expand Additional settings.
  4. Enable DVR.

YouTube may change Studio labels. Its current guidance is at Turn on DVR on live streams.

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If the stream is already live

You can still switch DVR on or off in the stream’s settings. A change applies to viewers who start playing after you make it; people already watching may not get the updated control. Tell late arrivals to seek backward in the live player. They can rewind only as far as the beginning of the broadcast, not to a time before it started.

Know the DVR and archive limits

  • Long streams: DVR rewind may be reduced or unavailable on very long broadcasts, particularly beyond 12 hours.
  • Automatic archive: YouTube says it can automatically archive streams shorter than 12 hours. Streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured. The guidance is in Archive live streams.
  • Processing time: YouTube does not specify an exact delay for when an archive will appear. Don’t promise viewers that it will be available immediately.
  • Visibility: After the stream ends, find the recording in YouTube Studio’s Live tab and manage its visibility as needed.

Make a backup recording

Keep a local recording if you need a copy you can rely on independently of YouTube’s archive. YouTube recommends a local archive and advises checking that the recording file is growing during the stream; see its live streaming tips. A local recording protects a copy of the program, but it does not make YouTube publish the replay before the broadcast ends.

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Or let it run in the cloud

If your prerecorded program is meant to run continuously, StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops the uploaded video in the cloud; it does not publish a completed replay while the live stream is still running.

  • Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
  • Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
  • Automatic recovery helps restart the stream if YouTube drops it.
  • The first day is free, with no card required.

See StreamNeo for details. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. Start your free first day with StreamNeo.

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