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For recordings saved automatically to an online library, choose a managed streaming studio or a service with cloud video storage. For local control, OBS Studio records to your computer, and you arrange any cloud backup separately. These approaches are not interchangeable: compare what gets saved, how much fits, how you retrieve it, and who is responsible for keeping a second copy.

How the storage options differ

Option Storage model Best suited to What to check
StreamYard Managed cloud recordings on paid plans; storage is measured in hours. Creators or teams who want a browser studio and a saved show library. Current plan allowance, recording limits, add-on terms, downloads, and what happens at quota.
Restream Cloud video storage for uploaded videos and past stream recordings; limits depend on subscription. Workflows that reuse uploaded clips or need to download and share recordings. Plan-specific capacity and retention, eligibility for paid features, and an independent backup.
OBS Studio Local recordings saved to a path on the user’s computer. Users who want local recording controls and manage their own files. Disk space, recording format, computer capacity, and a separate backup workflow.

This is a comparison of three documented approaches, not an exhaustive directory of streaming software. The important differences are automatic versus user-managed storage, quota units, retention, recording duration, retrieval and sharing, local control, and backup responsibility.

StreamYard: managed recordings in a browser studio

StreamYard’s help center lists storage by recording hours: 5 hours on Free, 50 hours on Core, Advanced, and Teams, and 700+ hours by default on Business. These vendor plan allowances were listed on the help page accessed in 2026; the publication year is not stated, and Business capacity can be configured. Check the current storage documentation before relying on an allowance.

The distinction between streaming and saving matters. StreamYard says streams can continue after the storage quota is exceeded, but recording is disabled until the user adds storage or removes recordings. Its help center says Free live streams are not saved to the StreamYard library. The current pricing page lists a Free plan with limited storage, two hours per month of local recordings, and six on-screen participants; Core lists cloud recording, 50 hours of permanent storage, and unlimited local recordings. Plan names and benefits can change, and StreamYard notes that prices may vary with promotions, renewal terms, and custom offers.

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Paid-plan users can download recordings, according to StreamYard’s download instructions. If you need more space, its storage help page lists add-on levels of 100, 200, and 400 hours at monthly and annual prices. The help page says a storage upgrade replaces the available allowance rather than simply adding its hours to the previous allowance. Because plan terms and prices are volatile, confirm both before choosing.

Restream: cloud storage for uploads and past streams

Restream describes its video storage as a place for uploaded videos used in future streams, clips played during a stream, and recordings of past streams. The vendor says storage limits depend on subscription. Its storage documentation says users can upload or import from desktop or mobile, Descript, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

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Restream documents access to recordings through video storage, stream history, or the studio/RTMP setup. Recordings can be downloaded or shared through a public or passcode-protected link; the vendor labels downloading a paid feature. See its recording download instructions. The documentation covered here does not establish a universal retention period or a complete tier-by-tier retention schedule, so confirm the terms for the subscription you would use.

Cloud storage is not the same as a durable backup. Restream explicitly cautions that its video storage does not replace a hard drive or another backup. Keep a separate copy of valuable recordings rather than treating one service’s library as your only archive.

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OBS Studio: local recording with a separate cloud workflow

OBS records to the Recording Path configured on the user’s computer. It can record while streaming or record offline, but it does not provide managed cloud retention as part of this local recording workflow. The official OBS recording guide explains the path setting and recording controls. To keep a cloud copy, arrange a separate upload, sync, or backup process; the OBS guide does not establish a native integration with Google Drive or Dropbox.

Choose a format that suits recovery and editing

OBS recommends MKV because an interrupted recording is less likely to corrupt the entire file. MKV may need to be remuxed for compatibility with some editing software. OBS can remux a recording to MP4 using its built-in process. MP4 is broadly compatible, but if writing is interrupted it may be unrecoverable. See the official OBS audio and video formats guide for the format trade-offs.

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Plan the file destination and backup

  • Check the configured Recording Path and available disk space before a long session.
  • If the computer’s internal drive is not suitable, an external SSD is one possible destination or transfer medium; no particular capacity or speed is established here.
  • For a separate cloud copy, use a file-storage workflow you manage. Restream’s support for importing files from Google Drive or Dropbox does not establish an OBS-to-drive backup integration.
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Which option fits your workflow?

  • Choose StreamYard if you want a browser studio with recordings saved to a managed library, and its current plan allowance and download access meet your needs.
  • Choose Restream if cloud video storage for uploaded material and past stream recordings, plus download or link-sharing workflows, fit your process. Verify the plan’s capacity and retention and maintain an independent backup.
  • Choose OBS if local recording control is the priority and you are prepared to manage the destination, file format, and backup yourself.

Before committing, check the storage unit and quota, whether the exact kind of session is saved, maximum recording length, retention or deletion rules, how downloads work, and what happens when storage is full. A cloud recording library may simplify access, but it is not automatically a second copy or a long-term archive.

Or let it run in the cloud

If your goal is a YouTube channel that stays live from uploaded videos, rather than recording a live show into an archive, StreamNeo is a different option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera.

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  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
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  • Your computer and home connection do not need to stay on.
  • One flat price per slot covers the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
  • It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
  • The first day is free with no card required.

The Monthly option is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.

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.