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To show a pre-recorded video as a YouTube livestream from a Windows 11 PC, add it to an OBS scene as a Media Source, configure the YouTube stream URL and key, then start the encoder. For a scheduled stream, wait for the feed to appear in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room and click Go live there. Test the video and audio beforehand, and use only material you have the rights to stream.
Before you start
- Check livestream eligibility: YouTube requires a verified channel and no livestreaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. See YouTube live streaming tips.
- Have your video ready: OBS Media Source documentation lists common supported formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, and WebM. OBS Media Sources
- Use a stable upload connection: Your connection must sustain the bitrate you select, with headroom for variation. Test it at the intended resolution and frame rate.
- Confirm your rights: You need permission to livestream both the video and its audio. YouTube’s rights-management controls do not grant permission to use third-party material. See YouTube live-streaming rights management.
Create or schedule the YouTube stream
- Open YouTube Studio and select Create → Go Live.
- For an immediate event, use the Stream tab. To set one up for later, open Manage → Schedule Stream. Scheduling can create an upcoming watch page where viewers may set a reminder.
- In Live Control Room, locate the stream URL and stream key. Keep the key private: it identifies where your encoder sends the feed and enables YouTube to accept it. If it is exposed, reset it in Live Control Room and replace it in OBS. See Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder and YouTube live stream settings.
YouTube advises setting up an encoder at least two hours ahead and starting it at least 15 minutes before a scheduled event. These are its planning recommendations, not technical prerequisites.
Set up the pre-recorded video in OBS
- Open OBS Studio on Windows 11 and select or create a scene in the Scenes panel.
- In Sources, select + → Media Source. Name it if useful, then choose OK.
- In the Media Source properties, enable Local File if needed and browse to the recording.
- Enable Loop if you want the video to repeat after it ends. Loop is off by default; leave it off if the program should play once.
- Check the other playback options. Restart playback when source becomes active is on by default. Close file when inactive is also on by default, so the source hides when playback ends; change it if that behavior does not suit your scene.
- Select OK. Check the OBS preview to confirm the picture fits the canvas, then play the source and listen to the audio through OBS.
A local Media Source plays the file directly; a camera or capture card is not required just to broadcast a recording. For detailed descriptions of the controls and listed file types, see the OBS Media Sources guide.
Connect OBS to YouTube
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream.
- Choose YouTube as the service if it is available, then connect your account or enter the stream key as prompted. Alternatively, select a custom service and copy the stream URL and key from YouTube Live Control Room into the matching OBS fields.
- Select Apply and OK. Keep the key private; do not include it in screenshots or recordings.
Labels and available connection options can vary by OBS version. The essential detail is that OBS must send to the URL and key belonging to the YouTube event you intend to broadcast.
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#1 Best Overall
Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
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- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
Choose video, audio, and bitrate settings
In OBS, configure output and video settings to match the recording, your connection, and YouTube’s current encoder guidance. The settings affect three things: resolution controls image detail, frame rate affects motion smoothness, and bitrate determines how much upload capacity the feed needs. YouTube transcodes incoming video for playback at different qualities.
Use a supported delivery format
YouTube’s current RTMP/RTMPS guidance recommends RTMPS for encrypted delivery. For RTMP/RTMPS it lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, or AV1 video; up to 60 fps; constant bitrate (CBR); AAC or MP3 audio; and a two-second keyframe interval, which should not exceed four seconds. Check the current YouTube encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions before going live, since platform recommendations can change.
Rank #2
Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
Use bitrate guidance appropriate to your codec
| 1080p at 30 fps | Minimum bitrate | Recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| H.264 | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| AV1 or H.265/HEVC | 4 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
These figures are YouTube’s published guidance for the specified resolution, frame rate, and codec, not independent performance measurements. A higher bitrate can preserve more detail but needs more upload capacity; if your connection cannot sustain it steadily, lower the bitrate or choose a less demanding resolution or frame rate. Test with the same settings you plan to use.
Test, start, and end the broadcast
- Play the Media Source and test representative motion and audio. Check for correct framing, audible sound, and any unexpected gaps or cutoffs.
- In OBS, select Start Streaming. Open YouTube Live Control Room and wait for the preview. Check stream health and listen to the preview before making the event public.
- For a scheduled event, click Go live in Live Control Room when the preview and feed are ready. Sending video from OBS alone does not complete that scheduled go-live step.
- During the event, monitor YouTube’s stream health and audio/video quality. If the feed becomes unstable, reduce bitrate or other demanding settings before resuming or starting a new event.
- When finished, end the event in Live Control Room and stop the OBS stream. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived.
For more preparation and monitoring guidance, see YouTube live streaming tips.
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Rank #3
Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
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- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
Troubleshooting
YouTube does not receive a signal
- Check the stream key and URL: Make sure they belong to the intended event and are entered in the corresponding OBS fields. If the key may have been exposed, reset it in YouTube and update OBS.
- Check encoder status: Confirm OBS is actually streaming, not merely previewing. Verify the selected service or custom server details in Settings → Stream.
- Check the connection: A blocked or unstable network connection can prevent delivery. Retry after confirming the PC can reach the internet and that the selected bitrate is sustainable.
The scheduled event is not visible to viewers
Confirm that OBS is sending, wait for the preview in Live Control Room, and use its Go live control for the scheduled workflow. A scheduled watch page and an active broadcast are separate stages.
The video stops at the end
Open the Media Source properties and enable Loop if you want playback to restart. The setting is off by default. If the source disappears at the end, review Close file when inactive, which is on by default.
Rank #4
Capture Card 4K HDMI Video Streaming to USB 3.0 1080P 60FPS Capture Device
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- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
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- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
Audio or video quality is poor
- Check that the Media Source is playing the intended file and that audio is present in OBS.
- Compare the configured bitrate with YouTube’s guidance for the chosen codec, resolution, and frame rate. Lower it if the upload connection cannot hold it consistently.
- Use the Live Control Room preview and stream health indicators during testing rather than relying only on the local OBS preview.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube channel to keep looping uploaded videos without leaving your Windows 11 PC on, StreamNeo runs the stream in the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not broadcast from a camera.
Quick Recap
- Nothing has to stay powered on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Each slot uses one flat price for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is available if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required; one free day is available per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo 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.
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