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To add a station-identification announcement to a YouTube radio stream, put a recorded audio clip into the audio that your encoder sends to YouTube. In OBS, add the clip as a Media Source and trigger it during the program. For recurring, clock-timed IDs, use radio playout or automation software—or include the ID in a pre-produced program—rather than relying on someone to click a source at the right moment.

Choose how the announcement will enter the stream

The station ID must be audible in the stream’s audio. A logo or lower-third graphic alone is not a spoken announcement. Choose a workflow based on whether the ID is occasional, needs to run on a clock, or is part of a prepared program.

Situation Approach Trade-off
One announcement or occasional use Add an existing recording as an OBS Media Source and trigger it when needed. Someone must trigger it at the right time.
Recurring, clock-timed IDs Schedule the announcement in a radio playout or broadcast-automation system, then route the program audio to the encoder. Controls and integration vary by system; confirm how the selected software connects to your encoder before relying on it.
A prepared program that repeats Place the ID in the completed program asset before uploading and looping it. The ID repeats wherever it occurs in the asset; this is not timed insertion into an already-running live audio feed.

For occasional IDs, the OBS method below is a straightforward starting point. If precise recurring timing matters, use a playout workflow you can schedule and monitor.

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Add a recorded ID in OBS

1. Confirm the wording and make the recording

Write and record the announcement before adding it to the stream. If your station may be subject to a broadcast identification rule, confirm the wording and timing that apply to its license and jurisdiction before recording. A microphone is only needed if you are making a new recording; an existing clip can be used directly.

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2. Export a supported audio file

Save the announcement in a format OBS Media Sources supports, such as MP3, AAC, OGG, or WAV. Keep the clip ready on the computer that runs OBS.

3. Add the clip to the scene used for the stream

  1. In OBS, select the scene that carries your YouTube radio program.
  2. In the Sources panel, choose + and add a Media Source.
  3. Give the source a recognizable name, such as “Station ID,” then select the audio file.
  4. Enable Restart playback when source becomes active so the clip starts from its beginning when activated.
  5. Check the OBS audio mixer and confirm the source is routed into the audio mix being sent to YouTube.

OBS also offers a VLC Video source for playlists, but VLC must be installed for that source to be available. For a single announcement, a Media Source is the simpler choice.

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4. Trigger it during the program

When the announcement is due, activate the source in OBS. This manual method depends on an operator triggering it at the intended break. The available OBS and YouTube documentation does not establish a universal clock scheduler or an automatic station-ID insertion feature for every YouTube stream.

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5. Check the audio in the output

Monitor the resulting stream audio to confirm the announcement is audible and does not unintentionally overlap the program. If you cannot hear it, check that the source is active and that it is included in the audio mix sent to the encoder.

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When a scheduled ID is important

For recurring IDs that need to run close to a particular time, schedule the clip in the station’s radio playout or broadcast-automation system and route that program output into the encoder. Radio automation documentation illustrates scheduled broadcasts and audio media sources, but the controls and YouTube integration depend on the particular system. Verify the complete path—from scheduled playback through the encoder to the YouTube stream—before putting it into service.

If your program is pre-produced, another option is to place the ID directly in the audio or video asset before streaming it. This suits a repeating finished program, but it does not provide clock-timed insertion into a separate live feed.

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Check whether broadcast identification rules apply

U.S. stations covered by 47 CFR § 73.1201 have specific station-identification requirements. The rule specifies announcements at the beginning and end of each time of operation and hourly, as close to the hour as feasible, at a natural break in programming. It defines official station identification using the station’s call letters immediately followed by the community or communities specified in its license, subject to permitted insertions.

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That is a U.S. broadcast-station rule, not a universal YouTube requirement and not a finding that every internet-only channel is a regulated broadcast station. Check the rules and license conditions applicable to your station and jurisdiction. YouTube’s live-stream guidance describes encoder workflows, but does not say every YouTube radio stream must carry a station ID.

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Protect the stream’s music and other content rights

YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. If it detects third-party content that remains in the stream, the live stream may be interrupted or terminated. Even a license may not prevent an interruption if the rights holder has not added the channel to its Content ID allowlist. Confirm that your station’s rights cover YouTube use for music and other third-party material, including any archived version you plan to keep.

Or let it run in the cloud

If your station’s program is a prepared video or playlist rather than a separate live audio feed, StreamNeo can keep uploaded recordings or a playlist looping as a YouTube stream from the cloud. It does not insert a station ID into an already-running live radio feed, so include the announcement in the uploaded program asset first.

  1. Upload the prepared recording or build a playlist.
  2. Add your YouTube stream key once.
  3. Go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded content from the cloud.

Nothing has to stay on at home; uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. UPI and cards are available in India, and card checkout is available worldwide. Start the free first day with StreamNeo.

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