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You can stream a prerecorded video in portrait format to YouTube Live with XSplit Broadcaster: add the file as a Video File source, set a portrait stage, compose the picture, then send it through XSplit’s YouTube Live output. A capture card or camera is not needed for a video file already on your computer.

Before you start

  • Install XSplit Broadcaster and have the video file available on the computer running it. XSplit’s documented source formats include MP4 and WEBM, though compatibility can depend on the particular file and installed version. XSplit’s Image, Video, and Audio Source guide describes the supported source workflow.
  • Make sure YouTube Live is enabled for your channel. XSplit’s support guide says the channel should be verified and free of a live-stream restriction in the previous 90 days; it also says initial approval can take up to 24 hours. These are XSplit’s guidance, not a guarantee of YouTube’s current eligibility rules or approval time. Check the current eligibility information in YouTube Studio. XSplit’s YouTube Live guide
  • Decide whether to start immediately or schedule the event in YouTube Studio first. For a scheduled stream, know whether you want XSplit to start the event automatically or leave a manual Go Live step for YouTube Studio.

Interface labels and platform eligibility can change. The XSplit support pages cited here were accessed October 3, 2026.

Add the prerecorded video as a source

  1. In XSplit Broadcaster, open Add Source > Video File.
  2. Choose the video stored on your computer. If it does not appear or will not play, confirm that the file is accessible and try a format XSplit lists, such as MP4 or WEBM; a particular file may still depend on its encoding and your installed version.
  3. Use the video source’s playback controls to choose how playback should behave. Check the preview before going live so you know what viewers will see when playback begins or ends.

A Camera/Capture Card source is intended for compatible cameras, capture cards, and other external video devices. It is not needed to play a local file. XSplit’s Camera/Capture Card guide

Make the XSplit stage vertical

  1. Open the stage controls and set a custom portrait resolution for the stage. For a vertical composition, use a 9:16 aspect ratio if that is the format you intend to send.
  2. Resize, move, or crop the Video File source on the stage. Inspect the preview at the intended output size: putting a landscape video on a portrait canvas can crop important content or leave unused space unless you deliberately reframe it.
  3. Arrange any titles or other sources within the portrait frame, then check the entire composition for cut-off text, faces, or other essential details.
  4. Confirm the streaming resolution uses the stage resolution. XSplit documents that streaming and recording resolutions use the stage resolution by default. Its controls let you customize the stage and position or crop sources, but do not prescribe one resolution for every computer or channel. XSplit’s stage guide

Set up YouTube Live output in XSplit

  1. Open Broadcast and set up or select the YouTube Live output.
  2. Authorize the YouTube account or channel when prompted, then choose whether to start an immediate broadcast or select a scheduled live event.
  3. Enter or confirm the event details, including title, description, tags, category, and privacy. Review the available latency, DVR, backup-server, and manual-transition options and choose settings appropriate to the event.
  4. Check that the output is using the portrait stage and inspect XSplit’s preview before starting. XSplit’s December 2024 release notes say Broadcaster version 4.5.2412.0304 added vertical streaming support to its YouTube Live output plugin. If the relevant option is missing, check the installed version and the current output controls. XSplit’s December 2024 release notes

XSplit describes 9:16 vertical streaming as allowing live content to appear in the YouTube Shorts feed. That is an intended platform behavior, not a guarantee that YouTube will place a particular stream in that feed.

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Start now or schedule the stream

Immediate broadcast

Choose the immediate live-event option in XSplit, complete the event details and privacy choices, then start the YouTube output. Confirm the stream is live in YouTube Studio before sharing the link.

Scheduled event

  1. Create the scheduled live event in YouTube Studio first.
  2. In XSplit’s YouTube Live output, select that event from the Live Event list and confirm its details.
  3. Decide whether to use Manual Transition. According to XSplit’s scheduled-stream guide, when Manual Transition is checked, starting the XSplit broadcast does not replace the separate step of clicking Go Live in YouTube Studio. When it is unchecked, starting the XSplit broadcast automatically starts the event on YouTube, according to that guide.
  4. Check the YouTube Studio preview and status. If you selected Manual Transition, click Go Live there when you are ready for viewers to see the event.

XSplit’s scheduled-stream guide

Optional fallback: use a custom RTMP output

If you do not want to use XSplit’s direct YouTube output, you can configure a custom RTMP output with credentials from YouTube Studio:

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  1. In YouTube Studio, get the stream URL and stream key for the event.
  2. In XSplit, open Broadcast > Set up new output > Custom RTMP.
  3. Enter the YouTube stream URL and key in the corresponding fields, then configure and start the output.

Treat the stream key like a password: do not publish it, send it to others, or leave it visible in screenshots. If it is exposed, replace or reset it in YouTube Studio. XSplit’s YouTube Live credentials guide

Multi Output for portrait and landscape layouts

If you need separate portrait and landscape compositions, XSplit’s reviewed Multi Output guide describes separate canvases that share scene and source lists but allow independent source visibility and layout. The guide labels Multi Output mode and its canvas controls as beta, so check the version installed and confirm the workflow before depending on it for a live event. It is not required for a single vertical stream. XSplit’s Multi Output guide

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Troubleshooting

  • The file will not load or play: Confirm the file is available locally and try a format XSplit lists, such as MP4 or WEBM. Compatibility can vary with the file and installed version.
  • The picture looks cropped or has empty space: Revisit the portrait stage and adjust the source’s position, size, or crop. Check the full composition in the preview before broadcasting.
  • The output is not vertical: Confirm the stage is set to the intended portrait resolution and that the YouTube Live output is using the stage resolution. Check that the installed Broadcaster version includes the documented vertical output support.
  • You cannot start a YouTube stream: Check YouTube Studio for channel live-stream eligibility and restrictions. XSplit’s verification and 90-day restriction guidance and its up-to-24-hour first approval estimate may not reflect your current account status or YouTube’s current rules.
  • The scheduled event does not go live: Check that XSplit is connected to the intended event. If Manual Transition is enabled, complete the separate Go Live action in YouTube Studio.
  • The custom RTMP output does not connect: Check that the stream URL and key were copied from the intended YouTube event and entered in the correct fields. Keep the key private; replace it in YouTube Studio if exposed.

Copyright and YouTube channel considerations

Streaming a prerecorded video does not change who owns or licenses its music, footage, or other included material. Before going live, confirm you have the rights or permissions needed for the video and audio, and review YouTube Studio’s current channel and live-stream rules. No aspect ratio or XSplit setting guarantees distribution in the Shorts feed or makes copyrighted material permissible.

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Or let it run in the cloud

If the goal is an ongoing YouTube stream of uploaded videos rather than operating XSplit on your computer, StreamNeo runs the loop from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; each slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day on StreamNeo.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Logitech Brio 101 Full HD 1080p Webcam for Streaming and Meetings - Black
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Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode; Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
$24.99
SaleBestseller No. 3
Logitech C920x HD Pro PC Webcam Full 1080p/30fps Video - Black
Logitech C920x HD Pro PC Webcam Full 1080p/30fps Video - Black
Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode; Fully compatible with Windows 11
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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.