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To include background music throughout a Restream pre-recorded YouTube stream, mix the music into the video file before you upload it, then schedule that finished file in Restream. Restream’s documented Music controls are for playback in Restream Studio; its pre-recorded workflow does not document a way to add Studio music to the audio of an already uploaded video.

Choose where the music should be added

Method How it works Best for
Mix music into the video file before upload Edit the recording so the music is part of its audio, export it, and schedule the finished file as a pre-recorded event. Music that should accompany the recording throughout the event, including when it is scheduled to air automatically.
Play music in Restream Studio Select Restream’s built-in music or upload a custom track, then control playback in Studio. A Studio stream where you want to manage music during the broadcast.

Restream’s guides explain the Studio music controls and, separately, how to schedule a video file or playlist. They do not say that Studio music is mixed into the audio of a stored pre-recorded video. So if the music must be part of that recording, prepare the file outside Restream first. This is a practical conclusion from the documented workflows, not a claim that Restream includes a video editor. See Restream’s built-in music guide, custom music guide, and pre-recorded event instructions.

Mix the music into your video before uploading

  1. Choose the track and confirm your rights. Use music you own or have permission to use for the intended video, livestream, and destination. If you plan to use Restream’s music, check its current license and credit requirements before publishing.
  2. Open the recording in a video editor. Import the video and the music track, then place the music beneath the original audio if you want both to be heard. If you want music only, mute or remove the original audio in the edit.
  3. Set the timing and levels. Align the music with the portion of the video where it should play. Lower it enough that speech or other important audio remains clear. Preview the beginning, middle, and end, including any transitions or fade-outs.
  4. Export a finished file that meets Restream’s requirements. Use one of the supported containers and required codecs listed below. Check the exported file—not just the editor’s project—before uploading.
  5. Upload and schedule the finished file in Restream. The scheduled event uses the audio already in that file; Restream’s pre-recorded instructions do not describe a separate Studio music layer for it.

Meet Restream’s pre-recorded video requirements

Restream lists these requirements for pre-recorded video files. They are the requirements to check for the uploaded file; the separate YouTube streaming recommendations below should not be treated as replacements.

Setting Restream pre-recorded requirement
Container MP4, MOV, M4V, or MKV
Video encoding H.264
Audio codec AAC
Keyframe 2

Restream’s separate YouTube streaming settings recommend AAC or MP3 audio, 128 Kbps for stereo or 384 Kbps for 5.1 surround, and a sample rate of 44.1 kHz for stereo or 48 kHz for 5.1. For the pre-recorded upload, use AAC as Restream’s stated mandatory audio codec; the YouTube page’s recommendations are additional streaming guidance, not a substitute for that upload requirement. Requirements and interface details can change, so check Restream’s current file requirements if an upload is rejected.

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#1 Best Overall
Sale
FIFINE Ampligame SC3 Gaming Audio Mixer with Indi-Fader and Volume Control
  • [XLR Mic Input] One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. The XLR mixer is a stepping stone to upgrade your live streaming. Audio mixer offered built-in 48V phantom power which opens up more choices for mics. Directly use it with your condenser microphone but do not solve added peripherals. (NOT available for USB mic)
  • [Individual Channel Control] Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure. Four independent channels set on the DJ mixer give audio volume of the MICROPHONE, LINE IN, HEADPHONE, and LINE OUT channels individual control. Configurable on the PC audio mixer instead of just operating on your game or streaming software.
  • [Mute and Monitor] The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use. Ability to mute audio, the audio mixer for streaming prevents background noise from damaging your live broadcast. Real-time feedback between speaking and hearing will not distract your attention, which encourage you to speak more confidently. The sturdy-built control button allow you to operate freely and easily during live streaming.
  • [Sound Effects] The computer sound mixer supports four pre-recorded customized button that can be recorded and activated at the press of button to post production. 6 kinds of voice changing modes change your output style. 12 auto tune changes the tone of your voice. The podcast mixer being able to add different and fun effects is a huge bonus for your streaming or game voice.
  • [Controllable Vibrant RGB] RGB button on the audio mixer DJ meets different live streaming themes. Lights on the video mixer is vibrant but not harsh on your eyes. Flowing or frozen RGB color rotation in a decent pace presents a greatly strong impression as a "light show" to your audience. Even a streaming equipment accessory will not be dull looking when video production.

Schedule the pre-recorded event for YouTube

  1. From the Restream home screen, select + New Stream.
  2. Choose Pre-recorded livestream, then select Video.
  3. Select a video from Uploads or Recordings, or upload the finished video from your device. Restream calls uploading videos to its storage for pre-recorded events Upload & Stream.
  4. Enter the event details, including its title, description, date, and time.
  5. Continue, enable the destinations you want—including YouTube—and create the event.
  6. Monitor the event as it airs. Restream says a scheduled video event airs automatically at its scheduled time. Its playlist workflow is another option when you want to schedule a sequence of videos; see Restream’s scheduling guide.

When to use Restream Studio music instead

If your broadcast is a Studio stream rather than a scheduled pre-recorded file, Restream documents two ways to add music:

  • Built-in music: In Restream Studio, click Music, choose a genre or mood, and control playback and volume. Restream describes this as copyright-free music; check the applicable terms and use rights for your destinations.
  • Custom music: Upload audio to Studio’s Custom area, then play it, seek, loop, adjust volume, or reorder tracks. Restream says per-scene music is currently available only for Countdown scenes; otherwise, tracks can be selected and played across the stream.

These are Studio playback controls. They are not documented as a way to edit the soundtrack of a video already selected for a pre-recorded event. For details, see Restream’s guides to copyright-free music and custom music.

Rank #2
Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface
  • Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
  • Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
  • Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording
  • Stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device

Check music licensing before the event

Restream strongly advises against uploading music you do not own or have a license to use. A track being described as copyright-free does not, by itself, establish permission for every use or destination. Confirm that your rights cover the intended video and stream, and keep any license or permission details available.

Restream’s music licensing page says its music can be used free in multimedia projects, including YouTube videos and live streams, under an attribution license. It gives these example credits: “Music from Restream.io (https://restream.io/)” or “Music: “[Song Title]” from Restream.io”. The page also prohibits, among other uses, claiming the music as your own, registering it with Facebook or YouTube Rights Manager, or creating a copyright claim for it. Review the live license terms and include the required credit when you use the music. Restream warns that platforms may shut down streams or impose strikes or penalties over unlicensed music; it does not guarantee that a licensed or “copyright-free” track will never receive a claim.

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Rank #3
Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 USB Desktop Audio Mixer
  • Compact, feature-rich livestreaming USB audio mixer provides high-quality sound for desktop audio production
  • Plug-and-play connectivity to computer or mobile device (no special drivers required)
  • Loopback function makes it easy to mix mic and instrument inputs with background music, game sounds, or other audio input from a computer – and send the stereo mix back to the computer for streaming
  • High-performance A/D converter with resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz provides crystal-clear output for voice and instruments
  • Equipped with a single mic input (XLR or ¼"), two LINE inputs for guitar and keyboard, and USB-C input for connecting to a computer

Troubleshoot common problems

  • The pre-recorded event has no background music. The music may have been played in Studio rather than mixed into the uploaded video. Add it to the video in an editor, export a new file, and upload that version.
  • Restream rejects the upload. Verify the container is MP4, MOV, M4V, or MKV; the video uses H.264; the audio uses AAC; and the keyframe setting is 2. Check the exported file’s actual properties rather than relying on the editor’s project settings.
  • The music masks speech or starts at the wrong time. Adjust the music track’s level and position in the edit, then listen to the exported file from start to finish before scheduling it.
  • A custom track is unavailable in a particular Studio scene. Restream says per-scene music is available only for Countdown scenes. Otherwise, select and play tracks across the stream.
  • You are concerned about a copyright claim. Recheck that the license covers the planned use and destination, and follow the license’s credit terms. Restream’s guidance does not establish how YouTube will handle a claim for a particular track or event; consult current YouTube guidance for claim-specific steps.
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  • Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
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The monthly option is $9.99 per month. For the full included features and terms, visit StreamNeo pricing. Start your free day with StreamNeo.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface
Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface
Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound; Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
$98.00
Bestseller No. 3
Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 USB Desktop Audio Mixer
Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 USB Desktop Audio Mixer
Plug-and-play connectivity to computer or mobile device (no special drivers required)
$159.00
Bestseller No. 5
YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects
YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects
10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects; Note: Please refer to the user manual before use
$294.99
Best Value
YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects
  • 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
  • Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
  • 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
  • 1 knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
  • MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
Rank #4
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface
  • Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
  • Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
  • Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
  • Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
  • Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools

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.