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You can’t keep OBS streaming the same live scene after shutting down the computer running OBS: OBS sends video directly from that computer to YouTube, so the encoder and its sources must keep running somewhere. For live gameplay, a webcam, or desktop capture, use another configured system that stays on. For uploaded, pre-recorded video, a cloud service can stream it while your computer is off.

Why OBS stops when you shut down your computer

OBS does not relay your stream through OBS-operated servers. Its connection goes directly from the computer to the streaming service, as the OBS Project FAQ explains. When you shut that computer down, OBS stops encoding and sending video.

YouTube’s encoder instructions describe encoders as software on a computer or standalone hardware. In either case, an encoder and the content source it needs must remain active to keep producing a live feed. Turning off the computer is not the same as stopping a scheduled event or enabling an encoder’s auto-stop setting; those controls do not keep generating video after the encoder is off.

Choose a solution based on what you are streaming

Live gameplay, webcam, or desktop capture

The scene depends on a live source from your computer. To continue after that computer shuts down, the source and encoder must run on another suitable device or system. A new machine will need its own OBS setup: recreate or transfer the scenes, sources, media, audio routing, and output settings. A cloud encoder only helps if the live source is available to it; it cannot capture a game or webcam that exists solely on your powered-off computer.

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Pre-recorded video or a file-based loop

If you want to stream uploaded videos rather than a live camera, game, or desktop, a cloud service designed for that workflow can send the files to YouTube without your computer running. YouTube’s encoder list names Gyre as a cloud-based option for 24/7 live streaming of pre-recorded videos. Check the service’s current terms, limits, and pricing before choosing it.

For this pre-recorded YouTube use case, StreamNeo is an alternative to try first: it loops uploaded videos from the cloud, supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and offers a free first day.

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Cloud-hosted live production

Cloud production is possible if the encoder can access the live source and is configured to send it to YouTube. YouTube’s encoder list also names AWS Elemental MediaLive, a broadcast-grade live video processing service. That listing does not mean a current OBS scene transfers automatically, and the available setup guidance does not establish a complete OBS-to-cloud migration procedure.

Move a live OBS stream to another device

  1. Keep the source available. Make sure the game, camera, desktop, or other input can be accessed by the replacement system. If the source is only on the computer you plan to turn off, the stream cannot show it after shutdown.
  2. Set up the replacement encoder. Install and configure OBS or use suitable standalone encoder hardware. Recreate the required scenes, inputs, media, and audio on that system; do not assume the old computer’s capture devices or files will be available automatically.
  3. Connect it to the YouTube event. In YouTube Studio, open the live event in Live Control Room and use the encoder connection details YouTube provides: the stream URL and stream key. Enter them in the replacement encoder’s streaming settings. YouTube describes the stream key as the encoder’s password and address; treat it as a credential and reset it if you believe it has been exposed. See YouTube’s encoder setup instructions and stream settings guidance.
  4. Test before relying on it. Start the encoder and check the Live Control Room preview and stream health. Confirm picture and audio, then monitor the stream during the event. YouTube’s live streaming tips recommend checking the encoder and monitoring audio and video.
  5. Shut down the original computer only after the replacement is sending correctly. Confirm that YouTube is receiving the intended feed from the other system before powering off the machine that previously ran OBS.

Or let it run in the cloud

For pre-recorded video, the setup is simpler: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one price, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required; monthly billing is $9.99 per month. This is for uploaded video, not a live camera, game, or desktop feed. Start your free first day with StreamNeo.

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What YouTube’s archive rule does—and does not—mean

YouTube Help says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That is an archive threshold, not a promise that YouTube will keep a disconnected stream live for 12 hours or a stated grace period for encoder disconnections. Do not use it as a substitute for a running encoder. See YouTube’s live stream archiving guidance.

Quick Recap

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