Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
You can broadcast a cloud-hosted radio station on YouTube Live by using OBS as the bridge: add the station’s public listening stream as an audio source, add a visual, then send the OBS scene to YouTube with the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio. The radio service plays the station feed; OBS supplies the video stream YouTube needs. Rehearse before going live, and confirm that your music and other assets are cleared for both the livestream and any archive.
How the setup works
A cloud radio playout service keeps or plays out your station’s audio feed. To send that feed to YouTube with a visual, use an encoder such as OBS. OBS receives the station audio, combines it with an image, artwork, webcam, or other suitable visual, and sends the result to YouTube.
This is different from a service sending audio directly to YouTube. Radio.co’s documented YouTube workflow uses OBS as the relay. Its Radio.co Live and Playout.co tools send audio to a Radio.co station; the documentation does not establish them as direct YouTube encoders. Check the current documentation for your own playout provider before assuming it has a direct YouTube destination.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
What you need before you start
- A cloud radio station with a public listening URL for the programme you want to simulcast.
- OBS installed on a computer that can reach the listening stream and maintain an internet connection while encoding.
- A still image, station artwork, webcam, or other visual suitable for the YouTube broadcast.
- Access to the channel’s YouTube Studio Live Control Room so you can create a stream and retrieve its server URL and stream key.
- Rights for every music track, spoken recording, image, and other third-party asset used on YouTube, including in an archived recording.
Set up OBS and connect the station feed
- Find the station listening URL. Copy the public listening link from your radio service dashboard. Make sure it is the feed you intend to put on YouTube, rather than an administration or playout-control URL. Radio.co’s example adds the station listening link to OBS as a VLC media source.
- Add the audio source in OBS. In the Sources panel, add a VLC media source and enter the listening URL. If your setup uses a different supported media source, use that instead. Start playback and check the OBS audio mixer for activity. For a broadcast originating from a local microphone or mixer instead, Radio.co’s guidance also describes capturing those inputs; that is a different audio path from relaying the station URL.
- Add a visual. Add a background image, station artwork, webcam, or another appropriate source to the scene. Arrange it so the broadcast has a deliberate visual while the audio plays. Check the scene in OBS’s preview before connecting to YouTube.
- Check levels and unwanted sound. Listen to the OBS output and watch the audio meters. Avoid clipping or an unintentionally quiet feed. If you capture system audio rather than only the station URL, silence desktop alerts and browser sounds: they can be sent to the broadcast too.
Create a YouTube Live stream
- Open YouTube Studio. Choose Create and then Go Live.
- Choose the stream workflow. Use the Stream tab for an immediate broadcast, or use Manage to schedule one. Scheduling can create a watch page that you can share in advance and can let viewers set reminders.
- Copy the connection details. In YouTube’s Live Control Room, copy the stream URL and stream key. Treat the key like a password: anyone who has it may be able to send a feed to your broadcast. Do not publish it or show it in a screen capture.
- Enter the details in OBS. Open OBS stream settings, select YouTube or the appropriate custom service option, and enter the server URL and stream key supplied by YouTube. The exact labels can vary by OBS version and selected service; use the current URL and key shown in Live Control Room rather than relying on a saved, possibly outdated value.
- Use RTMPS when available. YouTube offers RTMPS, an encrypted connection. If OBS offers a YouTube RTMPS preset, use it. Otherwise, YouTube says the RTMPS URL can be revealed from the lock icon in stream settings. If the connection reports an SSL error, check that the URL and protocol match YouTube’s supplied RTMPS details; YouTube notes that port 443 may help in some cases. If the connection times out, confirm the encoder supports RTMPS.
Rehearse, go live, and finish cleanly
- Start sending the OBS feed. Start streaming in OBS and wait for YouTube’s preview in Live Control Room. For a scheduled stream, YouTube may show a preview before you click Go live.
- Verify the public-facing result. Confirm that the station audio is playing, the visual is correct, the privacy setting is what you intend, and the preview is stable before sharing the event or starting the public broadcast. A private rehearsal can help catch the wrong feed, missing audio, or a visible stream key.
- Monitor the broadcast. Keep an eye on OBS and YouTube during the event. A station feed can continue playing while the encoder or network connection has a problem, so check that YouTube is still receiving the intended programme.
- End the broadcast and review the recording. Stop sending content from OBS and end the stream in YouTube as appropriate. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Check the resulting recording and confirm it is permitted to remain available; Content ID claims on archived streams may appear after the live stream ends.
Clear music and other rights for YouTube
A licence that permits music on your radio station does not necessarily cover a YouTube livestream or its replay. YouTube’s livestream terms place responsibility on the streamer to have the necessary rights for use on Google services, including music rights from artists, record labels, publishers, and other royalty participants. Check that your permissions cover YouTube Live and, separately, the archived video.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
PUPGSIS Gaming Audio Mixer for PC Streaming, Soundboard with Voice Changer
- This sound card is not compatible with 48V dynamic microphones or USB microphones. It only supports XLR microphones. (Note: Connecting an XLR microphone requires a 1/4" TRS to XLR cable, which is available as part of a promotional offer and must be added separately.)
- All-in-One Audio Interface for Streaming – This mixer works as a complete audio hub for live streaming, podcasting, and gaming. It features a 1/4" TRS dynamic microphone input, built-in reverb, 4 custom sound effects pads, and a voice changer, so you can enhance your voice and engage your audience with creative audio in real time.
- Effective Noise Cancellation – Equipped with advanced noise reduction technology, the PUPGSIS mixer filters out background hum, fan noise, and other unwanted sounds. Your viewers will hear only your clear, professional voice – ideal for noisy gaming rooms or home studios.
- Customizable Sound Effects & Voice Changer – Personalize your stream with 4 programmable sound effect buttons. Load your own audio clips (laugh tracks, claps, alarms, etc.) and activate them instantly. The built‑in voice changer lets you alter your pitch for fun character voices or anonymous commentary.
- Adjustable Reverb for Professional Vocals – The mixer features a fully adjustable reverb effect, allowing you to dial in exactly the right amount of room ambience for your voice. Whether you want a subtle studio echo or a dramatic live‑stage sound, the dedicated reverb control lets you fine‑tune it on the fly – no software needed.
YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. A match can replace the stream with a placeholder and warning; if the content continues, YouTube may interrupt or terminate the stream. Having a licence may not prevent that interruption: YouTube says the licensed-content owner may need to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. Resolve this with the rights owner before relying on a commercial-music feed.
YouTube’s Livestream terms and conditions state: “You represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights for the exploitation of the Live Content on the Google Services throughout the world, including, without limitation, music licensing rights from artists, record labels, publishers (including public performance licenses) and any other royalty participants.”
Rank #2
Sale
4-Channel Bluetooth Audio Mixer,Recording PC Mixer with XLR USB Interface
- 4-Channel Audio Mixer: Compact 4-channel audio mixer with USB audio interface, Bluetooth streaming, 99 DSP effects, 7-band EQ and +48V phantom power. XLR and 1/4" inputs let you connect mics, instruments and audio devices for smooth, reliable control. Ideal for podcast recording, home studios and content creation.
- Bluetooth Streaming & USB Audio: Wirelessly stream music from your iPad or smartphone to this Bluetooth mixer. The USB port lets you play audio from a USB flash drive, memory card, or MP3 player, or connect a computer via USB for playback, recording, and mixing. Press the USB button to activate USB/Bluetooth audio playback. Be sure to keep it off when using the 3/4 channel inputs. (Note: Bluetooth is input only and cannot be used for output.)
- 99 DSP Effects for Richer Vocals: This mixer board delivers a comprehensive library of 99 DSP effects, including hall/room reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, and more. Reverb and delay effects add warmth, depth and clarity, helping vocals sound fuller and more professional. Ideal for karaoke, live vocals and online content creation.
- 48V Phantom Power & Precise 7-Band EQ: Power condenser mics with stable, low-noise performance and shape your sound with far more precision than standard 2- or 3-band mixers. Easily balance vocals, instruments and background music for clear, balanced audio during recording, streaming or music production.
- Portable Metal Build & Reliable Support: This mini audio mixer features a durable all-metal chassis that is compact enough for desktop and mobile use, built to handle home recording and on-the-go streaming setups. It includes the Audio Mixer, Power Adapter and User Manual, with responsive customer support ready to assist whenever you need help.
Choose the audio path that matches your broadcast
| Approach | Audio source | What the encoder does | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relay the existing station | The station’s public listening URL | OBS adds the visual and sends the combined feed to YouTube | You want YouTube to carry the programme already playing on your cloud station |
| Broadcast a live local input | A microphone, mixer, or captured system audio | OBS captures the input, adds the visual, and sends the feed to YouTube | You are originating live speech or audio locally rather than relaying the station’s listening URL |
In either approach, the encoder remains a separate part of the documented Radio.co-to-YouTube workflow. If you use system-audio capture, account for computer sounds as well as programme audio. A USB microphone, audio interface, or mixer is optional equipment for a live local-input setup, not a requirement for relaying an existing station feed.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Troubleshoot common problems
- OBS has no audio meter activity: Recheck the listening URL, confirm that the station feed is playing, and verify that the source is enabled in the current scene. Make sure you entered a public playback link, not a dashboard URL.
- YouTube receives video but no station audio: Check that the station source is routed to the OBS stream output and that its mixer level is not muted. Listen to OBS’s output monitoring, if configured, before restarting the broadcast.
- Desktop alerts or browser audio are audible: System-audio capture includes sounds beyond the station programme. Silence notifications and unrelated browser or desktop audio, or use the station listening URL as the dedicated source.
- OBS cannot connect or reports an SSL error: Compare the configured server URL and protocol with the current values in YouTube Live Control Room. If using RTMPS, verify that OBS supports it and use YouTube’s supplied secure URL; YouTube notes port 443 may help for some SSL errors.
- The connection times out: Confirm RTMPS support if you selected that transport, check the encoder’s connection settings, and verify the computer’s internet connection.
- YouTube interrupts the stream or displays a rights warning: A detected third-party match may trigger a placeholder, warning, interruption, or termination. Contact the rights owner to confirm YouTube permissions and, for licensed content identified by Content ID, whether your channel needs to be allowlisted.
- A claim appears after the event: Review the archive’s rights separately from the live transmission. YouTube says Content ID claims may be made after the stream ends when it is archived.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a prerecorded video live on a YouTube channel around the clock, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera or a cloud radio station’s listening URL, so it is not a replacement for the OBS radio-feed workflow above.
Rank #3
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.
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on for the stream to run.
- Every slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot with no quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Plans offer day, week, month, six-month, or annual billing; cancel any time. UPI and cards are available in India, and card checkout is available worldwide.
Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery, and StreamNeo team support. See StreamNeo for details. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start the free first day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Podcast Equipment Bundle with Audio Mixer Sound Card and Podcast Microphone, Compatible with PC and Mobile Phones for Live Streaming, Singing, Recording, and Content Creation
- 【Podcast Microphone Bundle】This podcast equipment kit includes a professional condenser microphone, G9 sound card, shock mount, desktop microphone stand, and power cable. This professional studio-grade setup is specially designed for podcasting, streaming, music recording, and short video creation. You’ll receive a complete podcast equipment bundle that meets your daily content creation needs—no need to purchase any additional gear.
- 【G9 sound board with Rich Effects & 4 Voice Changers】— The audio interface mixer features 4 voice change modes and 12 built-in sound effects, adding fun and creativity to your live streams. It also includes a noise reduction function to keep your voice clear, along with adjustable bass, midrange, treble, and reverb settings. Perfect for podcasting, streaming, and live broadcasting.
- 【Plug and Play】The G9 sound board is plug-and-play, featuring a USB audio interface for computers and 3.5mm/6.35mm dynamic microphone inputs. Simply connect it to your PC, Mac, or mobile device—no complicated setup required. This podcast equipment kit lets you start live streaming or content creation quickly and easily.
- 【Tailored for Live Streaming】 The BGM follow singing function is specially designed for music live streaming. When enabled, you can hear the original track and backing vocals through your headphones, while your audience hears only the accompaniment and your singing, making your performance more natural and stable. Ideal for live music performances and song covers, helping enhance your performance and audience experience.
- 【Personalized Sound Effects】 Reverb depth enhances voice fullness, while reverb length adjusts the tail effect. Both parameters support independent adjustment, allowing you to flexibly adjust the sound atmosphere according to different creation scenarios and deliver a more natural, detailed, and layered audio performance.
Rank #4
LZSIG Mini Audio Mixer, Ultra Low-Noise, 4-Channel, 4 IN 1 OUT
- 4-IN-1 Line mixer for audio sources: this Compact 4-channel Line Mixer Supports Up To Multiple Audio Sources—Such As Electronic Drum , Electric Keyboards, Electric Guitar ,Computers, CD Players, or Gaming Consoles—and Mixes Them Into a Single Stereo or Mono Output. Ideal As a Mini Mixer for Expanding Your Audio Setup or Building a Basic Mixer System
- Ultra-low noise audio mixer: equipped MPS Power Management Chip to Eliminate Ground Noise, and 6 ROHM Low-Noise Op-Amps to Ensure Clean, Distortion-Free Output. Perfect for Anyone Seeking a Reliable Audio Mixer or Stereo Mixer with Professional-Grade Performance
- Mono/stereo switching – versatile mixer mode: easily Switch Between Mono Mixer and Stereo Line Mixer Modes to Suit Various Setups. Compatible with Both 3.5mm (1/8") and 6.35mm (1/4") TRS/TS Cables—no Need For Adapters. This Compact Mixer Is Perfect For Versatile Audio Routing
- DC 5V power supply: The audio mixer uses the latest DC 5V power supply mode, so it no longer restricts the application scenarios. NOTE: The power adapter is sold separately. For the best audio quality, we recommend using a CE- or UL-certified power supply and positioning the device away from other electronics to minimize interference
- Reliable 4 channel audio mixer with support: our 4-Channel Audio Mixer Comes with 24-hour Responsive Customer Service. If You Experience Issues—such as Adapter Compatibility—We'll Provide Fast and Effective Support for a Smooth User Experience
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.
