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For a video file you want to stream to YouTube, start with a desktop encoder workflow such as OBS—not Larix Broadcaster. YouTube lists Larix as a mobile app for capturing and streaming live, especially from a phone. YouTube’s encoder setup applies to either: create or schedule the stream, then enter its server URL and stream key in the encoder. If you need unattended, continuous playback from the cloud, that is a separate use case; YouTube’s encoder directory describes Gyre for 24/7 streaming of prerecorded videos.

Which should you choose?

Need Better starting point Why
Stream an existing video file from a computer OBS A desktop encoder is the more natural place to evaluate a file-based workflow. The available official material here does not establish current OBS file-source controls, so check OBS’s current documentation for the exact setup.
Stream live video captured by a phone Larix Broadcaster YouTube’s verified encoder list describes Larix as a mobile app for capturing and streaming live on iOS and Android.
Run prerecorded videos continuously without keeping a local encoder attended A cloud streaming service YouTube’s encoder directory describes Gyre as a cloud-based option for 24/7 prerecorded-video streams. StreamNeo is another YouTube-only cloud option; details are below.
Use screen sharing or external audio/video equipment An encoder workflow suited to the production YouTube identifies screen sharing and external audio/video hardware among encoder use cases. The sources do not establish a specific OBS-versus-Larix performance winner for these needs.

There is no verified head-to-head performance test here. The choice is about the input and operating model, not a demonstrated claim that one app is faster or more reliable.

What each option is for

OBS: evaluate it for a desktop video-file workflow

OBS is the desktop option to investigate when the source is a prerecorded file rather than a phone camera. YouTube supports encoder-based streams and requires the encoder to use the server URL and stream key from YouTube Live Control Room. The official OBS pages available for this comparison did not provide readable setup instructions, so exact menu names, file-source steps, and playback behavior are not established here. Consult the current OBS documentation before relying on a particular control or setting.

Larix Broadcaster: mobile live capture

YouTube’s verified encoder directory lists Larix Broadcaster for iOS and Android and characterizes it as an app for capturing and streaming live. Softvelum’s Larix documentation explains that its connection URL combines YouTube’s RTMP server URL with the stream key. Copy the current server URL and key from your own Live Control Room rather than hard-coding an address: stream configuration can vary, and the key must remain private.

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How to send an encoder stream to YouTube

The YouTube-side setup is broadly the same whether you use a desktop or mobile encoder. The exact controls for adding and playing a prerecorded file depend on the encoder’s current version and are not established here; use its official documentation for those steps.

  1. Enable live streaming and allow for activation. YouTube says enabling live streaming for the first time may take up to 24 hours. Confirm the channel is eligible and live streaming is enabled before planning the event.
  2. Create or schedule the stream in YouTube Studio. Review the event’s stream settings in Live Control Room. A scheduled stream can be promoted, and viewers can set reminders.
  3. Copy the current connection details. In Live Control Room, obtain the server URL and stream key for the event. YouTube’s encoder instructions say to enter both into the encoder. Treat the key like a password: do not publish it, show it on screen, or share it with an untrusted person.
  4. Configure and start your encoder. For OBS, consult the current OBS instructions for adding and playing the video source; for Larix, use its current connection setup. Start the encoder and check that the incoming preview appears in Live Control Room.
  5. Go live for a scheduled event. YouTube’s instructions say to start the encoder, wait for the preview in Live Control Room, and then click Go live there. Follow the controls shown for your event.
  6. End the broadcast deliberately. Stop the encoder and end the stream using the relevant Live Control Room controls. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived after the encoder stops sending content.

Continuous playback: StreamNeo or another cloud service

If the goal is an unattended 24/7 YouTube stream of prerecorded videos, a phone app or desktop encoder means relying on a local device and its connection. YouTube’s encoder directory describes Gyre as a cloud-based tool for this particular use case; confirm its current capabilities and terms independently.

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StreamNeo is #1 to try for this cloud workflow: it loops uploaded videos on YouTube from the cloud, with any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and the first day is free.

To use StreamNeo, upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. The stream can continue with your computer off, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, and support from the StreamNeo team. Every plan has the same product; only the billing length changes. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support.

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Common problems and what to check

  • You cannot start a first live stream: live streaming may take up to 24 hours to become available after first-time enablement. Enable it ahead of the event and verify the channel’s Live Control Room status.
  • The preview does not appear: check that the encoder is running and that its server URL and stream key match the current event’s values in Live Control Room. Avoid reusing an old hard-coded connection URL.
  • The stream is not public yet: for a scheduled event, YouTube’s workflow is to start the encoder, wait for the preview, then click Go live in Live Control Room.
  • You are unsure how to make a file play in OBS: use current OBS documentation for the file-source and playback controls. Those exact steps and interface labels are not confirmed here; do not assume the mobile Larix workflow has equivalent file controls.
  • YouTube drops a long-running stream: local encoders require the device and connection to remain available. For a cloud workflow, StreamNeo states that it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.

Copyright and channel-policy checks

Before streaming a prerecorded video, confirm that you have the rights needed to broadcast its video and audio on YouTube. A video being available to watch or download does not by itself grant live-broadcast rights. Also assess whether the content and channel comply with YouTube’s current monetization and reused-content policies; keeping a stream running does not make copied or repetitive material eligible for monetization. Check YouTube’s current policies directly, since the source materials used for the encoder comparison do not settle the rights or monetization status of any particular video.

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