Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsYou can run a lofi radio stream from a spare PC by sending an OBS scene—your music plus a still or looping visual—to YouTube using an encoder stream and its private stream key. First make sure your channel can livestream and that your music license covers livestream use; then configure OBS, test the actual broadcast, and monitor YouTube’s stream health. A spare PC can keep the stream running only while its power, internet connection, and streaming software remain available.
Before you set up the stream
Check YouTube livestream eligibility
Your channel must be verified and must not have had a live-streaming restriction in the preceding 90 days. YouTube says first-time livestream access may take up to 24 hours to enable, so request access ahead of your planned launch. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility guidance.
Clear the music rights
Use original music, public-domain material, or tracks for which you have permission to livestream. YouTube’s livestream terms put responsibility for the necessary rights—including music rights—on the creator. A track being described as “free,” or crediting its creator, does not by itself establish that you have permission.
Even with a license, a live broadcast can be interrupted if the rights holder has not allowlisted your channel. YouTube says it scans live streams for third-party content and may replace a stream with a placeholder, issue a warning, or interrupt or terminate the broadcast. If you licensed music, ask the rights holder about YouTube’s channel allowlist process. Read YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams and its tips for finding safe music. YouTube’s Audio Library, original music, Creator Music in certain regions, and third-party catalogs are possible sources, but you must check whether a specific track’s terms cover your intended broadcast.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Prepare a visual and check the spare PC
Make a still image or a loopable visual for the OBS scene. Before building the scene, confirm that the PC can play the selected music and run OBS together, and that it has a stable internet connection. The available guidance does not establish a minimum PC specification or guarantee round-the-clock operation for a particular machine, so use a test broadcast to check your setup.
Create a YouTube encoder stream
- Open YouTube Studio and go to the Live Control Room.
- Create or manage a stream using an encoder. Follow the prompts for the stream’s title and other details.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key shown for the encoder setup. YouTube describes the key as the stream’s password and address. Keep it private; if it is exposed, reset it in YouTube’s stream settings rather than continuing to use a compromised key. See Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder and Manage live stream settings.
Build the OBS scene and connect YouTube
- In OBS, create a scene for the broadcast and add the still or looping visual you prepared.
- Add an audio source that captures the music playback on your computer. The exact route depends on your operating system and playback application; check OBS’s audio mixer and confirm that its meter responds while the music plays.
- Open OBS’s stream settings. Select YouTube or YouTube RTMPS if it is available as a service, then enter the stream key. If you use a custom service configuration, enter YouTube’s server URL and stream key in the corresponding fields.
- Review the scene in OBS: confirm the visual is visible, the music reaches the mixer, and no unintended desktop or microphone audio is included.
OBS’s overview guide explains the service or custom-server configuration and stream-key fields. YouTube recommends RTMPS for a standard encoder stream. HLS is an alternative for some HDR or codec-specific workflows, but it has higher latency because it sends video in segments; it is not needed for this basic lofi setup. See YouTube’s encoder settings guidance.
Set OBS output for a stable stream
In OBS’s output and video settings, choose an encoder and profile that your PC can sustain and your upload connection can deliver steadily. YouTube recommends RTMPS, constant bitrate (CBR), and a two-second keyframe interval; it says the keyframe interval should not exceed four seconds. For RTMP/RTMPS video, YouTube lists H.264, HEVC, and AV1 as supported codecs, and AAC or MP3 for audio.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Use bandwidth figures as guidance, not a speed-test target
For 720p at 30 fps, YouTube publishes 2 Mbps minimum, 6 Mbps recommended, and 8 Mbps maximum video bitrate figures. These are YouTube’s published values, not a guarantee that a connection with the same speed will stream reliably. Choose a bitrate that leaves headroom on your actual upload connection, especially if other devices or applications share it. A short speed test does not show whether the connection will remain stable over a long broadcast.
For stereo audio, YouTube’s advanced guidance gives 44.1 kHz and 128 kbps. Keep resolution, frame rate, and bitrate aligned with the visual and with what the spare PC and connection can maintain; increasing settings consumes more bandwidth without making an intentionally simple still-image radio stream more useful.
Test before broadcasting and monitor the live feed
- Start the music and confirm the OBS audio mixer shows activity at a sensible level.
- Start a test stream and check the viewer-facing YouTube feed for sound, picture, and synchronization. YouTube recommends that a test resemble the actual stream, including audio and movement where relevant.
- Watch YouTube’s stream-health messages and correct any warnings before relying on the setup for a longer broadcast.
- During the live stream, keep an eye on stream health and listen to the feed periodically. If you change OBS output settings, run another test.
OBS recommends testing before a first livestream, and YouTube advises monitoring stream health and messages while broadcasting. A static image still makes an audio test essential: OBS can show a picture while the audience hears silence.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
What a spare PC can—and cannot—keep running
With OBS streaming from a spare PC, the stream depends on that computer staying powered on and connected, and OBS and music playback continuing to run. YouTube’s auto-start and auto-stop options control aspects of the stream’s start and end; they do not establish automatic recovery from a PC crash, power loss, network failure, or OBS problem. Treat those as separate reliability risks and check how your particular setup behaves rather than assuming the stream will restart by itself.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting common setup problems
YouTube says the channel cannot go live
Check channel verification and whether a live-streaming restriction applies. If this is the first time enabling livestreams, allow up to 24 hours for access to become available.
YouTube does not receive the OBS stream
Confirm that OBS is configured for the intended YouTube service or server URL and that you copied the matching stream key. If the key may have been exposed, reset it in YouTube and update OBS with the new one.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
The picture works but the music is silent
Check that the selected audio source captures the playback application on your operating system, then play a track and watch the OBS mixer. Verify the sound in a test stream before going live.
The stream buffers or reports poor health
Lower the output bitrate or resolution, then test again. Check that the upload connection is stable and has headroom beyond the stream’s bitrate; do not choose settings solely because a brief speed test reached a high number.
YouTube interrupts the stream over music
Review the track’s actual license and whether it covers livestreaming. If you have permission, ask the rights holder to add your channel to its allowlist; a license alone does not ensure YouTube’s systems will let the live stream continue uninterrupted.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
The stream stops after the PC or connection fails
OBS and YouTube’s start/stop controls do not, by themselves, prove that your specific configuration can recover from a crash or outage. Check power, internet, playback, and OBS behavior on your machine and make a recovery plan appropriate to the failure you need to handle.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want a computer at home to stay on, StreamNeo keeps a YouTube stream of uploaded videos running from the cloud. The setup is three steps: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos rather than broadcasting from a camera.
Quick Recap
- Nothing has to stay on at home; StreamNeo runs the stream in the cloud.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded, with no re-encode and one flat price per slot.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card. The monthly option is $9.99 per month.
Start the free first day with StreamNeo.
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.
