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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 source must keep running somewhere. For live gameplay, a webcam, or desktop capture, move the source and encoder to another active system. For a prerecorded video or loop, a cloud service can stream the file while your computer is off.
Why OBS stops when your computer shuts down
OBS is an encoder, not a relay that continues broadcasting after your computer powers off. The OBS Project’s help portal explains that the connection goes directly from your computer to the streaming service. Once the computer is shut down, OBS cannot capture, encode, or send its scene.
YouTube’s encoder setup guidance likewise describes encoders as software running on a computer or standalone hardware. Whichever arrangement you use, an active encoder and an available source are required to keep a live feed going.
Choose a setup based on what you are streaming
Live gameplay, webcam, or desktop capture
The game, camera, or desktop source—and the encoder sending it—must remain active on a device. You can use a second computer or suitable dedicated encoder, but the existing OBS scene does not move automatically: recreate or transfer its sources, media, audio, and output settings to the replacement system.
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Prerecorded videos or a file-based loop
If the stream is a video file or playlist rather than a live capture, a cloud service can send that content without your home computer staying on. YouTube’s encoder list identifies cloud-based tools for 24/7 prerecorded streaming, including Gyre. Check a service’s current workflow, limits, and pricing directly before choosing it.
This is not the same as preserving a live game, webcam, or desktop feed that existed only on your powered-off computer. A prerecorded-file workflow can play uploaded content; it cannot recreate a live source that is no longer available.
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Cloud-hosted live production
A cloud encoder may be part of an advanced live-production setup if the source is also available to that system. YouTube’s encoder list includes AWS Elemental MediaLive as a broadcast-grade processing service. That listing does not mean an OBS scene transfers automatically, and the available guidance does not provide a complete OBS-to-cloud migration procedure.
Move a live OBS stream to another active device
- Identify the sources. List the camera, game or desktop capture, media, audio devices, and other inputs your scene needs. Confirm that each can be accessed by the replacement system.
- Recreate the scene and output. Install and configure an encoder on the second computer or suitable hardware. Recreate the required sources and audio routing there; do not assume that shutting down the original computer leaves its capture devices or scene available.
- Connect it to the YouTube event. In YouTube’s Live Control Room, use the event’s encoder connection details—the stream URL and stream key—in the replacement encoder. YouTube explains these details in its stream settings; menu names can vary by encoder.
- Test before relying on the setup. Use the Live Control Room preview, check stream health, and monitor audio and video during a test. YouTube’s live streaming tips recommend checking the encoder and stream before and during an event.
- Protect the stream key. Treat it as a credential: YouTube describes it as the encoder’s password and address. Do not share it publicly. If it is exposed, use YouTube’s reset process and update the encoder that uses it.
Encoder or event settings such as auto-start and auto-stop control when a broadcast begins or ends; they do not keep an encoder running after its computer is powered off.
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What to check if the stream does not continue
- The stream ends when you shut down the original PC: that is expected if OBS was sending the feed. Keep the encoder and source active on another device, or use a cloud workflow suited to prerecorded files.
- The replacement encoder connects but has no picture or sound: check that its scene has the needed sources, that those sources are available on that device, and that the correct YouTube event details are configured.
- YouTube does not receive the replacement feed: verify the event’s stream URL and key in the encoder. If the key may have been exposed, reset it and update the encoder configuration.
- The preview or stream health shows a problem: check the encoder output and source, then monitor audio and video in Live Control Room. Test the full workflow before a scheduled broadcast.
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived, but that is an archive rule—not a promise that YouTube will keep a disconnected broadcast live for 12 hours or provide a disconnect grace period. See YouTube’s archive guidance.
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For a prerecorded video or playlist, StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. The Monthly price is $9.99 per month.
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