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YouTube Stream Key vs. Stream URL: Which Goes in OBS?

In OBS’s standard YouTube setup, the Stream URL goes in Server/URL and the Stream Key goes in its separate field. HLS can handle the key differently.

By DocumentaryTube Team 3 min read

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In OBS’s standard YouTube setup, put the Stream URL in the Server or Server/URL field, and put the Stream Key in OBS’s separate Stream Key field. The URL is the destination for your video feed; the key is the password-like value YouTube uses to accept and associate it with your stream. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions treat them as separate values.

Which value goes in each OBS field?

OBS field Enter What it does
Server or Server/URL YouTube’s Stream URL Routes the feed to YouTube’s ingestion endpoint.
Stream Key The Stream Key for the selected YouTube stream Authorizes and associates the incoming feed with that stream. Treat it like a password.

Use the ingestion Stream URL shown in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room—not the public watch-page URL. OBS labels can differ by version, service preset, and protocol, but in the standard setup the destination goes in the server field and the key goes in the key field.

Set up the standard YouTube connection in OBS

  1. In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and select the stream you intend to use. Copy its Stream URL and Stream Key.
  2. In OBS, open the YouTube streaming setup and choose the YouTube service or preset if it is available. If you are configuring a custom service, select the matching service and protocol specified for the stream.
  3. Paste the YouTube Stream URL into OBS’s Server or Server/URL field.
  4. Paste the YouTube Stream Key into OBS’s separate Stream Key field.
  5. Start the encoder, then check YouTube Live Control Room for the incoming preview before taking the event live.

YouTube’s encoder setup guidance is the reference for obtaining and entering the stream connection details.

HLS is a protocol-specific exception

For YouTube HLS, the ingestion URL can include the stream key, so the key may not need to be entered separately. Follow the instructions for the HLS preset and protocol you selected; do not assume this URL handling applies to the standard RTMP-style two-field setup. See YouTube’s HLS ingestion guidance.

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Keep the stream key private

YouTube describes stream keys as password-like. Anyone who obtains a usable key may be able to send a feed associated with your stream. If you think yours was exposed, reset it in Live Control Room and replace the saved value in OBS. YouTube explains stream settings and key management in its live stream settings guidance.

If OBS connects but YouTube gets no feed

  • Confirm the selected stream. Make sure the URL and key were copied from the same stream in Live Control Room.
  • Check both fields. In the standard setup, confirm the ingestion URL is in Server/URL and the matching key is in Stream Key; do not put the watch-page address in Server.
  • Verify the protocol. Confirm the service preset and protocol in OBS match the stream configuration. If you selected HLS, use its URL and key handling rather than expecting the conventional separate key field.
  • Replace a potentially exposed key. Reset it in Live Control Room and update OBS with the replacement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

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