OBS Studio is the free software choice for sending a prerecorded video to YouTube as a live stream from your own computer. It is open-source and has no watermark or usage limits, but OBS alone cannot guarantee uninterrupted 24/7 uptime: your computer and internet connection must keep running, and YouTube’s archive and DVR features have limits on streams longer than 12 hours.
Why OBS Studio is the free software option
The OBS Project says OBS Studio is open-source software distributed under GPLv2, free for any use, and without watermarks or usage limitations. YouTube supports encoder-based streams, including software apps running on a computer. Together, these make OBS a suitable no-cost computer-based option for broadcasting a prerecorded video as a live feed. OBS Project Help Portal · YouTube: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder
This is different from uploading a video normally: an encoder sends video to YouTube Live, where viewers see it as a live broadcast. OBS does not host the stream in the cloud. For this route, the computer running OBS and its internet connection have to remain available.
Check that your channel can go live
- Verify your YouTube channel and check that it has no live-streaming restrictions from the previous 90 days.
- Enable live streaming in YouTube Studio. YouTube says first-time activation may take up to 24 hours.
- Confirm that the person operating the stream meets YouTube’s minimum age requirement of 16.
These are YouTube’s general eligibility rules; the cited guidance does not specify a separate India-only software requirement. Check YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility guidance for current account status and requirements.
The Tool Desk
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Set up the prerecorded stream in OBS
- Create or select a live stream: In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create a stream or select the one you plan to use.
- Copy the encoder details: YouTube provides a stream URL and stream key for the encoder. In OBS, open the stream settings and enter those details as YouTube instructs. Treat the stream key as private account-access information: do not publish it or share it with anyone you do not trust.
- Add your prerecorded video: In OBS, add the video as a source, then check the preview and audio before going live. OBS interface labels can change; use a current OBS guide for the exact looping or playlist controls for your installed version. The available documentation here does not verify a particular playlist or loop configuration.
- Start and monitor the broadcast: Start streaming from OBS and check the Live Control Room’s preview and stream health. Watch both picture and sound, and check that any local recording you are keeping continues to grow and remains playable.
For YouTube’s encoder workflow and stream URL/key instructions, see Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder. YouTube’s computer live-streaming tips recommend monitoring quality and checking local archive files.
Plan for archives and interruptions
Do not rely on one 24-hour session for a complete replay
YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived, but a stream longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. If a complete replay matters, keep local recordings and consider ending and restarting the broadcast in sessions under 12 hours. That approach can reduce the archive risk, but it does not make uninterrupted live delivery or a complete YouTube archive guaranteed. See YouTube’s archive guidance.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
DVR rewind may also be limited
YouTube says DVR rewind may be limited or unavailable on streams longer than 12 hours. A viewer who joins late may therefore be unable to rewind as expected. See YouTube’s DVR guidance.
Protect the stream from avoidable downtime
- Keep the computer running OBS and maintain a working internet connection for the entire broadcast.
- Monitor stream health, audio and video rather than assuming a long-running encoder is still sending a good feed.
- Keep local recordings if the material needs to be preserved independently of YouTube’s archive.
The official setup material supports the encoder workflow, not a guarantee that OBS will recover automatically from every computer, network or YouTube interruption. Plan to check the broadcast and respond if it stops.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use only material you have the rights to stream
YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. A match can lead to a placeholder replacing the stream, an interruption, or termination. Even if you have a license, the live broadcast may still be interrupted if the rights holder has not added your channel to its Content ID allowlist. YouTube also makes the creator responsible for holding the rights needed for the stream, including music licenses. Check YouTube’s copyright guidance for live streams and its livestream terms and conditions before broadcasting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want a home computer and connection to carry the broadcast continuously, StreamNeo is a cloud option for prerecorded YouTube streams. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the video from the cloud.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Nothing has to stay on at home while the stream runs.
- Each slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- It can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for the service details, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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.
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