Yes—but Google Drive is storage, not a direct YouTube Live audio input. Make the podcast file available to a computer, play it through streaming software such as OBS Studio, and send that software’s output to YouTube Live using the server URL and stream key from YouTube Studio. A Drive sharing link alone is not an established substitute for this encoder workflow.
What you need before starting
- A YouTube channel eligible to livestream. YouTube requires channel verification and no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. First-time activation can take up to 24 hours, so enable it in advance. YouTube’s live-streaming access guidance explains eligibility.
- The podcast audio file accessible from your computer, plus streaming software such as OBS Studio.
- A visual scene for the outgoing stream. The official encoder guidance describes a video feed; it does not define a special audio-only YouTube Live mode.
- Permission to broadcast all audio and video in the stream. Use content you own or are licensed to broadcast.
Make the Google Drive audio available locally
Google Drive for desktop offers streaming and mirroring. Streaming keeps files cloud-first and requires a reliable internet connection while you use them. Mirroring stores a local copy, so it remains available offline, but uses local disk space. Choose the option that fits your connection and storage; for a long or unattended broadcast, having the file available offline can reduce dependence on Drive connectivity.
Drive’s web interface can open audio files, but the documented OBS workflow uses a local media file. Do not assume that pasting a Drive sharing URL into YouTube or OBS will make it a live audio source.
See Google Drive for desktop’s streaming and mirroring options for setup details.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 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 OBS to play the podcast
- Create a scene: In OBS, add or select a scene for the broadcast. Add an intentional visual, such as a title card or other video content suitable for your channel. The stream still needs to be configured as an outgoing video feed.
- Add the audio file: In the scene’s Sources, select + > Media Source. Create a source, browse to the audio file available on your computer, and select it. OBS documents MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV as supported audio file types.
- Choose whether it repeats: In the Media Source properties, enable Loop if you want playback to restart after the episode ends. Leave it off for a one-time play.
- Check the audio path: Confirm that the source appears in OBS’s audio mixer and that its meter responds during playback. Listen to the preview or a test recording to check the level and confirm that the audio is present.
OBS documents Media Source playback and its Loop option in its Media Sources guide.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Open YouTube Studio and create or select a stream in the Live Control Room.
- In the stream’s encoder settings, copy the server URL and stream key shown by YouTube.
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream, choose YouTube as the service if available, and enter the server and stream key. Keep the key private: it identifies where your encoder’s feed is sent.
- Use YouTube’s recommended secure RTMPS ingest where available. Start streaming from OBS, then check the YouTube preview and stream health before you make the stream public or begin the scheduled broadcast.
- Test with the actual episode and visual scene. Confirm the preview has sound, then monitor audio quality and stream health during the broadcast.
YouTube explains the encoder and stream-key workflow in its encoder setup guide. Its encoder settings guidance documents supported ingest and audio options, including AAC and MP3 for RTMP/RTMPS. Match output settings to your video and connection rather than treating a recommended configuration as a guarantee of success.
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.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose a workflow for the broadcast length
For a single episode, local playback through OBS gives you direct control over when it starts and stops. For a repeat broadcast, turn on Loop and plan to monitor playback and the connection. A continuous schedule also requires a decision about unattended operation: a computer running OBS needs to remain available, while a cloud service can keep pre-recorded programming running without relying on a computer at home.
YouTube’s encoder help lists Gyre as a tool for 24/7 pre-recorded video streams, but that listing does not establish that it supports audio sourced from Google Drive. Confirm any service’s Drive and audio workflow before relying on it.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →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.
Troubleshoot common problems
The Drive file does not appear in OBS
Make sure the file is available to the computer through Drive for desktop and select the file itself in the Media Source—not its sharing URL. If you use Drive streaming, check that the computer can reach Drive; mirroring makes a local copy available offline.
YouTube preview has no sound
Check that the Media Source is active, playback has started, and its meter moves in the OBS audio mixer. Listen to the OBS preview or a test recording. Verify the file format is one OBS documents for Media Source playback: MP3, AAC, OGG, or WAV.
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
The episode stops instead of repeating
Open the Media Source properties and enable Loop. Without it, playback ends when the file ends.
YouTube does not receive the encoder feed
Check that OBS has the current server URL and stream key from the correct YouTube Live Control Room stream. Keep the key private; if it has been exposed, replace it in YouTube and update OBS. Confirm OBS is streaming and check YouTube’s preview and stream-health status.
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.
The channel cannot go live yet
Verify the channel, check for live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days, and allow up to 24 hours for first-time activation. Check YouTube’s eligibility guidance if access remains unavailable.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a continuous pre-recorded YouTube stream, StreamNeo lets you upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The cloud handles playback, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. It streams the uploaded file 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. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
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.
