Add background music as a separate audio source in your streaming software, check that it reaches the mixer, and set its level so speech remains clear. Before you go live, make sure the music licence covers the platform and every format you plan to publish, including archives, clips, and reuploads. Audio routing can change what viewers hear in a saved recording; it cannot grant permission to play a track.
Before adding music, check what the licence allows
Choose music whose licence specifically covers your planned use. Check whether it permits live broadcasts on your platform, saved VODs, clips, reuploads, monetization, and use in your region. Also check what happens if the licence changes or expires.
Buying a track, owning a CD, or paying for a personal music subscription does not by itself generally authorize sharing that music in a stream or VOD. Twitch’s Music FAQ and its DJ Program FAQ explain that the specific licence terms matter. A music service’s inclusion on a platform list is not a substitute for checking its current terms.
Add music in your streaming setup
- Pick a permitted source. Confirm that the licence covers the live platform and any recording, clip, or reupload you intend to publish.
- Add music as its own audio source. In your streaming software, add the music source separately from your microphone and other audio. This makes it easier to set levels and, where supported, route it differently for live output and recordings.
- Check the audio mixer. Confirm that the music registers on the mixer when it plays. Adjust it so speech remains understandable; listen to the combined output rather than judging the music level in isolation.
- Test the full audio path. Check the outgoing stream and any recording or monitoring path before the broadcast. A source that sounds right locally may still be routed differently in the stream or archive.
Keep music out of a Twitch VOD while retaining it live
If your music licence allows live use but you do not want the track in a Twitch VOD, OBS Studio’s Twitch VOD track feature can send a different audio feed to the live stream and the VOD. OBS’s Twitch VOD Track Guide describes track 1 as the live feed and track 2 as the VOD feed in its example.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall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.
- In OBS, open Edit > Advanced Audio Properties.
- Assign your microphone and other audio sources to the tracks required for your live feed and VOD.
- Keep the music source on the live track and exclude it from the VOD track.
- Make a test recording or check the resulting VOD routing before relying on it.
This changes which audio reaches the archive; it does not make unlicensed live music permissible. OBS documents the feature as a way to send different audio to the stream and VOD, not as a copyright safeguard.
What to know about YouTube Live and Twitch
YouTube Live
YouTube scans live streams for matches to third-party content. If it detects a match, it may replace the stream with a placeholder and warn you to stop using the content; the stream can be interrupted or terminated if the content remains. If you have licensed third-party content, YouTube says to ask the rights holder to add your channel to their Content ID allowlist. See YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams, and monitor YouTube Studio for warnings or restrictions.
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.
Allowlisting is a platform process, not a substitute for a licence. Confirm the licence itself covers your broadcast and other intended uses.
Twitch
Twitch’s Music Options page lists services and catalogues such as Chillhop, NCS, Outertone by RouteNote, Pretzel by Songtradr, StreamBeats, and Monstercat Gold. The page notes catalogue counts as being “at time of posting,” so treat those figures as historical rather than current. Twitch says monetized use of Chillhop requires artist credit. Check each provider’s current terms for platform coverage, live and VOD permissions, clips, monetization, attribution, and geographic limits.
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.
Twitch reported in a 2020 blog post that more than 99% of the music-related notifications it discussed concerned tracks streamers played in the background of their streams. That is a historical finding from Twitch’s post, not a current rate or a measure of the risk for an individual channel.
Do you need a separate mixer?
No dedicated hardware mixer is required for the basic software setup above. A mixer can be useful if you need physical inputs, controls, or hardware routing. Yamaha’s AG08 documentation describes routing background music and voice chat for livestreaming, but whether that device suits a particular setup depends on the inputs and control needs involved. Compare hardware by the routing problem it solves, its inputs, controls, and compatibility with your software—not by assuming a mixer is necessary.
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
Troubleshooting common music problems
- Music is not audible in the stream: Check that the source is active, registers on the mixer, and is assigned to the live output. Test the outgoing audio path rather than relying only on local monitoring.
- Speech is hard to understand: Lower the music source and listen to both sources together. Recheck the balance in a test recording or stream preview.
- Music is missing from the Twitch VOD: Check the source’s track assignments in Advanced Audio Properties and confirm that the track used for the VOD includes the intended sources.
- Music appears in a VOD when you meant to exclude it: Check that the music source is excluded from the VOD track, then make another test recording. Separate live and VOD routing does not affect rights for the live broadcast.
- YouTube warns, replaces, or interrupts the stream: Stop using the matched content and review YouTube Studio for the notice. If you have a licence, ask the rights holder to add your channel to the Content ID allowlist; confirm that the licence covers the use in question.
- A service says its music is stream-safe, but the scope is unclear: Check the current licence directly for your platform, VODs, clips, monetization, attribution, and region. Do not assume permission for one format covers all others.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a pre-recorded programme that should keep a YouTube channel live, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. Each slot includes 10 GB of storage, pooled across active slots, and the first day is free with no card.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos rather than going live from a camera, and streams to YouTube only. It does not route a live microphone or add licensed music to a broadcast; make sure any music in an uploaded programme is cleared for the uses you plan.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →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.
Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first 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.
