October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
BUTT

How to Broadcast an Online Radio Station to YouTube Using BUTT and OBS

Use OBS as the encoder for YouTube Live, route your online station audio into an OBS source, and verify the preview and sound in YouTube Studio.

By DocumentaryTube Team 5 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To broadcast an online radio station on YouTube, route the station’s audio into OBS, use OBS to send an encoded stream to YouTube, then confirm the feed in YouTube Studio. BUTT and OBS serve different roles: BUTT is documented for sending live audio from a computer microphone or line input to Icecast, Shoutcast, or WebRTC; OBS is the encoder in this YouTube workflow. A separate BUTT connection to an Icecast or Shoutcast server does not, by itself, route that station audio into OBS or send OBS’s video to YouTube.

What you need before starting

  • An online station that you can play on the same computer as OBS, or a physical audio path that feeds that computer.
  • OBS, plus a scene for the YouTube video: for example, a station graphic, logo, or visualizer.
  • Access to YouTube Studio and the stream’s server URL and key.
  • An upload connection and computer capable of sustaining the encoder settings you choose.

BUTT’s official page describes the program as software for streaming live audio from a computer microphone or line input, and lists Windows, macOS, and Linux along with Icecast, Shoutcast, and WebRTC support: BUTT official site. For the YouTube broadcast described here, OBS sends the encoder feed to YouTube using YouTube’s server URL and stream key.

Get the station audio into OBS

First identify where the station actually plays: a browser tab, a desktop player, a physical mixer, or another device. The method for capturing it depends on your operating system, player, and available audio devices, so there is no single reliable click path for every setup.

  1. In OBS, create a scene and add the visual you want viewers to see.
  2. Add or configure an audio source that receives the station playback. Use the capture method appropriate to the device and operating system you have; do not assume that sound audible through speakers is automatically available to OBS.
  3. Start the station and watch the relevant audio meter in OBS. Confirm that it moves continuously with the station.
  4. Listen to the signal using OBS monitoring or another suitable monitor before going live. Check for silence, clipping, unwanted system sounds, or an echo.

If the audio does not reach OBS, revisit the actual route from the browser, application, mixer, or device. Avoid adding a microphone or interface unless your existing signal path requires it.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • 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.

Configure YouTube and OBS

  1. In YouTube Studio, select Create → Go Live, then create or select the stream in Live Control Room. YouTube says first-time activation of live streaming may take up to 24 hours, so enable it ahead of the planned broadcast. See YouTube’s live-stream encoder setup guidance.
  2. In YouTube’s encoder setup, copy the server URL and stream key for the selected stream.
  3. In OBS, open its stream settings. Select YouTube if that option is available, or enter YouTube’s server URL and stream key in the corresponding fields.
  4. Keep the stream key private. Treat it like a password: anyone who obtains it may be able to broadcast to your channel. If it is exposed, replace or reset it through YouTube’s stream setup controls. The credential warning is also covered in this OBS stream-key guide.
  5. Start streaming in OBS. In Live Control Room, confirm that YouTube receives the feed and that its preview has both the intended image and clean, continuous station audio. For a scheduled stream, select Go live in Live Control Room once the preview is available.

Encoder settings to check

YouTube’s current encoder guidance recommends RTMPS and constant bitrate (CBR). It lists H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1 video options, and AAC or MP3 audio. For stereo audio, its settings table lists 44.1 kHz and 128 kbps. YouTube recommends a two-second keyframe interval and says not to exceed four seconds. These are YouTube’s platform recommendations; the available choices depend on the OBS build, selected encoder, and YouTube ingestion compatibility. Check the current YouTube encoder settings and the options actually shown in your OBS setup.

Choose output settings your computer and upload connection can sustain throughout the broadcast. YouTube advises testing under conditions similar to the intended stream. A station with a still graphic has different video demands from a moving visualizer, but the audio must remain continuous in either case.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 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.

End the broadcast and find its archive

When finished, stop the encoder in OBS and end the stream in YouTube Studio as appropriate. YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours are automatically archived; do not assume the same automatic archive behavior for streams that run longer. The archive information is included in YouTube’s encoder setup guidance.

Troubleshooting

YouTube shows video but no radio audio

Check whether the OBS audio meter for the station source moves. Playback through speakers only proves that you can hear it; it does not prove OBS captures it. Recheck the browser or application capture, system-audio route, or physical connection you are using.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • 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.

The station is silent or intermittently missing

Confirm the player is still running and that the selected OBS source is receiving its output. If the station is played by another device, verify that its physical signal reaches the computer or interface feeding OBS.

The audio is doubled or echoes

Look for two sources carrying the same signal, such as both an application/system capture and a microphone or interface. Disable the duplicate path and check the monitored sound again.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2Ă— USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2Ă— 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

OBS connects but the broadcast does not appear live

Make sure OBS is using the URL and key for the stream selected in YouTube Studio. For a scheduled stream, wait for the preview in Live Control Room and select Go live there.

The stream is unstable

Check the chosen output settings against YouTube’s current encoder guidance, then assess whether the computer and upload connection can sustain them. Test with a representative station feed and visual before relying on the setup for a long broadcast.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 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 stream key may have been exposed

Replace or reset the key in YouTube’s stream setup controls, then update the key in OBS. Do not include the key in screenshots, recordings, or public tutorials.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Or let it run in the cloud

If your goal is to keep an uploaded radio recording or playlist live on YouTube around the clock, StreamNeo is a different workflow from BUTT and OBS: upload the 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. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting from a live camera. Start your free day on StreamNeo.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.