YouTube Studio schedules the livestream event; it does not switch the radio program being sent to viewers. To automate program changes, schedule scenes or media in OBS—or use your station’s playout system to control the outgoing feed—then verify the handoff in YouTube’s Live Control Room.
What YouTube schedules—and what it does not
YouTube Studio handles the viewer-facing live event: its schedule, metadata, privacy and stream settings. Your encoder or playout system supplies the audio and video. YouTube’s encoder setup asks you to connect the encoder using the live server URL and stream key, then start sending the feed; the scheduled event helps promote the broadcast, but it does not choose which radio program the encoder sends. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions describe that workflow. YouTube’s Live Streaming API likewise distinguishes a liveBroadcast from the liveStream carrying the audio/video feed: YouTube Live Streaming API.
So if you want Program A to hand off to Program B at a set time, automate that change in OBS or in a playout system that reliably controls the outgoing feed. Scheduling a YouTube event alone will not make that switch.
Choose how the content will change
Use one OBS scene per program
Create a separate scene for each program, with its own audio source and any corresponding title, cover art or other visuals. This makes each program’s configuration easier to inspect before scheduling a switch.
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Change media within a shared scene
A single scene can preserve a shared visual layout while automation changes the media source. This can suit programs that use the same layout, but confirm that the automation changes the media and audio actually feeding the output. The right method depends on your OBS project and sources; do not assume every source can be controlled in the same way.
Use an existing station playout system
If your station already has playout automation, it may be the better place to schedule programs, provided it can reliably supply or control the feed going to the encoder. There is no universal integration established for every station system, so verify the connection with your specific setup.
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Set up scheduled program changes in OBS
- Create the YouTube event. In YouTube Studio, create or schedule the live event. Keep its metadata, privacy and stream settings there, and obtain the stream URL and stream key for your encoder. Follow YouTube’s encoder setup instructions. Treat the stream key as a credential; use the intended key and broadcast when connecting OBS.
- Prepare the program scenes or sources. In OBS, add the audio and visual elements for each program. Either make one scene per program or configure a shared scene with the media source you intend to change. Confirm that each scene or source produces the correct outgoing audio and picture.
- Install a compatible Advanced Scene Switcher version. The plugin’s current listing says it requires OBS Studio 31.1.1 or newer and supports Windows, macOS and Linux. Check the listing and your installed OBS version before installing: Advanced Scene Switcher.
- Build a macro for each handoff. In Advanced Scene Switcher, create macros that pair the planned date and time with an action selecting the intended scene or media source. The plugin documents date/time and media conditions, plus actions including scene switching and media or source control. Configure each action for the actual scene or source in your project; a macro that runs is not enough if it does not change what viewers hear and see.
- Start and check the automation. Start the scene switcher and confirm it remains active when the stream starts. If an external controller will manage OBS through WebSocket, OBS Studio’s built-in WebSocket integration is available from OBS Studio 28 onward. OBS recommends enabling authentication and protecting the password. See OBS’s remote-control guide.
- Rehearse the whole transition. Test a real handoff using the actual scenes or media, including any fades or silence gaps you need. Check the outgoing feed in YouTube’s Live Control Room. Confirm the stream key, selected broadcast, time zone, program audio and next scheduled change before relying on unattended operation.
One ongoing event or separate broadcasts?
One ongoing livestream can keep a continuous viewer experience as programs change. Separate scheduled events can make each program independently discoverable. YouTube’s scheduling guidance establishes that scheduling can help promote a stream, but the sources cited here do not settle which event format is best for every station. Choose based on how you want listeners to find the programs, then test the encoder and event setup you plan to use.
Common problems and what to check
- The program does not change at the scheduled time: Check that the scene switcher is running, the macro is enabled, its date/time condition and time zone are correct, and the action targets the intended scene or source.
- The scene changes, but listeners still hear the previous program: Inspect the audio sources and routing for both scenes. Confirm the intended program’s audio reaches the OBS output, not just the preview or a source that is muted or inactive.
- The picture changes but the audio does not—or vice versa: Verify the audio and visual elements independently. A scene switch or media action only helps if the relevant sources are configured in the way the macro expects.
- The plugin will not install or behave as expected: Check compatibility against the installed OBS version. The current listing specifies OBS Studio 31.1.1 or newer; plugin requirements may change, so consult its listing.
- The broadcast does not appear on the intended YouTube event: Check that OBS is connected with the correct stream URL and key and that the intended broadcast is selected in Live Control Room.
- An external controller cannot connect: Confirm WebSocket is enabled and its connection details are correct. Keep authentication enabled and the password protected, as OBS recommends.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is an always-on YouTube stream of uploaded radio programs, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos; it does not switch a live microphone or camera feed. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Every slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it includes 10 GB of pooled storage across active slots, playlists, 24/7 looping, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and StreamNeo team support. The first day is free with no card, once per account. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
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