Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can put a cloud radio station on YouTube Live by relaying its public listening stream through a video encoder such as OBS. Add the station feed as audio, pair it with a suitable visual, then connect OBS to YouTube with the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio. The radio service supplies the programme; the encoder supplies the YouTube video stream.
How the setup works
A cloud radio playout service keeps or plays out your station feed. To send that feed to YouTube as a live video, use an encoder that can receive the audio and combine it with a visual. Radio.co’s YouTube workflow documents OBS as this relay. Do not assume that a cloud radio service’s playout tools send directly to YouTube unless that service explicitly documents a YouTube destination.
There are two common audio paths:
- Relay the existing station: Add the station’s public listening URL to OBS. The programme originates in the cloud radio service.
- Broadcast a live local input: Capture a microphone, mixer, or system audio in OBS. This suits a live studio contribution rather than simply relaying the existing station feed.
In either case, OBS is the local encoder connection to YouTube, so someone should be available to check its audio, visuals, and connection while the broadcast is running.
Before you start
- Access to the station dashboard and its public listening URL, if you are relaying the existing programme.
- OBS installed on a computer with a working internet connection.
- A still image, station artwork, webcam, or other visual you have permission to use.
- Access to the YouTube channel’s Live Control Room and permission to create a live stream.
- Rights for all music and other third-party content in the YouTube live broadcast and any archive.
A USB microphone is optional if you want to add live speech. It is not required to relay a station stream. An existing mixer or audio interface may be used for a live studio input, but neither is necessary for the listening-URL method.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#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 the cloud station feed in OBS
- Find the listening URL. In the radio service dashboard, locate the public listening link for the station. Use the listener-facing stream URL, not a dashboard login page.
- Create an OBS scene. In the Sources area, add the station stream as a VLC media source, following the Radio.co example, and enter the listening URL. If you are using a local microphone or mixer instead, add the appropriate audio capture source rather than the station URL.
- Add a visual. Add a background image, station artwork, webcam, or another suitable source. Arrange the scene so the visual is present throughout the broadcast; an audio-only programme still needs a video image for this workflow.
- Check audio and desktop capture. Confirm that OBS receives the intended programme and that its audio meter responds. If you capture system audio, silence computer notifications and close or mute unrelated browser audio: alerts and other sounds can be sent to viewers.
- Set levels and rehearse. Listen to the feed through OBS and watch the audio meter for clipping, silence, or unintended sources. The correct level depends on your source and mix; use a rehearsal rather than assuming the station’s listener stream will enter at a suitable level.
Create the YouTube stream and connect OBS
- Open YouTube Studio. Choose Create > Go Live. Use the Stream tab for an immediate broadcast, or use Manage to schedule one. A scheduled stream can provide a watch page to share in advance.
- Copy the connection details. In YouTube’s Live Control Room, copy the stream URL and stream key shown in the stream settings.
- Enter them in OBS. Open OBS stream settings, select YouTube if it is offered as a service, or use the custom server option, then enter the URL and key from YouTube. Keep the key private: anyone with it may be able to send a feed to your stream.
- Prefer RTMPS when available. If OBS offers a YouTube RTMPS preset, use it. Otherwise, YouTube’s stream settings expose an RTMPS URL through the lock icon; use the URL YouTube provides together with the stream key. Do not guess or substitute a server address.
- Start the encoder and inspect the preview. Start streaming from OBS. In YouTube’s Live Control Room, check that the preview has both the expected picture and sound. For a scheduled stream, YouTube may show a preview first; click Go live in YouTube when you are ready to begin the public broadcast.
This workflow does not require a particular resolution, bitrate, or keyframe interval established by the cited setup guidance. Use YouTube’s current encoder recommendations and the settings supported by your connection and encoder rather than copying arbitrary values.
Rehearse, run, and end the broadcast
Before going public
- Confirm that the correct station programme is playing and that the OBS meter shows its audio.
- Check the visual, YouTube preview, stream privacy, and scheduled start details.
- Listen for clean audio and check that the system is not sending desktop alerts or unrelated browser sounds.
- Confirm that the music and visual assets are cleared for YouTube use, including any recording you plan to keep.
While live
Keep an operator available to monitor OBS and YouTube’s Live Control Room. Cloud playout does not remove the need to monitor the separate encoder that is sending the YouTube feed. If the preview or audio stops, check the source and encoder connection before assuming the radio service itself has failed.
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.
After the programme
Stop sending content from OBS and end the broadcast in YouTube as appropriate. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Check the resulting recording and its availability: Content ID claims may be made after a stream ends if it is archived.
Copyright and YouTube live rules
A licence that lets your station play music to radio listeners does not automatically establish that the same music is cleared for a YouTube livestream or its archived recording. YouTube’s Livestream terms put responsibility on the streamer to hold the necessary rights for use on Google services, including music rights involving artists, record labels, publishers, and other royalty participants.
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.
YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. A match can trigger a warning and placeholder, and a stream may be interrupted or terminated if the content continues. A licence alone may not prevent that outcome: YouTube says a rights owner may need to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. Confirm YouTube-specific live and archive permissions with the relevant rights holders before relying on a licensed commercial-music feed.
YouTube’s Livestream terms state: “You represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights for the exploitation of the Live Content on the Google Services throughout the world, including, without limitation, music licensing rights from artists, record labels, publishers (including public performance licenses) and any other royalty participants.”
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
Common problems and fixes
| Symptom | What to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube receives video but no station audio | Whether the listening URL is entered correctly, the source is active, and OBS’s audio meter moves. | Verify the public stream URL and audio source selection. If using system audio, confirm that the computer is actually playing the station feed. |
| Audio is present but the picture is blank | Whether the OBS scene contains an active visual source and the YouTube preview is showing that scene. | Add or re-enable a still image, artwork, webcam, or other suitable visual, then check the preview again. |
| Alerts, browser audio, or other sounds appear on air | Whether system audio is being captured along with the intended programme. | Mute unrelated applications and silence desktop notifications, or use the station URL as the isolated audio source instead. |
| OBS reports an SSL error with RTMPS | The protocol and server URL copied from YouTube’s stream settings. | Use YouTube’s RTMPS URL and confirm that the encoder supports RTMPS. YouTube notes that port 443 may help in some cases. |
| The encoder connection times out | Whether the encoder supports RTMPS and whether the correct YouTube URL and key are entered. | Confirm RTMPS support and re-copy the server URL and key from Live Control Room. Do not substitute an unverified server address. |
| The live stream is interrupted after a music match | Whether the feed contains third-party music and whether the channel is allowlisted by the rights owner. | Resolve the YouTube live-use rights and any required Content ID allowlisting with the rights holder; a station licence by itself may not be sufficient. |
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a different option for a different job: it loops videos you upload to keep a YouTube channel live, rather than taking a live radio station listening URL or broadcasting from a microphone. Its three-step setup is to upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. See StreamNeo.
Nothing has to stay on at home; uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
Recommended Free Tools
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.
If your goal is to loop uploaded video on YouTube rather than relay a live radio feed, start your free StreamNeo 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.
