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In OBS Studio on Windows, open Settings > Stream and paste your YouTube stream key into the Stream Key field. Get the key in YouTube Studio under Create > Go live > Stream. If OBS also asks for a server or URL, enter YouTube’s Stream URL there—not in the key field.
Copy the stream key from YouTube Studio
- Sign in to YouTube Studio and select Create > Go live to open Live Control Room.
- Open the Stream tab.
- Copy the stream key shown in the stream settings. Treat it like a password: YouTube says stream keys function as the stream’s password and address. Do not share or publish it. YouTube Help: Manage live stream settings
Paste the key into OBS Studio
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream.
- Select YouTube as the service or preset if that option is available. For a manual setup, select YouTube RTMPS, as described in the OBS YouTube setup guide.
- Paste the copied value into Stream Key, then apply the settings.
- If OBS presents a separate server or URL field, paste YouTube’s Stream URL into that field. The key and URL are different values: the URL is the destination for the encoder, while the key identifies and authorizes the stream.
Start the stream and confirm it in YouTube
- Start streaming in OBS.
- Check the Live Control Room for the incoming preview and verify your audio and video.
- For a scheduled stream, wait for the preview and then select Go live in Live Control Room when YouTube prompts you. YouTube recommends testing and monitoring the stream. YouTube live-streaming tips
If there is no Stream Key field
The documented manual key-based route is Settings > Stream in OBS with YouTube RTMPS selected. OBS also supports linking a Google account, and an account-connected workflow can present different controls or steps. The exact presentation can vary by OBS version and setup; the available official instructions do not establish one universal fix for a missing field. Check the selected service and whether you connected an account before looking for a manual key box.
Troubleshoot a rejected key or failed connection
- YouTube rejects the key: Get a fresh key in Live Control Room and update the key in OBS. YouTube Help
- You suspect the key was exposed: Reset it in Live Control Room, then replace the old value in OBS. YouTube says channel owners and managers can reset a key; editors and viewers cannot. Do not continue streaming with a key you believe someone else may have.
- The server field is wrong or blank: If OBS requests a server or URL, check that YouTube’s Stream URL is in that field and the separate key is in Stream Key.
- OBS is connected to YouTube by account: The key-entry controls may differ from the manual setup. Use the account-connected route shown in OBS rather than assuming the key field must appear.
- You can’t start a YouTube live stream at all: This is separate from the OBS key field. YouTube’s live-streaming tips say the channel must have had no live-streaming restrictions in the past 90 days to stream. Check YouTube’s eligibility and live-streaming guidance.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a prerecorded YouTube stream running 24/7, StreamNeo lets you upload a video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The cloud keeps the loop running without leaving your Windows PC or home connection on. Every slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it also automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or plans and details, then start your free first day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Rank #3
Sale
Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Rank #2
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.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
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.
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