In YouTube Studio, click Create > Go Live, then choose Stream in the Live Control Room. Your stream key is in the Stream key section. Copy it into your encoder’s Stream Key field; if you reset it, replace the old saved key in the encoder too.
Find the stream key in YouTube Studio
- Sign in to YouTube Studio and confirm that the intended channel is selected.
- Click Create > Go Live in the upper-right corner to open the Live Control Room.
- Select Stream from the left menu.
- Locate Stream key and use its copy control to copy the key into your encoder’s Stream Key field.
- Also check the Stream URL field in your encoder: the URL and key are separate settings, and the encoder needs the Stream URL as well as the key.
YouTube describes stream keys as like a stream’s password and address. Keep yours private; do not expose it in a public screenshot or chat. See YouTube’s Manage live stream settings.
If the stream key is missing or hidden
Check the channel and stream page
Make sure Studio is open to the channel you intend to stream from, then use Create > Go Live > Stream. YouTube’s standard key workflow applies to streams using an encoder or mobile; it does not apply to webcam streams. If you are using a webcam, you do not need to enter a stream key into an encoder.
Check your channel permissions
A channel owner or manager can reset a key. Editors and viewers cannot. If the reset control is unavailable, confirm that you have an owner or manager role for the channel.
#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.
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Check whether prior settings were reused
If you have streamed before, YouTube may load previous stream settings, including an earlier key. A scheduled stream can also be set up with Reuse settings. Check which stream and key are selected before starting.
Reset the key and update your encoder
- Open YouTube Studio > Create > Go Live > Stream.
- In the Stream key section, use the reset control next to the hidden key. Only an owner or manager can do this.
- Copy the replacement key and enter it in the encoder’s Stream Key field, replacing the saved old value.
- Check the Stream URL and other encoder settings, then try starting the stream again.
Resetting replaces the credential: changing it in Studio alone will not update a key that the encoder has already saved. YouTube’s troubleshooting guide recommends getting a new key in Live Control Room and updating the encoder if a start error persists.
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.)
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Special case: horizontal and vertical streams
Some third-party encoder setups that send both horizontal and vertical formats use a key dropdown on the Stream tab to select a second key for the vertical stream. Confirm that each format is being sent to its matching key. If your setup does not use a manually entered key and instead connects by signing in to YouTube, YouTube directs you to the software provider for support.
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If you are trying to keep uploaded videos playing as a 24/7 YouTube stream, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
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.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
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.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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