Tutorial · 8 min read
How to Stream a Pre-Recorded Video to YouTube Live
You don't need a webcam to go live on YouTube. Here's exactly how to stream a pre-recorded video — the OBS way and the cloud way — so you can pick the right method for one-off streams or a full 24/7 YouTube Live Stream Pre-Recorded Videos channel.
Prerequisites
- A YouTube channel with live streaming enabled (verified phone number, 24 hr wait on first activation).
- An MP4 file encoded in H.264 video + AAC audio.
- Your YouTube stream key from Studio → Go Live → Stream.
Method 1 — OBS Studio (local)
- Open OBS and add a new Media Source.
- Point it to your MP4 and tick Loop if you want it to repeat.
- In Settings → Stream, choose YouTube - RTMPS and paste your stream key.
- In Settings → Output, set bitrate to 4500–6000 kbps for 1080p.
- Click Start Streaming, then click Go Live in YouTube Studio.
This works, but your computer must stay on the entire time. If the PC sleeps, the stream ends and YouTube's "live" badge drops.
Method 2 — Cloud (recommended for 24/7)
- Create a StreamOrbit account and upload your video.
- Create a Stream, paste your YouTube stream key, and pick the video or playlist.
- Enable Loop for an always-on broadcast.
- Hit Start. The cloud encoder begins pushing within seconds.
- Click Go Live in YouTube Studio.
Done. The stream survives your PC restarts, internet outages and travel days — it's billed per hour, not per month.
Recommended encoding settings
- Container: MP4 (faststart) or FLV
- Video codec: H.264 high profile
- Audio codec: AAC-LC, 128–192 kbps, 44.1 kHz
- Resolution: 1920×1080 or 1280×720, 30 fps
- Bitrate: 4500 kbps (720p) – 6000 kbps (1080p)
- Keyframe interval: 2 seconds (GOP = 2× fps)
Troubleshooting
- Stream shows as "Starting" forever. The stream key is wrong or the encoder isn't actually pushing. Re-copy the key and restart.
- Audio out of sync. Re-encode the source MP4 with constant frame rate (CFR), not variable.
- YouTube says "Bad health". Bitrate is too high for your encoder or upload. Drop to 4500 kbps and try again.
Frequently asked questions
Can YouTube tell if my live stream is pre-recorded?
YouTube doesn't penalize pre-recorded content sent through RTMP. The platform treats it like any live broadcast — viewers can chat live, and the live badge is shown.
Do I need a special encoder for pre-recorded streams?
No. Any RTMP-compatible encoder works (OBS, FFmpeg, vMix, or a managed cloud service like StreamOrbit). The video file is just an input source instead of a webcam.
What's the best free way to stream a pre-recorded video to YouTube Live?
OBS Studio is free and works for short streams, but it requires your PC to be on. For 24/7 streams, a cloud service is more cost-effective once you factor in electricity and downtime.
Start your 24/7 YouTube live stream
Upload your pre-recorded videos, paste your YouTube stream key, and go live around the clock — no PC, no OBS, no monthly fee.