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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To keep a YouTube stream running through Restream while your computer is off, upload a prerecorded video or create a playlist in Restream, then schedule it as a prerecorded livestream event. Restream starts the broadcast from its stored media at the scheduled time; your computer does not need to stay on. A live OBS or other RTMP feed is different: its encoder must remain active to send video.
Schedule a prerecorded YouTube livestream in Restream
- Check YouTube eligibility. Confirm live streaming is enabled for the channel connected to Restream. Restream says first-time YouTube activation requires phone verification and a 24-hour wait, so complete this before the event date.
- Open the prerecorded workflow. In Restream, choose New Stream → Pre-recorded livestream → Video. Choose Playlist instead if you want several files to play in sequence.
- Add and check the media. Select a video already uploaded to Restream or upload the source file. For a playlist, order the files and preview the assembled stream before scheduling.
- Set up the event. Enter the title, description, date, and time, select the connected YouTube channel, then create the event. Restream also lets you publish an event announcement to YouTube during event creation.
- Confirm it is scheduled. The prerecorded event airs automatically at the scheduled time, even if your computer is offline or unplugged. You can monitor the live event and chat in Restream, but monitoring is optional.
Prepare the video file and YouTube channel
Restream’s listed upload requirements
Restream’s prerecorded-upload guidance lists MP4, MOV, M4V, and MKV containers; H.264 video; AAC audio; and a 2-second keyframe interval as mandatory. It recommends Full HD 1080p at 30 or 60 FPS and CBR. Restream also recommends adding 15–20 seconds at the start and end so platform processing does not cut off important content. Check the current upload requirements in your account before preparing a large file.
YouTube readiness and archives
Restream’s YouTube guidance lists H.264, CBR, a 2-second keyframe interval, and AAC or MP3 audio among its recommendations. It says YouTube has no stream-duration limit, but archives streams under 12 hours. That archive threshold is not a maximum live duration. Check the channel’s current live-stream status and settings before the scheduled event.
Check duration, resolution, looping, and storage limits
Restream’s help documentation describes the prerecorded-event feature as available to all users, while video size and storage depend on the add-on tier. Its listed plan examples are mutable, so verify your account’s current limits before committing to an event length, resolution, or repeat schedule.
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| Restream plan example | Listed video-library capacity | Listed resolution limit | Looping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier | 2 hours | Up to 1080p | Not listed for this plan in Restream’s cited event guidance |
| Marathon | 4 hours | Up to 1080p | Available |
| Media | 12 hours | Up to 4K | Available |
Restream says playlists can run for up to 24 hours and its event guide lists up to 10 loops for a scheduled video. Free users’ event thumbnails carry Restream branding. These are product limits described in Restream’s help material; check the current plan details for your account, since availability and limits can change.
When the computer must stay on: OBS or another RTMP encoder
Use an encoder/RTMP event when the source is genuinely live—for example, an active OBS production—not when you want Restream to play an uploaded recording unattended. In this workflow, the computer running OBS or another encoder must be on and sending the live feed.
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- Schedule an encoder/RTMP event in Restream and select YouTube as a destination.
- Open that event’s card and copy its RTMP URL and stream key into your encoder.
- At the event time, start the encoder and begin sending the feed.
Use the key shown on the event card. An old or different key may create a separate stream instead of joining the scheduled event. If the computer is off, the encoder cannot send the feed; use the prerecorded workflow for unattended playback.
Troubleshooting a scheduled Restream broadcast
- The event does not start: Check that it was created as a prerecorded video or playlist event, that its scheduled date and time are correct, and that the YouTube channel is live-enabled. If this is the channel’s first stream, account for the phone-verification and 24-hour activation wait Restream describes.
- Restream rejects the upload: Check the container, H.264 video, AAC audio, and 2-second keyframe interval against Restream’s listed requirements. Also check the file-size, storage, and duration allowance on your current plan.
- The stream is missing the beginning or end: Add the 15–20 seconds Restream recommends at both ends so platform processing has room before important content starts and after it finishes.
- The playlist is too long or a loop option is unavailable: Check the current playlist maximum and your plan’s storage and looping entitlements. Restream’s help material lists a 24-hour playlist maximum and looping for Marathon and Media examples, with a scheduled video loopable up to 10 times.
- The scheduled RTMP event shows a different stream: Confirm the encoder is using the RTMP URL and stream key on that exact event card, not an outdated key. The encoder must be running and sending the feed.
- The YouTube archive is not what you expected: Restream describes YouTube archives for streams under 12 hours. This is an archive threshold in its guidance, not a cap on how long YouTube can remain live.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps playing uploaded videos while your computer is off, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the video as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, and the Monthly price is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for uploaded videos streaming to YouTube, not a live camera feed. See StreamNeo or its pricing; India-based creators can pay by UPI or card. Start the free first day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Restream stream while my computer is off?
Yes, if you schedule a prerecorded video or playlist event. An encoder/RTMP event still needs its computer to send the live feed.
How long can a Restream playlist run?
Restream’s help guidance lists a maximum playlist length of 24 hours; confirm the current limit in your account before scheduling.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- 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.
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