You can’t keep OBS streaming the same live scene after shutting down the computer running OBS: OBS sends video directly from that computer to YouTube. To keep a live game, webcam, or desktop capture on air, its source and an encoder must keep running on another device or suitable cloud production system. For pre-recorded video, a cloud service can stream uploaded files without your computer staying on.
Why OBS stops when you shut down your computer
OBS is an encoder on your computer, not a service that continues broadcasting after the computer is off. OBS Project’s official help explains that the connection goes directly from your computer to the streaming service (OBS Project help). When the computer shuts down, OBS stops encoding and sending video; YouTube cannot continue receiving that scene from the powered-off machine.
YouTube’s encoder workflow likewise requires an active encoder, which may be software on a computer or standalone hardware, connected to the event using its stream URL and key (YouTube: Create a live stream with an encoder; YouTube: Manage your live stream settings).
First decide what you need to keep on air
Live gameplay, webcam, or desktop capture
The source itself must remain available as well as the encoder. If your game, camera, or desktop exists only on the computer you are turning off, another encoder cannot continue showing it. You need to keep the source and encoding system running on a different device, or move production to a cloud system that can access the source.
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Pre-recorded video or a file-based loop
If you want to play a video file or loop a playlist, rather than continue a live capture, a cloud streaming service can supply the video and send it to YouTube. YouTube’s encoder catalogue lists Gyre as a cloud-based service for 24/7 streaming of pre-recorded videos (YouTube encoder list). Check the service’s current terms, limits, and pricing before choosing it.
Cloud-hosted live production
A cloud encoder may be an option for a production whose sources are available to that cloud system, but it does not automatically import a local OBS scene or capture a source that is only on your offline computer. YouTube lists AWS Elemental MediaLive as a broadcast-grade live video processing service; that listing is not a step-by-step OBS migration guide.
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How to keep a live OBS-style production running
- Choose the replacement system. Use another computer or suitable standalone encoder that can remain on, or arrange a cloud production workflow with access to the live source. A second device is not a continuation of the first computer; it must be configured to produce the stream.
- Recreate the production. On the replacement system, configure the required OBS scenes, sources, media, and audio inputs. Confirm that the system can access every camera, game, desktop, or other input the production needs.
- Connect that encoder to the YouTube event. In YouTube Live Control Room, use the event’s stream URL and stream key in the encoder’s streaming settings. YouTube describes the key as the encoder’s password and address; treat it as a credential, and reset it if you believe it has been exposed (YouTube stream settings).
- Preview and test before relying on it. Start the replacement encoder, check the Live Control Room preview and stream health, and verify both picture and audio. YouTube recommends testing the encoder and monitoring the stream during the event (YouTube live streaming tips).
- Keep the replacement system and source active. Only after the production is working on the replacement setup should you shut down the original computer, if it is no longer needed as a source.
For pre-recorded video: keep the computer off with a cloud stream
If the aim is a 24/7 loop of uploaded content, choose a cloud service that explicitly supports the YouTube workflow you need. YouTube’s encoder catalogue names Gyre for pre-recorded streaming. StreamNeo is another option for uploaded videos: upload a recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and start the stream. It runs from the cloud, so your computer does not need to stay on. It is for YouTube streams of uploaded video, not live camera, game, or desktop capture.
Or let it run in the cloud
For pre-recorded YouTube video, StreamNeo’s workflow is: upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, then go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it loops the uploaded content from the cloud and can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. Every slot supports the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
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Common problems and what to check
- The stream ends when the original PC shuts down: that is expected if it was the active encoder or hosted the source. Move both the source and encoder to a system that stays active, or use cloud streaming for file-based video.
- The replacement encoder does not connect: check that it is using the correct YouTube event’s stream URL and key. If the key may have been exposed, reset it in YouTube and update the encoder.
- YouTube receives video but it is the wrong scene or has no audio: review the replacement OBS scene, source selection, and audio inputs. A scene on the old computer is not automatically transferred to the new one.
- The encoder says it is live but the stream is not ready to rely on: check the Live Control Room preview and stream-health status, then test audio and video before the event.
What YouTube’s archive rule does—and does not—mean
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived (YouTube: Archive live streams). This is an archive threshold, not a promise that YouTube will keep a stream live for 12 hours after its encoder disconnects. Do not use it as a disconnect grace period.
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