Usually, no—not if you mean your own broadcast. A software encoder on a computer needs that computer awake and connected to send video to YouTube. If you mean watching someone else’s meditation stream, computer sleep can interrupt playback too; turning off the display while keeping the computer awake is the more reliable same-device option.
First: are you watching or broadcasting?
“Stream” can mean either watching another channel’s livestream or sending your own live video to YouTube. The answer differs:
- Watching: Sleep can suspend the browser or disconnect the network, stopping playback.
- Broadcasting: A computer-based encoder needs its host computer running and connected to transmit. YouTube also supports standalone hardware encoders, but what they can do depends on the device and setup.
If you are watching a meditation stream
Turn off the display without putting the computer to sleep
Display-off and sleep are different states. If you want to keep listening on the same computer, set the display to turn off while the computer remains awake. This can preserve playback without keeping the screen lit, though it still uses power and requires an internet connection.
- Mac: Apple documents a Battery setting called “Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off.” The setting applies when the Mac is connected to power; options vary by model and macOS version. See Apple’s Mac sleep settings guide.
- Windows: Review your device’s screen and sleep timeouts in Settings, and check whether it disconnects from the network during sleep. Available power and network options depend on the PC’s hardware and Windows version. See Microsoft’s power settings guidance.
Use another playback device if the computer must sleep
If the computer needs to sleep, play the stream on a device that can remain active, such as a phone, tablet, or another computer. Keep that device connected to the internet and supply power if the session will be long. A computer that is actually asleep should not be relied on to keep browser playback going.
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Do not confuse Sleep Timer with continuous playback
YouTube’s computer-player Sleep Timer pauses the video after the duration you select. It is for stopping playback, not for keeping a stream running. See YouTube’s Sleep Timer help.
If you are broadcasting your own meditation stream
Computer software encoder
YouTube supports software encoders running on computers. The encoder sends the feed to YouTube using the stream key, which tells it where to send the broadcast. If the computer sleeps, the encoder cannot be counted on to continue transmitting. Before an unattended session, confirm the stream in YouTube’s Live Control Room, test the encoder setup, and monitor stream health. YouTube’s guidance also says to stop the encoder after the event has stopped on YouTube. See YouTube’s encoder livestreaming guide.
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- In YouTube Studio, open Create > Go live to use the Live Control Room and review the stream setup.
- Copy the stream key shown for the broadcast into the encoder’s stream settings; treat the key as private because it allows an encoder to send to your channel.
- Start a test stream and check the Live Control Room’s stream health before relying on an unattended broadcast.
- Keep the computer awake, powered, and connected for the full broadcast if you use a computer-based encoder.
Standalone hardware encoder
A standalone encoder may remove the computer from some workflows, but verify that the exact model supports your video source, network connection, scheduling needs, and unattended operation. YouTube’s encoder guide lists the AJA HELO Plus and describes direct YouTube streaming as well as PlayToStream scheduling of prerecorded media without a computer. That product information does not establish that every live-input workflow can run without a computer.
For any long meditation broadcast, confirm the intended source and operating behavior with the encoder’s documentation, then test the whole setup before depending on it. YouTube’s hardware encoder information is in its encoder guide.
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Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep your own prerecorded meditation videos live on YouTube without leaving a computer running, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price regardless of quality, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos; it does not broadcast a camera feed. See StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
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