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To stream a prerecorded video on YouTube with StreamYard, create a broadcast using its Pre-recorded video option, upload a compatible video or select a previous StreamYard recording, choose YouTube, then set the title, description, date, and time. The broadcast starts automatically at the scheduled time and ends when the video finishes, so you do not have to be online to start it.
Before you schedule: check YouTube eligibility and prepare the video
Make sure the channel can livestream
YouTube says a channel must be verified and have no live-streaming restrictions within the previous 90 days. YouTube’s getting-started guidance also sets a minimum age of 16 to livestream. Check the channel’s access before scheduling; StreamYard cannot bypass YouTube’s eligibility rules. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips and getting started with live streaming.
Check the file requirements and your plan limits
StreamYard’s prerecorded-streaming guide specifies MP4 files with H.264 video encoding and a maximum bitrate of 10 Mbps. Its current stated maximum output is 1080p on paid plans. File size, duration, and the number of streams you can schedule at once depend on the plan:
| StreamYard plan | Maximum video length | Upload cap | Prerecorded streams scheduled at once |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | 2 hours | 10 GB | 5 |
| Advanced | 4 hours | 10 GB | 10 |
| Teams | 8 hours | 25 GB | Unlimited |
| Business | 8 hours | 25 GB | Unlimited |
The guide also says you can schedule up to 365 days ahead. These are StreamYard’s stated plan limits; check its current help page before relying on them, since product limits can change. See StreamYard’s Pre-recorded Streaming guide.
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Schedule the prerecorded YouTube broadcast in StreamYard
- Open the prerecorded workflow. In StreamYard, select Create → Live Stream → Pre-recorded video.
- Choose the video. Select Upload to choose the finished file from your computer, or select a previous StreamYard broadcast or recording.
- Choose YouTube as the destination. Select the channel you want to broadcast to. If YouTube is not available as a destination, confirm that the correct channel is connected and eligible to livestream.
- Enter the broadcast details. Add the title and description, then choose the scheduled date and time. Double-check the time zone and intended start time before creating the broadcast.
- Decide whether to schedule an announcement post. If you want to share the YouTube watch link in advance, schedule an announcement post. StreamYard says the link is created when that post is scheduled. Without an announcement post, the watch-page link is not available until the prerecorded stream goes live. Details are in StreamYard’s YouTube scheduling guide.
- Create the broadcast and verify its status. After scheduling, check that the broadcast appears with the intended destination and time. It starts automatically at that time—even if you are offline—and ends when the video finishes.
What this automated broadcast can—and cannot—do
A prerecorded broadcast is scheduled playback of a finished file, not a live StreamYard studio session. StreamYard says viewers’ comments remain viewable on YouTube, but they cannot be shown on-stream during the automated broadcast. You also cannot control overlays or other media assets during playback. StreamYard’s guide says these broadcasts are no longer automatically saved to the StreamYard library, so retain your original video if you need a copy.
When YouTube’s encoder method is different
Use StreamYard’s Pre-recorded video workflow when you want a completed file to play automatically at a scheduled time. YouTube’s encoder workflow is for sending an outgoing feed from an encoder: enter YouTube’s server URL and stream key in the encoder, start the encoder, then check the preview in YouTube Live Control Room. YouTube describes that setup in its encoder livestream instructions. It is a separate path, not a required step for uploading a prerecorded video through StreamYard.
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Think about the archive separately
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived and recommends keeping a local recording as a backup. Streams over 12 hours may not be captured at all, so do not rely on YouTube to preserve a longer broadcast. This archive guidance does not increase StreamYard’s plan-specific prerecorded-video length limits.
Troubleshoot common scheduling problems
- The file will not upload or is rejected: Check that it is an MP4 using H.264 video, then confirm its bitrate, file size, and length fit the current StreamYard requirements and plan limits.
- The broadcast cannot be scheduled to YouTube: Verify the destination is the intended connected channel and that the channel meets YouTube’s livestream eligibility requirements, including verification and restrictions.
- You cannot share a watch link yet: If you need the link before playback begins, schedule an announcement post. Without one, StreamYard says the watch-page link becomes available when the stream goes live.
- Comments or overlays do not appear in the video: This is a limitation of the automated prerecorded broadcast; comments are not shown on-stream, and overlays and other media assets cannot be controlled during playback.
- The video is longer than the plan allows: Compare its duration with the current maximum for your plan before scheduling. The documented limits are 2 hours on Core, 4 on Advanced, and 8 on Teams and Business.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube channel rather than one scheduled prerecorded broadcast, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams your uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
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