Set a restart policy on the playlist-streaming service in your compose.yaml, then make sure Docker Engine starts with the server. For most setups, restart: unless-stopped is the right choice: Docker can bring the container back after a daemon or host restart, while honoring an intentional manual stop. That restores the container—not necessarily the same YouTube event or the playlist’s previous position.
1. Add a restart policy to the streaming service
In the project’s compose.yaml, put the policy under the service that runs your playlist encoder. Keep your existing image, command, environment, and media mounts; the example below shows only where the restart setting belongs, not a complete encoder configuration.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsservices:
streamer:
image: your-streamer-image
restart: unless-stopped
# Keep the existing command, stream configuration, and media mounts here.Use the actual service name from your file in place of streamer. Docker’s restart policies control whether containers start automatically after they exit or when Docker restarts (Docker: Start containers automatically).
Choose the policy that matches your stop behavior
| Policy | After Docker daemon or host reboot | After an operator manually stops the container | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
unless-stopped |
Returns | Remains stopped across a daemon restart | You want deliberate stops to persist |
always |
Returns | Returns after a daemon restart | You want it to come back even if it had been manually stopped |
on-failure |
Does not restart solely because the daemon restarted | Does not restart after a clean exit | Failures only; not the right choice for reboot recovery |
For a continuously running playlist service that should respect an operator’s deliberate stop, choose unless-stopped. Choose always if the service should return after a daemon restart even when it was manually stopped beforehand. Docker documents that restart monitoring begins only after a container has run successfully for at least 10 seconds. A manual stop suppresses restarting until the daemon restarts or the container is manually started.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
2. Ensure Docker starts at server boot and apply the Compose file
A container policy cannot help if Docker Engine itself is not running after the host boots. Enable Docker Engine to start during boot using the method for your operating system or server distribution; the exact service-management command varies by platform.
- Open a shell in the directory containing the project’s Compose file.
- Start or update the project with
docker compose up -d. - Check that the service is running with
docker compose ps.
Use docker compose up -d after changing the Compose definition: Compose uses the file to create or update and start services. By contrast, docker compose restart restarts existing containers but does not apply changes made to the Compose file, including environment-value changes. docker compose start only starts containers that already exist and are stopped. See the Compose up reference, Compose restart reference, and Compose start reference.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
3. Verify both the encoder and YouTube after a reboot
After the server restarts, check the container and the platform separately. A running container proves neither that the encoder is sending usable video nor that YouTube has an active incoming feed.
- Check the project and service: run
docker compose psfrom the Compose project directory. - Read recent encoder output: run
docker compose logs --tail=100 streamer, substituting your service name if it is notstreamer. - Check mounted files and configuration: confirm the playlist, videos, and any configuration files are present at the paths expected inside the container.
- Check YouTube Live status: verify the incoming stream and the viewer-facing broadcast in YouTube’s controls or API, as appropriate for your setup.
YouTube treats the incoming encoder feed (liveStream) and the viewer-facing event (liveBroadcast) as distinct resources. Its API documentation says an active stream status indicates YouTube’s servers are receiving encoder data; it does not mean the local container alone has confirmed an active broadcast. See Google’s YouTube Live Streaming API documentation and API overview.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
4. Troubleshoot when the stream does not return
- The container is not running: confirm Docker Engine started after boot, the service was created with the intended policy, and the Compose project is being checked from the correct directory. Apply changed settings with
docker compose up -d. - The container exits repeatedly: inspect
docker compose logs --tail=100 streamerfor a bad command, missing configuration, or encoder error. A restart policy cannot correct an invalid command. - The playlist is missing: check the host path and container mount path in Compose. A changed host path or absent media file is not repaired by restarting the container.
- The encoder runs but YouTube is not receiving video: check encoder logs, stream configuration, and YouTube’s incoming-stream status. Container health and YouTube input status are separate checks.
- YouTube receives video, but the event is unavailable or different: inspect the broadcast state as well as the stream state. Docker’s restart behavior does not guarantee that the same broadcast resumes seamlessly.
The restart policy only addresses container lifecycle. It cannot fix expired credentials, restore a missing file, or guarantee that a particular encoder resumes a playlist at the point where it stopped. Check the documentation for your specific encoder to establish its restart and playlist-position behavior.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you would rather not maintain a Docker host for a YouTube playlist stream, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos as a 24/7 YouTube stream from the cloud:
Rank #4
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
- Upload a recording or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the videos from the cloud.
Nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube streams from uploaded videos, not camera broadcasts. Start the free day at https://app.streamneo.com/register.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
