YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for content creators alongside Twitch, TikTok, and others. It has been for quite some time now and there are multiple reasons for that. One of the best aspects of YouTube is its live streaming feature.
YouTube maintains great stability and quality in its streams and that’s the reason why many creators opt for it. However, there are some steps that you need to go through before going live. Be that as it may, the main question is how to find your stream key on YouTube? Because without it, you won’t be able to go live.
After going through this guide, you will know what is a YouTube stream key, how to find it, what is an encoder, and how to go live on YT from your laptop, PC, or mobile. So, make sure you thoroughly read it.
What is a YouTube Stream Key?
Think of it as your streaming password. Just like you require a password while logging in somewhere, you need a stream key before going live on YouTube. This key connects your account with any streaming software that you are using. OBS Studio is a good choice in that regard. After finding the stream key, you will be required to enter it in the stream key field in the software.
What is an Encoder?
The streaming software that you use works as an encoder for your live stream. It converts the audio and video into a format that can be streamed. OBS Studio or Streamlabs or any other software that you like can be used easily.
How to Find your Stream Key on YouTube
Now that you know how important the stream key is, it’s time to look at the methods through which you can find it and start going live anytime. Two methods exist for this cause. First and foremost, you can do live streaming via mobile. However, it has some restrictions. On the other hand, the second method works with going live from a PC or laptop.
We will list down the step-by-step guide first for finding the stream key because it can be done only via PC/laptop. Then it’s up to you to decide how you want to stream.
Here’s how to find it.
- Go to studio.youtube.com and log in to your account
- At the top right corner, you will be seeing a Go Live icon beneath the Create button. Click on that.
- If it’s your first time, there will be an Enable Live Stream option in the middle of the screen. Click on that.
- Afterwards, verification will be done via your phone number or any other option
- If this will be the first time setting up live streaming, then you won’t be able to stream before 24 hours, so waiting is the only option then.
- Once completed, again go to YouTube Studio and click on Go Live
- Now you will have two options in front of you. One will be Right Now and the other Later date. The second one is for scheduling a live stream. Anyways, click on Start in the Right Now section.
- Moving forward, you have to select the type of stream, and click on Go in the streaming software section if you are using any. Otherwise, select the built-in webcam option.
- Now select whether the stream is okay for children or not and if there needs to be an age-restriction
- From here, go to the Stream Settings on the lower left side and copy the stream key. You can also reset it if you want.
- Paste the Stream Key in the Streams setting of the software that you are using. This can be accessed from the top-left corner.
- Lastly, change the service and server to YouTube
That’s pretty much it. Go through all of these steps to find the Stream Key on YouTube and easily start going live.
How to do Live Streaming on YouTube from Mobile?
Now let’s see how you can do live streaming on YouTube from Mobile since it has a few restrictions.
- The channel must have a minimum of 50 subscribers
- There shouldn’t be any streaming restrictions imposed in the last 90 days
- The channel should be verified
- The device should be operated on Android 5.0+
Moreover, just like a PC, you might have to wait 24 hours before going live for the first time on mobile.
Besides, if your subscribers are less than 1000, then there will be limitations to the stream views as well. Furthermore, the archived stream’s privacy will be private.
Once the subscriber count goes above 1000, the limitations will be removed in a matter of one or two weeks. However, if people unsubscribe and the count goes below 1000 again, then there will be restrictions again.
Now here are the steps to create your first live stream on mobile.
- Open YouTube and click on the Create icon at the bottom middle
- Select Go Live
- Allow camera and microphone permissions, if not already
- If you have less than 50 followers, then this pop-up will occur
- If this is your first live stream from mobile, then you would be waiting for 24 hours
- If your age group is between 13 and 17, the stream privacy will be unlisted. If you’re above 18, then public. You can change the privacy setting as well. It can be either unlisted, private, or public.
- If you don’t want to go live instantly, then tap on More options and schedule the stream for a later time
- Now for live-chat possibilities, you can choose the age restriction, monetization, and other stuff there. Tap More options and from there, Show more. After this, tap Next.
- Tap on Create Channel and then Share Screen to share your phone’s screen on stream
- Lastly, tap on Go Live
- Tap on Finish when you want to end the stream
These were some of the restrictions and the streaming method on mobile that was highlighted.
Not always one would want to go live from their laptop or PC, so, a quick chit-chat live streaming can be done easily via mobile.
Conclusion
So, this was all about how to find your stream key on YouTube. The process, as was seen, is very simple and would just take a couple of minutes if you have already done some streaming before. Else, just wait for one day and then go live instantly anytime afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does YouTube have a Stream Key?
Yes, it does. Without it, you won’t be able to live stream. It is a necessary element.
How do I Find my YouTube Stream Key?
You can find it in the Stream Settings section on YouTube Studio. The process has been discussed in detail above.
Does the YouTube Stream Key change?
No, it doesn’t. However, you can change it yourself.
How do I add a YouTube Stream Key to OBS?
Open OBS and go to Settings > Stream > Select YouTube as the service > Paste the Stream Key.
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