How to Stream to Youtube from Xbox

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Content:

  • Option 1: Stream to YouTube from Xbox using the Windows Xbox app
    • Walkthrough: Stream to YouTube from Xbox Using the Windows Xbox App
  • Option 2: Stream to YouTube from Xbox X|S with a capture card
    • Walkthrough: Stream to YouTube from Xbox Using the Windows Xbox App
  • Summarizing

While Twitch is still the king of live streaming platforms, it’s safe to say that there’s now room for competition in the form of YouTube. And with more and more major Twitch streamers moving to Google’s video/streaming platform, there’s no doubt that YouTube streaming is getting at least a little more attractive.

We can also easily say that modern consoles have become more than just gaming machines. Many people now also use their consoles to watch movies and TV shows, watch live streaming and, you guessed it, stream their own broadcasts.

The Xbox Series S|X is a great gaming console that offers its users an unrivaled gaming experience. But if you’re planning to start streaming to YouTube (or Twitch and YouTube), you’re probably wondering if there’s a way to stream directly from your console. After all, Twitch lets you do it…so you can do it with YouTube?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no .

But don’t despair! There are other ways to stream YouTube using your console and a laptop or PC powerful enough to run OBS Studio. In this guide, we will show you how.

Option 1: Stream to YouTube from Xbox using the Windows Xbox app

If you’re on a budget and just want to start streaming on YouTube without spending any money, this method is for you.

You probably already know about the game streaming or remote play features available on your Xbox console. If not, game streaming essentially lets you play any game through your console right on any computer or laptop that has the Windows Xbox app installed. Here is how it works –

As long as your PC/laptop and console are connected to the same WLAN, you can stream any game from your Xbox. The game runs on your Xbox and uses its power to run. Then, using the Windows Xbox app on your computer, you can connect to your Xbox. Your computer effectively becomes a remote portal through which you can play your video games.

Streaming to Youtube through the Windows Xbox app works similarly.

You just need to connect your Xbox to your computer and then capture the resulting remote gameplay window using OBS Studio or Streamlabs Desktop. We’ll show you how to do it in a minute.

First, let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages of using this method.

Advantages

  • No additional costs – you just need a PC and your Xbox!
  • It’s very easy to get started and you can play your games directly from your PC if you want.
  • Uses the power of your Xbox, so even if you have a cheaper PC, it won’t have much trouble streaming.
  • Can work wirelessly, you can use this method over Wi-Fi if you like
  • Super comfortable; it’s a great choice for new content creators who are just trying the water

Flaws

  • Wireless connections may have some latency, which can cause problems if you play games in competitive modes.
  • If you prefer to play on your big TV, it might be a problem to have all the settings perfectly tuned.

Walkthrough: Stream to YouTube from Xbox Using the Windows Xbox App

If you want to use this method to stream to YouTube from your Xbox, there are a few things you need to remember first:

  • Both your computer and your Xbox must be connected to the same network. Otherwise, they will not be able to find each other.
  • It is best to use a wired connection. This means that you must connect your PC and console to the same router via Ethernet cables.
  • You will need to download OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, or other alternatives to your computer and set it up to stream to YouTube.
  • If you are using this setup in wireless (Wi-Fi) mode, make sure your console and PC are in the same room together. Otherwise, they should be placed as close to each other as possible to avoid delay and frame loss.
  • When using Remote Play, make sure you save often.
  • You will need to set up the controller to work with your PC.

Now that we’ve given you these reminders, let’s see how you can set it all up:

  • Boot up Xbox and press the Xbox button right on your controller.
  • From there, go to Profile & System , go to Settings , then look for Devices and Connections .
  • On the Devices and Connections page, navigate to Remote Features .
  • Check the ” Enable remote features ” box. Search for “sleep” and make sure it’s in standby . Remember that you must turn on standby mode, otherwise this feature will not work.
  • Boot your computer. Make sure you have downloaded and installed the Xbox app . Once set up, sign in with your Xbox or Microsoft account.
  • Open the Xbox app and search for Consoles . Select your console and you can start remote play.
  • From here, it’s time to launch OBS Studio or Streamlabs Desktop. Set it up to stream to YouTube with your broadcast key and then;
  • Click ” Add Source ” (usually a small “+” icon) > ” Game Capture” or “Window Capture “, then set it up to capture the Xbox app’s screen.

That’s all! You must be ready to broadcast to YouTube. Optionally, you can also add a webcam and various other stream overlay elements such as alerts and goal bars.

Option 2: Stream to YouTube from Xbox X|S with a capture card

If you have money to spare, the best way to stream to YouTube from Xbox is to use a capture card. Sure, you’ll have to make a small upfront investment, but capture cards are just great tools for streamers. One such example of a capture card is the Elgato HD60 S+, pictured below:

Related: 5 Best Capture Cards for Streamers – [Complete Buyers Guide 2022]

Capture cards are versatile because you can use them for other purposes later. Want to stream from any other console like Nintendo Switch or even Steam Deck? Your capture card can help you. It can even capture your camera (DSLR, mirrorless) or help you set up streaming to two PCs.

Of course, one of the biggest downsides is cost, as many capture cards are on the pricier end of the spectrum, costing over $100. Another downside is that not all capture cards work with macOS computers, so you’ll need to find a compatible card if your streaming computer is a Mac.

But if you can get past that, here’s a quick guide to YouTube streaming with a capture card!

Walkthrough: Stream to YouTube from Xbox Using the Windows Xbox App

  • Make sure you download and install OBS Studio or an alternative of your choice.
  • Set up OBS to stream to YouTube. Here’s our guide on how to do it. Want to improve your settings? Check out this guide.
  • In the broadcast software, set up the scene where you want to add the capture card.
  • Download your Xbox and connect it to your capture card. Connect your capture card to your computer and make sure you have the necessary software installed (if any).
  • Click Add Source (usually a small + icon) > Video Capture Device . In the window that appears, select your capture card from the drop-down menu.

Once you’ve added your capture card to OBS, you should see your Xbox showing up in OBS. Add any other elements you want to the overlay and you’re good to go!

A few quick tips:

  • If you want to keep playing on a big TV while streaming on OBS, choose a capture card with pass-through feature . Passthrough mode allows you to connect an HDMI cable from the console to the capture card, and then from the capture card to your computer and TV. This allows you to play on TV while still streaming your game.
  • Depending on your capture card and settings, you may need to separately add capture card audio to OBS. Just click Add Source > Audio Source > select your capture card and you should see it in your audio mixer.

Summarizing

As of now, Microsoft still hasn’t made live streaming to YouTube possible from the Xbox console. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you can’t stream to YouTube and that Twitch is your only option.

 

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