Why pre-recorded live streams can increase earnings

A normal upload gets attention, then it fades. That is not a problem. That is just how feeds work. A live stream is different: it is always available, and people can discover it at any time.

More total watch time: even small sessions add up when the stream runs continuously.
More channel activity: comments, chat, and returning viewers signal that the channel is alive.
More entry points: a live loop can act like a 24/7 front door to your best videos.

Important: this is not a magic trick. Your stream still needs content people want to keep on.

How monetization works on YouTube Live (simple explanation)

If your channel and the specific live stream are eligible for monetization, YouTube can serve ads on live streams. Pre-roll ads can run automatically, and mid-roll ads can be inserted during the stream from YouTube Studio's Live Control Room. Not every viewer gets an ad every time. Some viewers keep watching while others see the ad and then rejoin the live stream.

Pre-roll ads can run automatically on live streams (when eligible).
Mid-roll ads can be inserted during live streams via Live Control Room.
You can delay ads for important moments, so viewers are not interrupted at the worst time.

A quick way to estimate what your stream can realistically do

Live streams often look impressive, but you should judge them by simple math:

Average concurrent viewers ≈ Total watch time hours ÷ (Days × 24)

Example: if a stream generates 720 hours of watch time in 30 days, that is about 1 average concurrent viewer:

720 ÷ (30 × 24) = 1

This is useful because it keeps expectations real. If you see competitors with 20 to 50 concurrent viewers on similar streams, you can estimate what kind of watch time that represents.

Revenue depends on RPM, audience location, niche, seasonality, and ad demand. Use watch time and retention as your main health metrics.

What to stream if you want people to stay

The best looping streams are the ones that still make sense when someone joins in the middle. Start with content that is evergreen and easy to understand quickly.

Playlist ideas

Best-of loop: your strongest clips, no filler.
Theme loop: one topic per stream (tutorials, highlights, reviews, etc.).
Series loop: episodes in order, great for tutorials and challenges.
Short-form loop: vertical or Shorts-style clips repackaged into a live stream.

What usually kills retention

Long intros and slow starts.
Random mix of unrelated topics.
Huge differences in volume between videos.
Repeating the exact same loop for months without updates.

OBS method vs a simpler 24/7 setup

Many creators start with OBS. It works, but for true 24/7 it becomes maintenance: the PC must stay on, updates happen, internet drops happen, and you end up babysitting the stream.

If you want a cleaner workflow, Looping Stream is built for pre-recorded live broadcasting:

Upload your videos in common formats.
Select a platform preset (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Kick, LinkedIn, Trovo, Rumble, DLive).
We automatically optimize the file for streaming-friendly output.
Build a playlist and start streaming using your platform stream key.

We keep the original aspect ratio, limit the longest side to 1920 px, and produce a stable streaming-ready output. The goal is compatibility, so platforms are less likely to complain about technical details.

Best practices that actually help

Title: make it clear what the stream is (example: "Best Of [Topic] Live 24/7").
Description: explain what viewers get and link to your playlists.
Thumbnail: simple, readable on mobile, one message.
Rotate content: swap clips that cause drop-offs and add fresh videos weekly or monthly.
Pin a message: link to your best video or your "start here" playlist.
Watch retention: remove the videos that push people away in the first minute.

Want to test a pre-recorded live stream without keeping OBS running all day? Start a free Trial and launch your first loop in minutes.