This guide covers the options, what you need before starting and the mistakes we see most: music rights, source quality and audience expectations.
What a 24/7 channel is and what it is for
It is a Twitch, Kick or YouTube channel that streams without interruption. It usually plays content you have already recorded, in a set order. The most common uses:
- Re-airing your own VODs so the channel stays active while you are offline.
- Your own series or show, episode by episode, on a fixed schedule.
- Recorded events or sessions that you want to keep reaching an audience.
A 24/7 channel does not replace your live streams: it complements them. The point is that your community always has something to watch.
Three ways to keep it on the air
| Option | What it involves | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Your PC at home | OBS running day and night, on your connection and your electricity. | To test for a few days. If the PC or the network fails, the channel goes down. |
| A rented PC or a VPS | You install and maintain OBS, the video output and the files. | If you enjoy running the machine and have time to do it. |
| Managed cloud OBS | A machine with OBS already set up: you upload videos, order the list and it streams. | If you want the channel running without handling the infrastructure. |
What you need before you start
- Content you are allowed to stream. Your own videos, or licensed material that allows re-airing.
- A reasonable source quality. A 1080p, 30 FPS stream takes around 6 Mbps of upload; with three platforms at once, about 18 Mbps continuously.
- An ordered list. Think of the schedule as a grid: what goes first, what repeats and how often.
- A clear destination. Twitch, Kick or YouTube, with your stream key at hand.
Rights and music: the part people forget
The channel owner is responsible for what goes on air, music included. Platforms can mute parts of your videos or remove content with unlicensed music. Before re-airing a VOD, check whether it contains commercial music, restricted games or third party material, and cut whatever you cannot stream.
Audience and visibility: realistic expectations
Streaming 24 hours does not guarantee an audience, and platforms can limit the visibility of channels that repeat content. What works is giving people a reason to stay: a recognisable schedule, premieres at set times, or something to take part in from chat.
How we solve it at CloudLiveOn
We have two products for this:
- 24/7 Channel: a dedicated OBS plays your files in the order you set, at 1080p and 30 FPS, with 180 GB of space and a web manager to upload videos, order the list and control playback. Launch offer for the first 3 activations: €34.99 a month for 3 months, then €49.99 a month. No lock-in.
- CINE Stream: the interactive version, where Twitch chat requests videos and votes on what plays next. Pilot spots, €69.99 a month.
For both, the setup is done with you on Discord during the launch phase.
Quick checklist before you start
- You have checked the rights to the content, music included.
- You have the list in order and the videos at a consistent quality.
- You have chosen the platform and have the key.
- You know what happens when you want to go live on the same channel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a 24/7 channel without leaving my PC on?
Yes. If OBS runs on a cloud machine, your computer does not need to be on: you only upload the videos and control the list from your browser.
What can I stream on a 24/7 channel?
Content that is yours or licensed for re-airing: your VODs, your own series or show, recorded sessions. The channel owner is responsible for the rights, music included.
How much upload do I need?
At 1080p and 30 FPS, about 6 Mbps per platform. If OBS runs in the cloud, that upload comes from the server, not from your home connection.
Does streaming 24 hours guarantee an audience?
No. Platforms can limit the visibility of channels that repeat content. It works better with a recognisable schedule or with chat interaction.
Can I go live on the same channel?
Yes, but with a handover: the 24/7 channel and your live stream cannot run at once on the same key. In our pilot phase the handover is manual and supervised.
