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# How to Convert a Manual RTMP Stream to YouTube Connect


![You can connect to a new channel, or one that is already connected to your Upstream Account](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/3/d/1/5/3d1572e4e8c19800/convert-a-manual-rtmp-stream-t_1a08qi3.png)

If you already have a [manual / RTMP](https://help.upstream.so/en/article/how-to-start-a-permanent-247-youtube-live-stream-manual-rtmp-1tzuej4/) YouTube stream set up, you can easily convert it to a [YouTube Connect](https://help.upstream.so/en/article/how-to-start-a-permanent-247-youtube-live-stream-using-youtube-connect-1xuvijx/) stream. YouTube Connect streams have many advantages:

* Easier to set up
* No need to copy-paste stream keys
* Easier to start & stop streams
* Easier [scheduling](https://help.upstream.so/en/article/how-to-schedule-a-youtube-live-stream-579qai/)
* Ability to [choose where to insert ads](https://help.upstream.so/en/article/youtube-cuepoints-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-benefit-me-w1aflv/)
* Set Title, Description and Thumbnail via Upstream
* No need to visit YouTube Studio

### Converting a manual stream to a YouTube Connect stream:

||| Your stream needs to be STOPPED to start the process. You can not convert a running stream.

1. Go to your Stream's Settings on Upstream
2. Click on the **Convert to YouTube Connect** button in the top right corner
3. Choose which YouTube channel you want to connect to


|| If you never connected a channel before, click on Connect Another YouTube Channel and follow the YouTube Channel Sync wizard.

|| If you previously created a stream via YouTube Connect, the connected channel will show up.

And you're done!

The stream is now converted to the YouTube Connect option, making it easier for you to manage your Livestreams. You can choose to disconnect the stream any time, by clicking on the **Disconnect from YouTube Connect** button that will now be visible in your stream settings.