diff --git a/TASKS.md b/TASKS.md
index e69e282..fd5d74a 100644
--- a/TASKS.md
+++ b/TASKS.md
@@ -13,17 +13,20 @@
 
 ---
 
-## TASK 2 — YouTube OAuth2 Authentication
+## TASK 2 — YouTube OAuth2 Authentication (optional, non-blocking)
 
 **Goal:** Fully working Google OAuth2 flow — user clicks "YouTube", browser opens, authorization callback lands, channel info is stored.
 
+**Design constraint:** Sign-in must NEVER block core usage. Users can go live with a manual stream key, build scenes, and record without authenticating. OAuth is an enhancement — it unlocks live chat, broadcast creation, scheduling, and YouTube-side health — not a prerequisite.
+
 ### Requirements:
 
 1. **Google Cloud OAuth credentials** — client ID + secret (user provides; needs "Localhost" redirect URI)
 2. **Local HTTP listener** — `HttpListener` on `http://localhost:PORT/oauth2/callback` to catch the redirect
 3. **Browser launch** — open the authorization URL in the default browser
 4. **Token persistence** — store access/refresh tokens securely (Windows DPAPI), reload on startup
-5. **UI state** — account name/avatar shown when connected, connection status reflected
+5. **UI state** — account name/avatar shown when connected; "sign in (optional)" affordance, never a gate
+6. **Stream key entry stays manual** — OAuth does not replace the manual stream key path
 
 ### Tests:
 
diff --git a/ai.md b/ai.md
index 62500c4..2a7ad49 100644
--- a/ai.md
+++ b/ai.md
@@ -50,3 +50,10 @@ Apply this to every UI decision:
 - Prefilled YouTube defaults (RTMP URL, bitrate, resolution, latency)
 - Visual/drag-and-drop scene building over property panels
 - Every action produces a visible outcome — no dead ends
+
+## Auth is optional, never a gate
+
+YouTube OAuth2 sign-in must NEVER block core usage. Users can go live with a manual stream key,
+build scenes, and record without authenticating. OAuth is an enhancement — it unlocks live chat,
+broadcast creation, scheduling, and YouTube-side health — not a prerequisite. Treat the sign-in
+button as "sign in (optional)", never as a requirement to use the app.