To broadcast several videos as one YouTube Live event, play the files through a playlist-capable encoder such as OBS Studio’s VLC Video source, then send that encoder feed to a YouTube broadcast. A regular YouTube playlist is only a viewer-facing queue of uploaded videos; YouTube Studio does not turn that watch playlist into a live broadcast.
What you need before you start
- A YouTube channel that is verified and eligible to livestream. YouTube says the channel must have no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. First-time live-streaming activation can take up to 24 hours, so enable it ahead of your planned broadcast. YouTube streamers must be at least 16 years old. YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility guidance
- OBS Studio and VLC installed on the computer that will run the stream. OBS’s VLC Video source requires VLC and provides a playlist for media files. OBS Project’s Media Sources guide
- Video files you have permission to broadcast, and a stable internet connection with enough upload capacity for the stream settings you choose.
Set up an OBS playlist and send it to YouTube Live
-
Prepare your video files and check your rights
Collect the videos you want to play and confirm that you have the necessary rights to stream them. Content being publicly viewable on YouTube does not, by itself, give you permission to rebroadcast it. Live streams must comply with YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. YouTube Community Guidelines
-
Add the playlist-capable source in OBS
Open your OBS scene and add a VLC Video source. Add the media files to that source’s playlist. OBS explains that, unlike Media Source, VLC Video can hold a playlist of items. Keep shuffle off to play the listed order, turn it on for random order, and enable Loop Playlist if you want the sequence to repeat. Install VLC if it is not already installed. OBS Project’s Media Sources guide
-
Create or schedule the YouTube broadcast
In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and create a stream or schedule one. Copy the stream URL and stream key shown for that broadcast into OBS’s streaming settings. The key is a credential: do not share it, and reset it if you think it has been exposed. YouTube’s encoder setup guide covers connecting encoder software to a broadcast. YouTube encoder setup · YouTube stream keys
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
-
Start the encoder and preview the feed
Start streaming from OBS and wait for the feed to appear in Live Control Room. Check that the video is framed correctly and that audio is present at a sensible level. For a scheduled broadcast, select Go live in Live Control Room when the preview is ready. YouTube recommends testing with representative motion and audio and monitoring stream health. YouTube live-streaming tips
-
Keep the connection stable during playback
Resolution, frame rate, and bitrate determine how much upload capacity the stream needs. YouTube recommends keeping 20% upload bandwidth in reserve beyond the stream’s requirement and recommends RTMPS for encrypted ingest. Use YouTube’s recommendations for the stream settings you select, and test your actual connection before relying on it for a long broadcast. YouTube live-streaming tips · YouTube streaming protocol guidance
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
-
End the broadcast cleanly
End the broadcast in YouTube, then stop the encoder in OBS. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; do not assume a longer stream will be archived automatically. YouTube encoder setup
Can you stream a regular YouTube playlist as a live event?
Not by handing the playlist URL to YouTube Studio. A YouTube watch playlist organizes videos already hosted on the platform for viewers. To make a continuous live broadcast from a sequence of videos, the documented workflow is to feed video files from a playlist-capable encoder source, such as OBS’s VLC Video source, into a YouTube Live broadcast. The workflow above covers local media files; it does not establish a method for rebroadcasting YouTube-hosted videos from a watch-list URL.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Scheduling and Live Redirect do different jobs
Scheduling can make an upcoming stream page available so viewers can find the event and opt in to reminders. Live Redirect can send viewers to a Premiere or another live stream after the current stream ends, subject to YouTube’s eligibility and setup requirements. Neither feature creates or plays the sequence of videos inside your broadcast. YouTube Live Redirect
Troubleshoot common playlist-stream problems
- The VLC Video source is missing or will not load: OBS lists VLC as a requirement for this source. Install VLC, then reopen or refresh OBS and check the source again. OBS Project’s Media Sources guide
- The playlist plays in the wrong order: Turn shuffle off in the VLC Video source to use the listed order. If random playback is intended, enable shuffle instead.
- The video stops after one pass: Enable Loop Playlist if you want the sequence to repeat. Without looping, the playlist is not configured to cycle continuously.
- YouTube does not show the incoming picture or sound: Confirm OBS is streaming to the stream URL and key for the intended broadcast. Wait for the preview in Live Control Room, then inspect the scene, playlist source, and audio before going live. YouTube recommends checking stream health and testing representative audio and motion. YouTube live-streaming tips
- The feed becomes unstable: Check whether the selected resolution, frame rate, and bitrate exceed the connection’s upload capacity. YouTube recommends 20% headroom; lower the stream demand or improve the connection if you cannot maintain that reserve. YouTube live-streaming tips
- You cannot start a first livestream immediately: Enable live streaming in advance. YouTube says first-time activation may take up to 24 hours, and recent live-streaming restrictions can affect eligibility. YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility guidance
- You suspect someone else has your stream key: Reset the key in YouTube Studio and update the encoder with the new credential. YouTube stream keys
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps uploaded videos playing around the clock, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud rather than from the computer at home. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not need to stay on; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot. The first day is free with no card. The monthly price is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for uploaded videos streamed to YouTube, not a live camera feed. See StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
