If OBS goes black between videos, first identify whether the gap happens at a clip boundary, when a playlist ends, or when a source is hidden or shown. Then check the playback and visibility settings for the exact source type: a local Media Source or a VLC Video playlist. Those settings can explain some black screens, but OBS does not promise gapless transitions for every playlist or media file.
First, pinpoint when the screen goes black
Before changing settings, watch for the timing and what happens to audio. A black screen only at the end of a file points toward end-of-playback behavior; a black screen after changing scenes or hiding a source points toward visibility or reload behavior. A gap between playlist items is a different symptom from a gap after the final item.
- Does the screen go black between every clip, only after the last clip, or after a scene change?
- Does audio continue during the black interval?
- Does OBS hold the last frame, or does the video disappear immediately?
- Are the files local or network-based, and does the problem affect every item?
These clues narrow the investigation; without your OBS version, operating system, source type, and media details, the cause cannot be established.
Check the source type before changing settings
In OBS, select the source in the Sources list and open its properties. The controls differ by source type. OBS documents local-file playback under Media Sources and playlist playback under VLC Video: OBS Media Sources.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
If you use a local Media Source
Review these properties and set them for the behavior you want:
- Loop: controls whether the file plays again after it completes.
- Show nothing when playback ends: hides the source when its file finishes. If you expect the final frame or another visible state to remain, check whether this option matches that expectation.
- Restart playback when source becomes active: determines whether playback restarts when the source becomes visible in the current scene.
- Close file when inactive: unloads the file while the source is hidden or off the current scene. OBS notes that showing it again may involve a short reload period.
For a black screen after one file finishes, check Loop and Show nothing when playback ends. For a gap after hiding and showing the source, test a repeatable scene change while checking Close file when inactive and the restart setting. Avoid toggling every option at once: change one setting, reproduce the same event, and note the result.
Rank #2
- 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.
If you use a VLC Video playlist
VLC Video is intended for playlists. Check Loop Playlist, which determines whether the source starts over after the list runs out; OBS documents its default as On. Shuffle Playlist randomizes the item order. Visibility Behaviour controls whether playback continues, pauses, or stops while the source is not visible.
VLC Video depends on VLC being installed. OBS documents that a 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC. If the black interval is between playlist items rather than after the whole list, verify that the files are valid and that playback advances as expected. The documented controls do not guarantee gapless decoding or eliminate every boundary interval.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →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.
Tell playback transitions apart from visibility changes
OBS developer documentation lists source lifecycle signals including media_started, media_ended, media_play, media_restart, media_stopped, and media_next: OBS source reference. If you use scripts or automation, compare the time of the blank screen with these events. A matching end or next event suggests investigating playback progression; if no playback transition coincides with it, check source visibility, scene transitions, or rendering instead. The signal list helps with diagnosis but is not a step-by-step fix.
Use old bug reports cautiously
An OBS GitHub issue opened on 2020-07-19 describes a black Media Source in OBS 25.0.8 on Windows 10, with Loop, Restart playback when source becomes active, and Close file when inactive enabled after the source had remained unused since OBS launched: OBS issue #3192. That is a report about one historical configuration, not evidence of a general problem in current OBS releases or a verified fix for your setup. If your symptoms seem similar, test with your installed version and use a log from the incident before drawing a conclusion.
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
If the black screen remains, collect a useful report
Record the following details before asking for help or comparing logs:
- OBS version and operating system
- Exact source type and the relevant source properties
- Whether the media is local or network-based
- Whether audio continues and whether the last frame remains visible
- Whether every playlist file is affected and whether the gap occurs at every item boundary
- A short recording of the OBS preview and an OBS log that covers the incident
Those details help distinguish an end-of-file setting from a playlist, visibility, reload, or rendering problem. OBS’s Knowledge Base is another official reference for OBS configuration.
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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps playing uploaded videos while your computer is off, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, not a live camera feed.
Quick Recap
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs without a computer, OBS, or your home connection staying on.
- Videos stream as uploaded, at any quality up to 4K 60fps, for one flat price per slot; there are no quality tiers or re-encoding.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo or start the free day.
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.
