To show a holding slide between prerecorded church services without ending your YouTube Live broadcast, keep one encoder stream running and switch between scenes in OBS. Create a scene for each service and another for the slide, then use OBS Studio Mode to preview and transition to each scene while the stream stays live.
What a holding slide does—and what it does not do
A holding slide is a scene inserted into the continuous video feed sent to YouTube Live. It can display an image or other prepared content while the encoder remains connected. You switch from the current service scene to the slide, then from the slide to the next service scene; viewers remain on the same live broadcast.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is different from a YouTube scheduled-stream trailer. YouTube’s trailer plays on the watch page before a scheduled live stream begins; it is not a transition inserted between two services inside an already-running stream. See YouTube’s live stream settings and trailer requirements for current eligibility and length rules.
Recommended Free Tools
What you need before the service
- A scheduled YouTube Live event, or a live event ready to start in YouTube Studio.
- OBS Studio installed on a computer capable of sending the stream continuously.
- The event’s stream URL and stream key from YouTube Studio. YouTube Help describes stream keys as “like your YouTube stream’s password and address.” Keep the key private and do not show it in a public screen share or recording.
- The prerecorded service files and the holding-slide image or other content prepared on the computer running OBS.
- A rehearsal with the intended audio, transitions, and stream visibility checked before the service.
Set up the YouTube event and connect OBS
- Create or select the event. In YouTube Studio, open the live control room and create or select the scheduled live event. Locate its stream URL and stream key in the event’s stream settings. YouTube’s encoder setup guide explains that encoder software or hardware sends the feed and uses the URL and key to connect to the event.
- Connect OBS to the event. In OBS, open Settings > Stream, choose YouTube as the service if available, and enter or select the event’s stream destination and key using the connection method supported by your installed OBS version. Confirm that OBS is sending to the intended event before going live.
- Check the connection in Studio. Start the encoder feed when ready, then verify in YouTube Studio that the incoming stream is detected and that the correct event is selected. Keep OBS connected through every scene change; do not stop the stream between services.
Prepare the service and holding-slide scenes
In OBS, create separate scenes for the first prerecorded service, the holding slide, and the next service. Add the relevant media or image source to each scene using the controls in your installed OBS version, and check that each source fits the canvas and is visible. The OBS overview guide documents switching scenes, but source setup and still-image duration controls can vary by version and are not covered by that guide.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Rich Connection Ports】 The Osee GoStream Deck video switcher comes with 4 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs, allowing you to connect four different media sources and two displays for MultiView and monitoring. It also includes 2 Type-C ports (input/output) for webcam input/output, SSD connection, and PC connectivity, 1 Ethernet port for live streaming, 2 audio inputs and 1 headphone output for monitoring audio quality or recording, and 1 SD card slot for recording or playing files directly.
- 【Audio Control, Recording and Playback 】 The Osee GoStream Deck video switcher features various audio control buttons and adjustable knobs. It comes with headphone and microphone input for your live-streaming audio system. Additionally, it provides professional audio effects, including EQ, Limiter, Fader, etc. The GoStream Deck can record your PGM to an SD card or USB SSD while simultaneously playing back MP4 files for intros, breaks, etc.
- 【3 Streaming & Landscape / Portrait streaming】 This live streaming video switcher can simultaneously stream to 3 platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Zoom, or any RTMP server via the Ethernet port. Alternatively, you can use the USB output to stream through PC software like OBS or vMix. In addition, it supports both landscape and portrait modes to suit your various needs.
- 【Efficient Control】 The GoStream Deck features a hard control panel with PVW/PGM buses, T-Bar, and Macros - perfect for broadcast-quality streaming in education, conferences, worship, live events, and weddings. With its built-in menu system, you can control your live production without a PC. Additionally, we provide free PC control software and a companion control module for expanded functionality.
- 【Convenient Graphics Overlay】 This video mixer supports MultiSource functionality with dual video windows, background options, and graphics overlay - ideal for church broadcasts, podcasts, online meetings, panel discussions, and TV-quality live productions. Downstream keyer for logo and lower-third overlays. Upstream keyer supporting green screen, chroma key, PIP (Picture-in-Picture), and pattern effects.
Before the broadcast, check each service’s audio and video, and decide whether the slide should remain visible until an operator transitions to the next scene or whether you have a separate timed workflow. Do not assume that a still image will advance automatically or that a media source will behave like a playlist without configuring and testing it in your OBS version.
Switch scenes without ending the live stream
- Turn on Studio Mode. In OBS, select Studio Mode. The interface separates the scene viewers currently see—the Live Scene—from the scene being prepared in the edit area. OBS Project’s Overview Guide explains that this lets you change scenes in the background without viewers seeing the preparation.
- Prepare the holding slide. Select the holding-slide scene in the edit area. Check its framing and any associated audio before taking it live.
- Transition to the slide. Select Transition to make the prepared scene live. OBS offers Fade and Cut at launch; the overview guide also lists Swipe, Slide, Fade to color, and Luma Wipe as additional transitions. Choose an available transition and adjust its duration if appropriate for the service.
- Prepare the next service. While the slide is live, select the next-service scene in the edit area and verify that it is ready.
- Transition again. Select Transition to take the next service live. Repeat the same process for later services and slides, leaving the encoder feed running throughout.
Rehearse the full handoff
Run the complete sequence before the service using a private or unlisted event: first service, holding slide, next service. Confirm that the right content appears at each transition, that the audio is appropriate (including whether the slide should be silent), and that YouTube Studio continues to receive the feed. Have the volunteer operating OBS practice selecting the next scene and transitioning it live.
Rank #2
- FEATURE RICH: Includes 4-camera multiview; cut, mix, dip, wipe, and DVE transitions; luma, linear, chroma, and pattern upstream keys; downstream keyer; and a built-in 6-input, 2-channel audio mixer.
- APPLICATIONS: Multicamera live streaming to the Internet or broadcast applications. Perfect for education & training, business presentations, livestream eSport events and more.
- INPUTS: 4 x HDMI Type A (10-bit 4:2:2 YUV), 2-channel embedded audio; 2 x 3.5mm stereo analog audio; 1 x RJ45 Ethernet.
- OUTPUTS: 1 x HDMI Type A (10-bit 4:2:2 YUV) with 2-channel embedded audio; multiview output; 1 x USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1 (for webcam output, panel connection, and external drive recording).
- INCLUDES: ATEM Mini Pro HDMI live stream switcher and external 12V DC power supply with international socket adapters.
OBS is listed by YouTube as open-source software available at no charge, and YouTube also supports hardware encoders as a class. For a basic volunteer setup, OBS can handle the scene switching without a dedicated controller. A programmable controller such as Stream Deck is optional; it can map shortcuts but is not required for transitions. A church that already uses a production system or has specific reliability constraints may prefer its familiar hardware workflow, but there is no need to buy hardware just to show a slide between prerecorded services.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Copyright and YouTube policy checks
Before streaming, confirm that the church has the rights needed for the prerecorded service, music, images, and any other material included in both the service scenes and the holding slide. A live broadcast can be subject to copyright rules even when the material is religious or was previously recorded. Also review YouTube’s current live-stream requirements and applicable channel policies; using prerecorded material does not by itself guarantee eligibility for monetization or compliance with reused-content rules.
Rank #3
- HDMI Switching Simplified: Dive directly into your chosen media with a single button for hassle-free transitions between your game or movie without unplugging cables. Note: Manual button switching is supported. Automatic signal detection is not supported.
- - Enjoy 4K Excellence: Turn your regular viewing sessions into cinematic experiences with our HDMI switch that supports resolutions up to 4K@60Hz. Note: to guarantee a 4K60 display, please ensure that both the input and output HDMI cables are shorter than 3.3 feet with 30AWG, and that the combined length does not exceed 6.5 feet. Note: Supports one display at a time. Simultaneous dual display output is not supported.
- Huge Compatibility: Seamlessly compatible with a wide range of devices, this HDMI switch integrates everything from laptops and game consoles to TV screens and VR headsets. Note: This switch does not support HDMI CEC.
- What You Get: Anker HDMI Switch (2 in 1 Out, 4K HDMI), safety guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Common problems and fixes
- The slide does not appear to viewers. Check whether you selected it in the edit area but forgot to press Transition. In Studio Mode, preparing a scene is not the same as making it live.
- The YouTube stream ends during the handoff. Check that OBS remains connected and streaming. Scene changes should happen inside the running encoder feed, not by stopping one event and starting another.
- YouTube does not receive the feed. Confirm that OBS is connected to the correct scheduled event and that its stream URL and key match that event. Treat the key as a credential and replace it through YouTube Studio if it has been exposed.
- The wrong scene or an incomplete service appears. Rehearse each scene and its sources, confirm the intended scene is selected in the edit area, and use the transition control only when ready.
- A still slide advances or disappears unexpectedly. Check the image source and any configured timing or automation in the OBS version you use. Verify the behavior during rehearsal rather than relying on an assumed default.
- Viewers hear unwanted audio during the slide. Check the audio sources and mixer levels for the slide scene, and rehearse the handoff with monitoring enabled.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want prerecorded services to continue on YouTube without keeping the church’s computer and internet connection running, StreamNeo is a cloud option. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; it loops uploaded videos from the cloud. It does not go live from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay on at home or at the church computer.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot regardless of quality.
- 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 for details, or start the free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Flexible TAO Cloud Activation – Unlock premium functions via monthly or lifetime plans (not exceeding $100 total lifetime cost). Choose and pay only for the features you need, including PTZ control, Record and Chroma key, logo overlay .
- Step for ACTIVATION – Upgrade your Mini V3 to the LASTEST FRIMWARE before use. Connect the device to the internet with a Ethernet network cable. On the menu of Mini V3, go to Settings → IP Setting, enable DHCP, and wait for the device to receive an IP address. Then go to Settings → TAO Cloud, follow on‑screen instructions to get a verification code, log in to your TAO Cloud account, and bind the Mini V3. For full details, see the USER MANUAL.
- Compact 4K Video Switcher – Mini V3 features 4× HDMI inputs, 2 x1080P HDMI output, a 2.1" touch screen, and professional T-bar control, making it the ideal video switcher for live streaming and multi-cam productions.
- Dual HDMI Output & UVC Webcam Mode – Stream with dual HDMI outputs for program and preview, or connect via UVC for instant webcam recognition on YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms. Perfect as an HDMI switcher and 4K switcher. NOTE: For stable UVC streaming with OBS on Mac or PC, use the included USB 3.0 cable.
- HD Recording & Creative Effects – Record directly to USB drives up to 2TB, add PIP layouts, chroma key overlays, and 15 transition effects. Recording and selected advanced features are activated via optional TAO Cloud licensing. A versatile video switcher with touch screen 2.1" for entry-level content creation.
Rank #4
- Enriched inputs selection: unlimited inputs select from 4*SDI, 4*HDMI and USB-type C, NDI HX source and SD/SSD playback. Supports landscape and portrait for both inputs and outputs.
- Multiple control methods: control your live event via GoStream built-in GUI & GoStream computer software (both for MAC and Win) & Bitfocus Companion.
- Rich key effects and transitions: Multisource, Luam Key, Chroma Key, Pattern Key, PIP, DSK. Transition with MIX, DIP, WIPE and T-Bar.
- Highly compatible live streaming methods: Up to 3 streaming platforms at one time. Streaming directly via Ethernet or Smart Phone hotspot(via USB cable). Or you can connect to all streaming software, like OBS, Vmix to streaming.
- Affordable Professional Streaming Solution: A GoStream Duet equals a GoStream Deck + 4 HDMI & SDI converter + a FREE NDI HX LICENSE(need to download the latest firmware to unlock free NDI) as a gift.
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.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
