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For prerecorded clips to play one after another in OBS without manual input, install VLC and use OBS’s VLC Video Source with a playlist. For cue-by-cue control, use a separate Media Source for each clip or put clips in separate scenes and switch them yourself. A VLC playlist does not automatically turn each item into a separate scene.
Choose automatic playback or manual switching
Automatic sequence: VLC Video Source
Use this when you want OBS to advance through local videos in playlist order. VLC must be installed for the source to appear in OBS; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. OBS documents VLC Video Source as the playlist option. OBS: Media Sources
Choose each clip yourself: separate Media Sources or scenes
Use a Media Source for each individual video, or place each clip in its own scene. During the broadcast, select the desired source or scene manually. You can also configure OBS hotkeys for your scene changes, but the exact hotkey assignments are up to you. OBS documentation describes Media Source playback for local media files; it does not establish automatic scene changes at VLC playlist boundaries.
Set up a prerecorded-video playlist in OBS
- Prepare local files. Put the video clips in a stable folder on the computer running OBS. OBS lists video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM; audio formats include MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Keep the files available at the same paths while streaming.
- Install VLC. Install the version that matches OBS’s architecture. In particular, 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. If VLC Video Source is missing from OBS’s source choices, confirm VLC is installed and that the bitness matches.
- Add the source. In the scene where the videos should appear, use the Sources panel’s add control and select VLC Video Source. Add the local video files to its playlist, then confirm the source appears correctly in the OBS preview. Adjust its size and crop in the scene if needed.
- Choose order and repeat behavior. Turn Shuffle off to play files in the listed order; turn it on for randomized playback. Enable Loop Playlist only if the list should begin again after the final clip. With looping off, the playlist does not repeat after it runs through.
- Check visibility behavior. VLC Video Source has controls for stopping playback when hidden and restarting when visible. Check these if changing scenes causes a clip to stop or restart. This matters especially when the source is hidden during part of the broadcast or used in more than one scene.
- For manual clip choice, prepare separate sources or scenes. Add one Media Source per clip, or make a scene for each clip, and verify each in the preview. Switch to the source or scene you want while live; configure hotkeys in OBS if you want keyboard control.
Go live through YouTube and check the stream
- Confirm channel eligibility. YouTube encoder streaming requires a verified channel with no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days. Review YouTube’s current eligibility and setup information before scheduling a broadcast: YouTube Help: Create a live stream with an encoder.
- Connect OBS to the YouTube broadcast. Use YouTube’s encoder workflow and the stream key for the broadcast. Treat the key as private: anyone with access to it may be able to send video to your stream. YouTube’s setup guidance covers creating a stream and connecting an encoder.
- Check the Live Control Room preview before starting. Confirm the right scene and clip are visible and that audio is present. YouTube recommends previewing the stream and monitoring audio and video quality while live: YouTube Help: Live streaming tips.
- Monitor the playlist and scene changes. Watch whether playback advances as intended, whether the playlist repeats at the right point, and whether scene visibility settings cause unexpected stops or restarts.
There is no single bitrate, resolution, or keyframe value established here for every YouTube stream. Use the current YouTube guidance for your encoder and connection rather than relying on a universal setting. A local playlist is unrelated to YouTube’s optional HLS encoder ingestion protocol: HLS has segment constraints and higher latency than RTMP, and it is not required to switch between local clips.
#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.
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- 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.
Check rights for every clip before broadcasting
Prerecorded material is still content in a livestream. Confirm you have the necessary rights for both the video and audio, including music. YouTube scans live streams for third-party content; detection may result in a warning, a replacement image, interruption, or termination. If you have a licence for third-party material, the rights holder may need to add your channel to its allowlist. YouTube’s livestream terms also require Live Content to comply with its Community Guidelines and require the provider to have rights needed to use it, including music rights. Read the YouTube Livestream terms and conditions and applicable permissions before going live.
Troubleshoot common playback problems
- VLC Video Source is not available: Check that VLC is installed. If OBS is 64-bit, VLC must also be 64-bit.
- The wrong clip plays next: Check the playlist order and turn Shuffle off if you want a predictable sequence.
- The playlist starts over unexpectedly: Check whether Loop Playlist is enabled. Turn it off if the stream should stop advancing after the final item.
- A clip stops or starts again after changing scenes: Review the VLC source’s stop-when-hidden and restart-when-visible behavior settings.
- A clip is not visible in the stream: Confirm the source is in the active scene, visible in the Sources panel, and correctly sized or cropped in the preview.
- YouTube warns, replaces the picture, interrupts, or terminates the stream: Review the rights for the detected picture or audio. A licence may not prevent an automated interruption unless the rights holder has allowlisted your channel.
- You need to edit a playlist while a clip is playing or select an item directly: The community Media Playlist Source plugin listing advertises playlist editing without restarting the current video and selecting an item to play. Its listing gives a minimum OBS version of 30.0.0; check current release notes and platform support before installing or relying on it. OBS Project Forums: Media Playlist Source
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps prerecorded videos live without leaving a computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It keeps looping from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It supports whatever quality you upload up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream, and includes a first day free with no card required. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for prerecorded uploads to YouTube, not camera broadcasts. See StreamNeo, or start the free 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.
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- 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
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- 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
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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.
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Rank #2
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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