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To stream a video saved on your computer to YouTube Live, add it to an OBS scene as a Media Source, connect OBS to a YouTube encoder stream with your stream key, and check the preview and audio before going live. For a sequence of videos, use OBS’s VLC Video source instead. This guide covers both setups, recommended output settings, troubleshooting, and an alternative for keeping a prerecorded stream running without leaving a computer on.
Before you start
- Your YouTube channel must be verified, have no live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days, and the person streaming must be at least 16. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility requirements.
- Install OBS and keep the video file available on the computer running it. OBS documents support for formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, but a listed container does not guarantee every codec or file will play correctly. See OBS Media Sources.
- Use video and audio that you have the right to stream. Having a local copy does not, by itself, grant streaming rights; streams must also comply with YouTube’s policies. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
Create a YouTube encoder stream
- Open YouTube Studio and go to Live Control Room. Create or select a stream, then choose the encoder workflow if prompted. For a scheduled event, set it up in advance; YouTube recommends starting preparations at least two hours before and starting the encoder at least 15 minutes before the scheduled event. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key shown for the event. In YouTube’s terminology, the stream key is like a password: do not share it or show it on screen. If it is exposed, reset it in Live Control Room. See Manage live stream settings and Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
Add one local video in OBS
- In OBS, select or create the scene you want to use.
- In the Sources dock, click + and choose Media Source. Create a new source, give it a recognizable name, and select the local video file. OBS’s Sources Guide explains how sources are added and arranged in a scene.
- To repeat a single file, enable Loop in the Media Source properties. Leave it off if the video should play once. Check that the source is visible and sized as intended in the preview.
- Watch the OBS audio mixer while the video plays. Confirm the video’s audio is present and that unwanted microphone or desktop audio is not being sent. If you use a separate audio source, check its level and routing too.
Use a playlist for several local videos
For a sequence of files, add VLC Video from the Sources dock, then add the media items to its playlist and arrange them in the intended order. Leave Loop Playlist enabled if you want the sequence to repeat; use shuffle only if the order should vary. The VLC source appears only when VLC is installed. If OBS is 64-bit, install 64-bit VLC. See OBS’s Media Sources documentation.
| Need | OBS source | Important setting or dependency |
|---|---|---|
| One local file, with optional repetition | Media Source | Enable Loop to repeat; VLC is not required. |
| Several files played as a sequence | VLC Video | Add items to the playlist; enable Loop Playlist to repeat. VLC must be installed, matching OBS’s 64-bit or 32-bit architecture. |
Connect OBS to YouTube
- Open OBS Settings and select Stream. Choose YouTube as the service if it is available in the service list. Otherwise, select a custom service and enter the server URL and stream key from YouTube Live Control Room. OBS labels can vary by version; use the matching service or custom-server fields in your installed build.
- Prefer YouTube’s RTMPS ingest option when available. YouTube documents RTMP/RTMPS ingest and explains encrypted delivery in its RTMPS guidance.
- In OBS Settings → Output, choose a bitrate and encoder supported by your system and connection. In Settings → Video, choose a resolution and frame rate appropriate to the source. Avoid upscaling a low-resolution file merely to select a larger output.
- In OBS Settings → Output, use CBR bitrate control and a two-second keyframe interval. YouTube says not to exceed a four-second keyframe interval. Its guidance supports H.264, H.265, and AV1 video and AAC or MP3 audio for RTMP/RTMPS; available encoder choices depend on your OBS build and hardware. See YouTube’s encoder settings.
Choose a resolution and bitrate
YouTube’s current encoder guidance lists the following H.264 video bitrate figures. They are recommended configuration ranges, not a promise that your computer or internet connection can sustain them.
| H.264 output | YouTube-listed minimum | YouTube-listed recommended bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 3 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 5 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 6 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
Use the source’s actual resolution and frame rate as a starting point, then choose a setting your upload connection can sustain. YouTube says the total stream bitrate should stay below available upload bandwidth and recommends keeping 20% headroom. Other people and devices sharing the network, as well as connection disruptions, can reduce the bandwidth available to OBS. Test on the same network you plan to use for the event. See YouTube’s streaming tips and its encoder settings.
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#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.
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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.
Test, go live, and end the stream
- Start the video in OBS and check the preview in YouTube Live Control Room. Confirm the picture, audio, and stream health before making the event public. YouTube recommends testing with movement and audio similar to the actual stream.
- For a scheduled event, wait for the preview in Live Control Room and click Go live when ready. Starting the encoder does not necessarily make a scheduled event public by itself; follow the event’s Studio prompts. See YouTube’s encoder setup instructions.
- When finished, end the event in YouTube Studio and stop the encoder according to the Studio flow. YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours are automatically archived. Check the event after ending if you need to confirm the archive is available. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips.
Latency, DVR, and long streams
For prerecorded playback without audience interaction, the lowest-latency setting is usually not essential. YouTube notes that lower latency can increase playback buffering, so choose a setting that suits the event rather than reducing latency without a reason. DVR can let viewers pause or rewind a live stream, but YouTube documents limits for streams longer than 12 hours; see stream settings and YouTube’s DVR guidance.
Troubleshoot common problems
- YouTube does not receive a signal: Check that OBS is connected to the correct service or server URL and that the key belongs to the selected event. Recopy the key carefully. If it may have been exposed, reset it in Live Control Room.
- The video is black or does not start: Confirm the Media Source points to the correct file and that the file is available to the computer running OBS. Check whether its format and codec work in your environment. For a playlist, confirm VLC is installed and matches OBS’s architecture.
- The stream has no audio or has unwanted audio: Check that the source’s audio appears in the OBS mixer and that it is not muted. Review other active sources, such as a microphone or desktop audio, and disable anything you do not intend to send.
- The image stutters or YouTube reports poor stream health: Lower the output bitrate or resolution, check for other network use, and retest with upload headroom. A bitrate that exceeds available upload bandwidth can destabilize delivery.
- The video stops at the end of the file: For one file, enable Loop in Media Source properties. For multiple files, enable Loop Playlist in VLC Video properties.
- The scheduled event is not public: Check the Live Control Room preview and follow the event’s Go live step; an encoder connection and a public event are separate parts of the workflow.
Or let it run in the cloud
OBS plays local files from the computer running the stream, so that computer and its internet connection have to remain available. StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Its stream runs in the cloud, so your computer can be off.
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.
- Each slot supports one always-on YouTube stream, 24/7 looping and playlists, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, support from the StreamNeo team, and automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode and one flat price per slot rather than quality tiers.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Billing options are a day, a week, a month, six months, or a year; cancel any time. UPI and cards are supported in India, and card checkout is available worldwide.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 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
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- 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
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- 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.
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