Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsUse OBS Studio’s VLC Video source to play a manually assembled playlist of podcast files, then send OBS’s output to a YouTube Live stream. Keep the computer and internet connection running for the whole broadcast. OBS can loop the playlist, but it does not automatically monitor a folder for new episodes.
What you need before you start
- A YouTube account with live streaming enabled. YouTube says enabling live streaming for the first time may take up to 24 hours; the publication date is not displayed on its help page, checked 2026-10-03. YouTube’s encoder setup guide explains the setup.
- OBS Studio and VLC installed on the computer that will run the broadcast. OBS’s VLC Video source requires VLC; on 64-bit OBS, use a compatible 64-bit VLC build. OBS Media Sources (dated 2022-01-11) documents this source.
- Podcast files that your computer can play and that you have permission to broadcast. Copyright rules apply to prerecorded audio just as they do to other live content.
- A stable internet connection with enough upload capacity for the output settings you choose.
Decide whether the episodes should play once in order or repeat. If the stream is audio-led, you can add cover art, a title card, or another suitable visual in OBS; this is a presentation choice, not a substitute for checking YouTube’s incoming preview.
Build the episode playlist in OBS
- Install and open VLC, then open OBS. If the VLC Video source is missing, check that VLC is installed and matches OBS’s 64-bit or 32-bit architecture.
- Create a scene. In OBS, use the Scenes panel to add a scene for the podcast broadcast.
- Add the playlist source. In Sources, select + → VLC Video. Name the source and confirm.
- Add episode files. In the source properties, add the local media files in the order you want them played. OBS describes this as a playlist of items, unlike the single-file Media Source.
- Set playback behavior. Leave Shuffle off for a fixed sequence. Choose Loop Playlist only if you want the queue to repeat after its last item. OBS documents shuffle as off by default and Loop Playlist as on by default; check the controls rather than relying on defaults.
- Check the scene and audio. Make sure the source is visible in the preview, the picture fits the canvas as intended, and the OBS audio mixer shows the episode audio. Play a short section before going live.
This is a manually populated playlist, not a folder watcher. When you add or replace files in the folder, update the playlist in OBS and verify the new order before the next broadcast.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- In YouTube Studio, select Create → Go Live. Use the Stream tab for a stream you are setting up now. If viewers need an advance watch page, schedule the broadcast from Manage instead. See YouTube’s encoder setup instructions for the current flow.
- Copy the stream server URL and stream key shown in YouTube Studio into OBS’s stream settings. Treat the key like a password: anyone who has it may be able to send video to your channel. Do not publish it or include it in screenshots.
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream, choose YouTube as the service, and enter the server and key if the selected connection method asks for them. Save the settings.
- In Settings → Output and Video, choose a supported resolution and encoder configuration appropriate to your computer and connection. Use YouTube’s current recommendations for bitrate and resolution rather than guessing: YouTube encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
- Use a keyframe interval of 2 seconds as YouTube recommends; its guidance says not to exceed 4 seconds. Test with representative audio and movement, then check YouTube Studio’s stream-health status before relying on the setup. These are YouTube’s published encoder instructions, not an independent performance measurement.
Start the broadcast and monitor it
- In OBS, select Start Streaming. Confirm YouTube Studio receives the feed and shows the intended episode in the preview.
- Check the audio, video, and stream-health indicators. YouTube recommends testing before a live stream and monitoring stream health. Its live streaming error guide describes issues such as format, bitrate, and audio/video errors.
- For a scheduled broadcast, use YouTube’s preview and select Go live when ready. For other workflows, follow the controls displayed in Studio and confirm the stream is actually live.
- Keep OBS running, the source files accessible, the computer awake, and the internet connection available for the whole broadcast. A local-encoder setup stops being continuous if the computer shuts down, OBS closes, or the connection fails.
Plan for loops, new episodes, and replays
Repeating the queue
Enable Loop Playlist if you want playback to return to the first item after the last. If episodes should play only once, turn looping off and decide what the stream should show or do after the playlist ends; do not assume OBS will discover replacement files in the folder.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#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.
Adding episodes
Update the VLC playlist in OBS when the library changes. Check that every item resolves to the intended file and plays correctly. A moved or renamed local file can leave the playlist pointing to an unavailable item.
Saving episode archives
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That does not make one indefinite broadcast a dependable archive of every episode: a continuous stream may not produce a complete, easy-to-navigate recording of each show. For distinct episode VODs, use separate broadcasts or upload the episodes separately. The under-12-hour guidance is from YouTube’s help page, whose publication date is not displayed; checked 2026-10-03. See YouTube’s encoder setup guide.
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.
Copyright and YouTube policy still apply
Only broadcast material you own or are authorized to use, including music, clips, and other third-party material within an episode. YouTube says third-party content can cause a placeholder image to replace a live stream, and Content ID claims may be made after a stream if it is archived. Read YouTube’s copyright guidance for live streams and review your rights before starting a long broadcast.
A continuous playlist does not exempt a channel from YouTube’s rules. A rights-cleared episode can still warrant checking that its included music, guest clips, or other licensed elements cover live streaming and any resulting archive.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →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.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | What to check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| VLC Video is not available in OBS | Whether VLC is installed and whether its architecture matches OBS. | Install the VLC build compatible with your OBS installation, then restart OBS. |
| An episode does not play | Whether the file still exists at the playlist path and whether VLC can open it. | Restore or reselect the file in the source playlist, then test playback in OBS before going live. |
| Episodes play in an unexpected order | Playlist order and whether Shuffle is enabled. | Reorder the items and turn Shuffle off for a fixed sequence. |
| The queue stops after the final episode | Whether Loop Playlist is enabled. | Enable looping if you want the queue to repeat; otherwise plan the end of the broadcast. |
| YouTube receives no feed | OBS’s streaming status, server URL, stream key, and the stream selected in YouTube Studio. | Re-enter the correct URL and key from the intended Studio stream, then start streaming and check the Studio preview. |
| YouTube reports stream-health errors | Encoder format, bitrate, keyframe interval, and whether the connection can sustain the selected output. | Use YouTube’s supported settings, reduce output demands if the connection cannot sustain them, and run a representative test. Consult encoder settings guidance and the error guide. |
| Live video is replaced or an archive receives a claim | Whether episodes contain third-party audio or video covered by Content ID or other rights. | Use material cleared for the broadcast and archive, or remove the disputed material. See YouTube’s live-stream copyright guidance. |
| The broadcast stops when nobody is at the computer | Whether the computer slept, OBS closed, or the local connection failed. | For OBS, keep the computer awake and the encoder and connection running. If you do not want a home computer to run the broadcast, consider a cloud service instead. |
Local OBS or cloud hosting?
OBS gives direct control over a playlist of local files and YouTube describes OBS among its verified encoders. This route requires the computer, files, and connection to remain available. A cloud-hosted encoder can suit a creator who wants the stream to continue with the local computer off, but confirm that a service supports your particular file and playlist workflow, scheduling and restart needs, storage limits, and archive plan before choosing it. YouTube’s directory lists cloud options for continuous prerecorded video; that listing alone does not establish a service’s podcast-folder compatibility, price, or reliability for your workflow. See YouTube’s verified encoder directory.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams what you uploaded up to 4K 60fps at one flat price, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card; it is a one-free-day-per-account offer. Monthly access is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not broadcast from a camera. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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.
