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To switch between pre-recorded videos during a YouTube Live stream in OBS, put each clip in its own scene using a Media Source, then switch scenes while you are live. For a playlist that should play through without choosing every clip manually, use OBS’s VLC Video source instead. Studio Mode lets you prepare a scene before sending it to viewers.
Choose how OBS should play your videos
OBS offers two practical setups: put each clip in a separate scene for direct control, or place several clips in one VLC Video source for playlist playback. Choose based on whether you want to pick the next video yourself.
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| Method | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Media Source in separate scenes | Choosing exactly which clip or segment appears next | Media Source is built into OBS and handles a local audio or video file. Each scene can have its own clip. |
| VLC Video source | Playing a set of files as a playlist | VLC must be installed. OBS requires 64-bit VLC when using 64-bit OBS. |
Use Media Source for individually selected clips
OBS’s built-in Media Source is intended for files placed in a scene. Its documented video formats include MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM; documented audio formats include MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
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VLC Video can manage multiple files in one source. VLC must be installed for the source to appear in OBS. Its settings include playlist loop and shuffle controls, plus a visibility behavior setting that governs playback when the source is not visible. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
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Set up separate scenes and switch between clips
- Create a scene for each clip. In OBS, use the Scenes panel to add a scene for each video or program segment you want to select independently.
- Add the video. Select a scene, use the Sources panel to add a Media Source, and choose the local file. Repeat for each scene and clip. If you already have a scene layout, you can add or reuse other sources as needed.
- Set playback behavior. Open the Media Source properties and choose whether it should loop, restart playback when it becomes active, use hardware decoding when supported, or hide when playback ends. These controls affect what happens when you switch to a scene and when a clip finishes; check them against the behavior you want.
- Switch scenes during the broadcast. Select the scene for the next video in OBS. You can also assign a hotkey to switch to a specific scene in OBS’s hotkey settings. A regular keyboard is sufficient; a programmable keypad can optionally trigger the same shortcuts.
For detailed source behavior, see the OBS Sources Guide.
Prepare the next clip with Studio Mode
Studio Mode separates the scene currently going to viewers from the scene you are preparing. This is useful when you want to select a different video and check it before changing the live output.
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- Enable Studio Mode in OBS.
- Select the scene to prepare in the preview area and confirm that its video and audio are right.
- Choose Transition to send the prepared scene to the live output. You can also configure a Quick Transition.
OBS provides transitions such as Fade and Cut, along with other built-in choices and adjustable durations. The right choice depends on the program: a cut is immediate, while a fade changes between scenes over time. OBS explains Studio Mode and transitions in its Studio Overview Guide.
Connect OBS to your YouTube Live stream
- In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and obtain the stream URL and stream key for the broadcast. YouTube’s instructions are in Manage live stream settings.
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream, select YouTube as the service, and enter the stream details. YouTube also documents the encoder connection process in Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
- Start the stream from OBS and check the Live Control Room preview before sharing or relying on the broadcast.
Treat the stream key like a password: do not show it on screen, include it in a shared screenshot, or disclose it to someone who should not be able to send video to your channel.
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Test switching, picture, and sound before going live
- Test with the same kinds of video and audio you plan to use during the event.
- Check the Live Control Room preview to make sure the expected clip appears when you switch scenes.
- Confirm that audio follows the video correctly and that the Media Source loop, restart, and end-of-playback options behave as intended.
- Check YouTube’s stream health and monitor audio and video quality during the broadcast.
YouTube recommends testing before starting a live stream. Its encoder guidance recommends RTMPS and provides bitrate and resolution tables. The appropriate values depend on the output configuration and available upload connection, so use the table for your chosen output and verify the result with a test rather than relying on an unrelated preset: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions. YouTube’s additional advice for broadcasts is in YouTube live streaming tips.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common switching problems
The video does not appear when you change scenes
- Check that the scene contains the intended Media Source and that its file path still points to an available local file.
- Open the source properties and check its playback behavior, including whether it restarts when active or hides when playback ends.
- If you use Studio Mode, confirm you are looking at the preview scene and then use Transition to send it to the live output.
The clip ends and the scene goes blank
Check the Media Source’s hide-when-playback-ends behavior. If you want the clip to repeat, enable its loop control. If it should play once and then hand over to another scene, leave looping off and switch scenes when it ends.
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The VLC Video source is missing
Install VLC so OBS can use its libraries. If OBS is 64-bit, use 64-bit VLC. Then reopen OBS and check the source options again.
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Check that OBS has the correct YouTube stream URL and key, and verify the preview and stream health in the Live Control Room. Keep the key private. For connection setup, consult YouTube’s encoder instructions.
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The picture or audio quality is poor
Check OBS output settings against YouTube’s bitrate and resolution guidance for the output you selected, then test the connection and monitor stream health. YouTube advises monitoring audio and video quality during the broadcast; a test can reveal whether the selected settings suit your upload connection.
Or let it run in the cloud
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