Recommended Free Tools
For automatic playback, add your clips to OBS’s VLC Video Source playlist. To choose a particular clip yourself, use a separate Media Source for each video or place clips in separate scenes and switch scenes manually. A playlist advances through its items; it does not automatically turn each item into a separately switchable scene.
Choose automatic playback or manual clip switching
| What you want | OBS approach | How it behaves |
|---|---|---|
| Play clips one after another | VLC Video Source | One source plays a playlist in order, or shuffles it if Shuffle is enabled. |
| Pick a specific clip on cue | Separate Media Sources or separate scenes | Choose the source or scene yourself during the stream. Configure any hotkeys you want in OBS. |
OBS’s Media Source plays an individual local media file, while VLC Video Source is the documented built-in option for a playlist. See the OBS Media Sources documentation. An optional community plugin, Media Playlist Source, offers playlist editing without restarting the current video and item selection; its forum listing specifies a minimum OBS Studio version of 30.0.0. Check its current release notes and platform support before installing it: Media Playlist Source listing.
Set up a VLC playlist in OBS
- Install VLC. Install VLC before adding the source. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC; OBS notes that the bitness must match.
- Prepare your clips. Keep local copies in a stable folder and use a supported media format. OBS lists video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, and audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV.
- Add the source. In your chosen scene, use the Sources panel’s add control and select VLC Video Source. Give the source a recognizable name.
- Add playlist files. In the source’s properties, add the local videos you want to play and arrange them in the intended order. Check that the list contains the files you expect.
- Choose playback behavior. Leave Shuffle off for the listed order. Enable Loop Playlist if playback should return to the first clip after the last one; leave it off for a single pass.
- Check visibility behavior. VLC Video Source has controls for stopping playback when hidden and restarting when visible. If a clip restarts after switching scenes, review these options and how the source is shown or hidden in those scenes.
- Position the video. Select the source and check the OBS preview. Resize, position, or crop it as needed so the video fits the intended scene.
Switch clips manually when timing matters
For on-cue selection, add each clip as its own Media Source, or put each clip in a separate scene. During the broadcast, select the desired source or scene in OBS. If you prefer keyboard control, assign hotkeys in OBS yourself and test them before going live; a VLC playlist alone does not create separate scenes or guarantee automatic scene changes at item boundaries.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live and preflight
- Check channel eligibility. YouTube says encoder-based livestreaming requires a verified channel with no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days. Review YouTube’s current live streaming requirements.
- Connect the encoder. In YouTube Live Control Room, set up an encoder stream and use its stream key in OBS’s stream settings. Keep the key private; anyone who obtains it may be able to broadcast to your stream.
- Start OBS and inspect the preview. Before making the stream public, confirm the selected scene, playlist, framing, and audio in the Live Control Room preview. YouTube’s streaming tips recommend checking the preview and monitoring audio and video quality during the broadcast.
- Monitor playback. Watch for unexpected scene changes, a source that has gone blank, playlist completion, or audio problems. If you intend a continuous loop, confirm Loop Playlist is enabled and that the next clip starts as expected.
The sources consulted for this workflow do not establish a specific current bitrate or resolution recommendation, so use the values appropriate to your encoder and YouTube’s current guidance rather than assuming one setting fits every connection and video.
#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.
Check rights before streaming prerecorded material
A prerecorded clip is still content in a livestream. You need the necessary rights for both its visuals and audio, including any music. YouTube’s livestream terms and conditions require Live Content to comply with its Community Guidelines and say the provider must have necessary rights to use the content, including music licensing rights.
YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. A detection can prompt a warning, replacement image, interruption, or termination. If you have permission to use material but YouTube still detects it, the rights holder may need to add your channel to its allowlist. Permission to upload a file does not by itself guarantee that it may be broadcast live under every licence.
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.
Troubleshoot common playback problems
- VLC Video Source is missing: Install VLC, then check that VLC and OBS have matching bitness. In particular, 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Only one clip plays: Confirm that the other files were added to the VLC playlist and that their paths still work. A Media Source is for an individual file; use VLC Video Source for playlist playback.
- Clips play in an unexpected order: Turn Shuffle off and arrange the files in the playlist in the desired sequence.
- The playlist stops after the last clip: Enable Loop Playlist if you want it to start over. A single pass is the expected result when looping is disabled.
- A clip restarts after a scene change: Review VLC Video Source’s stop-when-hidden and restart-when-visible behavior. Check whether the source becomes hidden when you change scenes.
- The video is absent or framed incorrectly: Confirm the source is in the active scene, inspect the OBS preview, and adjust its position, size, or crop.
- YouTube interrupts the stream: Check YouTube’s notification and resolve any rights or policy issue. A third-party-content detection can interrupt a live broadcast even when the material is prerecorded.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps prerecorded videos playing around the clock, StreamNeo is an alternative to leaving OBS running on a home computer. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home.
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
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.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. The Monthly plan is $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
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.
