To switch between different games during one continuous YouTube live stream, use separate OBS scenes for each game and switch scenes while the broadcast stays live. If by “VODs” you mean prerecorded video files, that is a different workflow from switching between live game captures.
First, decide what you mean by “VODs”
In gaming, “VOD” often means a recorded video-on-demand file. But if you want to play games live and change which game viewers see without ending the broadcast, treat each game as a separate capture scene in OBS. OBS scenes organize the sources shown in your stream; they do not automatically combine recorded VOD files into a broadcast.
If you mean playing prerecorded VOD files one after another as a live broadcast, OBS has media sources and can use playlists with VLC installed. However, the current official guidance cited here does not establish a complete, current setup procedure or how YouTube will treat every kind of prerecorded gameplay rebroadcast. Do not assume that the live-capture steps below cover that use case.
Choose how to get the game into your stream
| Setup | When it fits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Direct console stream | You want the simplest route and the console’s broadcast controls meet your needs. YouTube describes modern PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles as able to stream directly. | The cited guidance does not establish OBS-style scene composition or equivalent production controls in the direct-console route. |
| Computer encoder with OBS | You want scenes, overlays, or production controls on the streaming computer. YouTube describes encoder streaming as a common choice for gameplay and layouts with overlays or production hardware. | You must configure and test the game capture, audio, and scenes. |
| Console routed through a capture card to a computer | You need the console’s video to enter the computer as a capture source for OBS. | This adds hardware and setup. A capture card is not required for every console stream because direct console streaming is also available. |
Sources: YouTube’s live-streaming guide and the OBS Sources Guide.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Set up game scenes in OBS
- Create a scene for each game. In OBS, create and name scenes such as “Game A,” “Game B,” “Starting,” and “Break.” Scenes define what appears in the output, so separate game scenes let you prepare different captures and layouts for the same broadcast.
- Add the appropriate capture source to each scene. OBS documents Game Capture for Windows and video-capture sources such as capture cards. On other systems, choose a supported display, window, or macOS capture source. For a console routed into the computer, add the capture card’s video as a source.
- Check audio scene by scene. Confirm that the intended game audio and microphone are present in the OBS audio mixer. If a meter does not respond or a device is not selected, check the device selection and audio setup before going live. OBS’s Quick Start Guide recommends checking the mixer and selecting devices manually when needed.
- Set scene-switching controls if useful. OBS supports hotkeys for switching to a specific scene. A physical control pad is optional; you can use OBS’s hotkey function instead. In Studio Mode, prepare the next scene in the preview while the current scene remains live, then transition when ready. See the OBS Studio Overview Guide.
- Test before the broadcast. Run a brief local or private test. Switch through every game and interstitial scene, check capture and audio, and make sure overlays do not cover important gameplay. OBS recommends testing settings for a few minutes to catch problems.
Switch games without ending the live broadcast
Once the broadcast is running, select the scene for the game you want viewers to see. If you use Studio Mode, prepare that scene in preview and transition it to the live output. When you need a pause between games, switch to a “Break” scene; use a “Starting” scene before gameplay if it suits your show.
Update the broadcast title or game details to match the current content where appropriate. YouTube provides live-control and stream-management tools, but the sources cited here do not verify the exact current interface steps for changing game metadata during a broadcast or guarantee that every viewer-facing surface updates immediately.
Rank #2
- 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.
Protect the broadcast from copyright interruptions
YouTube says it scans all live streams for matches to third-party content. If third-party material remains in a stream after a warning, YouTube may interrupt or terminate the broadcast. For licensed third-party material, YouTube says the rights owner may need to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist; having a license alone may not prevent an interruption. If you archive the live stream, Content ID claims may be made after the stream ends.
Choosing a different game scene, muting a track, or holding a license does not by itself guarantee that YouTube will not enforce its live-stream rules. Review YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Troubleshoot common scene-switching problems
- The new scene is blank or shows the wrong content: Check that the scene contains the correct capture source and that the source is capturing the intended game, window, display, or capture-card input.
- Game audio disappears after a switch: Check the OBS audio mixer and the devices selected for the affected sources. Test each scene rather than assuming the audio setup is the same across games.
- You switched scenes, but the change is not live: If you are using Studio Mode, the preview is not the live output until you transition it. Confirm the scene has reached the live side of the interface.
- A console image never reaches OBS: Confirm whether your setup is direct console streaming or console-to-computer capture. The direct route does not put the console video into OBS; a capture source is needed when routing video through the computer.
- The stream is interrupted after switching content: Check YouTube’s live copyright guidance and any third-party material in the broadcast. A scene change does not override live-content enforcement.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded gameplay videos looping on a YouTube channel—not to switch among live game captures—StreamNeo is a cloud option. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded video without a computer, OBS, or home internet connection staying on.
There is one flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers. Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and StreamNeo team support. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account; billing is available by day, week, month, six months, or year, and you can cancel any time. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Monthly: $9.99 per month.
For a channel that needs prerecorded videos to stay live, your computer can stay off, any quality up to 4K 60fps uses the same per-slot price, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. Start the free first day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
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.
