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To show album art during a YouTube internet-radio livestream, add it to the video scene in OBS: use an Image source for a fixed cover, or a metadata-aware plugin or browser overlay if the artwork should change with each track. Changing the YouTube live thumbnail alone does not put art into the video.
Choose how the artwork should appear
- One fixed image: Add a local image to the OBS scene. This works for a station logo, a single album cover, or a branded poster and does not depend on track metadata.
- Artwork that changes with the track: Use a metadata-aware source, such as the Tuna plugin workflow described in the OBS community Tuna guide. The player or station must provide usable track metadata and artwork, and the chosen setup must support that input.
Internet-radio stations do not all expose metadata or artwork in the same way. Confirm the behavior with the specific station and player; automatic cover changes are not guaranteed.
Add a fixed cover image in OBS
- Select the broadcast scene. In OBS, create or select the scene you use for the YouTube broadcast. Add or configure the station or music playback source in that scene. OBS documents scene sources, including media sources, in its Media Sources guide.
- Add the cover. In the Sources panel, choose the option to add an Image source, give it a recognizable name, and select the image file. The Tuna setup resource also describes using an OBS image source for cover art: Tuna guide.
- Position and size it. Place the image where viewers can see it, and keep it large enough to recognize without obscuring other important on-screen content. Check the scene preview at the output layout you intend to stream.
- Preview before going live. Confirm that the station or music source plays and that the image appears in the composed scene. Because the image is part of the OBS video composition, it will appear in the stream itself.
Show artwork that changes with the current track
- Check the metadata source. Find out whether the player or internet-radio station exposes current track information and artwork. If it does not, a plugin cannot reliably display the correct cover automatically.
- Choose a compatible metadata-aware source. The community-documented Tuna workflow can be used to connect track information and artwork to an OBS scene. Follow its setup guidance and verify compatibility with your installed OBS version and playback source: Tuna setup guide.
- Test track changes while off-air. Play more than one track and verify that both the title information and artwork update as expected. Artwork matching can fail or lag when metadata is missing, inconsistent, or unsupported.
- Review the layout in OBS. Make sure changing covers fit the scene and remain legible. If the station or player cannot supply reliable artwork, use a fixed station image instead of implying that it will change track by track.
For one example of routing a radio playlist or URL into OBS, Radio.co describes adding it through a VLC source; that is a vendor workflow, not a guarantee that every station URL or metadata format will behave identically. See Radio.co’s radio-to-YouTube tutorial. OBS notes that its VLC Video Source requires VLC to be installed to be available as a source: OBS Media Sources.
Understand the difference between stream art and the live thumbnail
- Album art in the video: An image or browser/plugin source composed into OBS is part of the video frames viewers see during playback.
- YouTube live thumbnail: The thumbnail is broadcast preview metadata, separate from the live video composition. YouTube documents broadcast metadata and thumbnails in its LiveBroadcasts API reference. Setting a thumbnail does not add an image overlay to the stream.
- YouTube Art Tracks: Art Tracks are part of a music-distribution workflow using recordings, artwork media, and metadata. They are not the method for overlaying cover art on an internet-radio livestream. See YouTube’s Art Tracks information.
You may set a separate broadcast thumbnail if you want a preview image, using the controls available in your current YouTube broadcast setup. Avoid relying on older interface directions: labels and click paths can change.
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Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#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.
- 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.
Troubleshoot missing or incorrect artwork
- The cover is not visible in the live video: Confirm the image or browser/plugin source is in the scene being sent to YouTube, visible in the OBS preview, and not hidden behind another source.
- The thumbnail changed, but viewers see no cover in the video: The thumbnail is separate from the scene. Add an image or metadata-aware source in OBS.
- The VLC source is unavailable: Install VLC, then check OBS’s available sources again. The OBS documentation identifies VLC installation as a requirement for that source.
- The artwork stays on the previous track: Check whether the player or station is exposing updated track metadata and whether the chosen plugin supports it. Test another track and verify that the artwork itself can be matched.
- A radio URL will not play in OBS: A tutorial for one radio service does not establish that every stream URL is compatible. Check the station’s playback instructions and the selected OBS source’s supported input.
- The cover is hard to read or hides content: Resize or reposition it in the OBS scene, then inspect the preview before going live.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps uploaded music or radio-program recordings playing around the clock, StreamNeo runs the stream in the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a live camera feed. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams your uploads at their original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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.
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.
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