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Put a countdown video clip between your program videos in an OBS VLC Video playlist. Turn off Shuffle Playlist to preserve the order, and turn on Loop Playlist if you want the sequence to repeat. The countdown is a regular playlist item, so OBS plays it between the surrounding clips.
What you need
- OBS Studio and the local video files you want to play.
- VLC installed. OBS says its VLC Video source requires VLC; for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. See the OBS Media Sources documentation.
- A countdown clip whose length and appearance suit your stream. The OBS documentation does not prescribe a countdown-making tool or export settings.
Set up the countdown between videos
- Prepare the countdown clip. Create or obtain a video showing the countdown for the duration you want. Check that it has the intended visuals and audio before adding it.
- Add a VLC Video source. In the OBS scene you plan to use, go to the Sources dock, select +, and choose VLC Video. If the source is unavailable or cannot play files, confirm that VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS.
- Build the playlist in order. Add your program videos and countdown clip to the source’s playlist. Arrange them as program video, countdown, next program video, and so on. The countdown needs to be an item in the playlist; adding it as a separate source does not by itself make it appear at each video boundary.
- Set playlist playback. Leave Shuffle Playlist off to keep the sequence fixed. Enable Loop Playlist if you want OBS to restart the full sequence after its final item. OBS documents Loop Playlist as on by default and Shuffle Playlist as off by default; check the settings rather than relying on defaults. See OBS’s VLC Video properties.
- Check source visibility behavior. OBS documents the default as Stop when not visible, restart when visible. If the source is hidden during scene changes, it may stop and restart when shown again. Review the source’s visibility setting if you switch scenes during the loop.
- Preview the complete sequence. Use a private or otherwise suitable preview to check playlist order, audio, and the transition into and out of the countdown before a public broadcast.
Choose a countdown clip or an overlay
A countdown bumper clip is the straightforward option when you want a countdown between playlist videos: it is an item in the same ordered playlist, and you can edit or replace it like any other video. OBS also supports text and browser sources, and its Sources Guide explains that sources higher in the list appear above those below them.
| Approach | How it works | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Countdown video in the VLC playlist | Add the countdown clip between program videos in the playlist. | Its position in the playlist determines when it plays. Change the clip to change the displayed countdown. |
| Text or browser overlay | Place a text or browser source above the video source to display a timer over the picture. | OBS source layering supports an overlay, but the documentation cited here does not establish how to automatically start or reset a timer at every playlist transition. Do not assume it will synchronize without checking a current, compatible plugin or script. |
Use the right OBS source for one video versus a playlist
If you only need to repeat one file, add it as a Media Source and use its Loop setting. That repeats the individual file; it is different from Loop Playlist, which repeats a VLC Video playlist. For multiple videos with countdown clips between them, use VLC Video. OBS describes the VLC playlist setting as controlling whether the source restarts when it has run out of media files in its Media Sources documentation.
Keep an OBS playlist separate from YouTube’s viewer loop
YouTube’s option to loop a video or playlist applies to a viewer watching YouTube; it does not configure the sequence OBS sends as a livestream. Set the order and repetition in OBS for an OBS-produced stream. See YouTube Help: Loop videos or playlists on YouTube. For connecting OBS to YouTube, OBS also has a community-authored guide to streaming to YouTube; treat it as a community guide rather than authoritative confirmation of current YouTube interface steps.
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#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.
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- 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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps playing uploaded videos while your computer is off, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera.
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.
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- 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
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- 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
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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.
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream runs in the cloud.
- Each slot has one flat price for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, 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.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
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