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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchYes—OBS can usually play a video stored on a network drive if that drive is mounted on the computer running OBS and the account running OBS can read the file. Add it as a Media Source for a single video, or use VLC Video for playlists and broader media support. Network-drive compatibility is not guaranteed for every share or operating-system setup, so test access and uninterrupted playback before going live.
How OBS uses a network-drive video
OBS adds media files as sources inside a scene. The source supplies video and audio to the scene; OBS then encodes the composed output and sends it to YouTube. In this setup, the video file is read from the network share by the computer running OBS—it is not uploaded to YouTube directly from the drive. See the OBS Sources Guide.
For OBS to read the file, the share must be available as a path the operating system can open, and it must remain accessible for as long as the stream runs. The OBS documentation describes media sources but does not expressly guarantee every SMB, NFS, mapped-drive, or other network-share configuration. Authentication, path handling, and performance can vary by operating system and setup.
Choose the right OBS source
Media Source for one video
For a single file, add a Media Source to the scene and select the video at its network-share path. OBS lists common formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. Check the source properties for playback behavior—for example, whether the file should loop—and verify both picture and sound in the preview. See OBS Media Sources.
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- 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.
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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.
VLC Video for a playlist
Use VLC Video when you need a playlist or broader media support. VLC must be installed, and its architecture must match OBS: 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS. VLC Video has a Network caching property with a documented default of 400 ms; this is a setting value, not a guarantee that a particular share will play smoothly. Test with your actual files and network conditions.
A network stream URL is different from a mounted drive
A file on a mounted share is not the same thing as a stream URL. For protocols OBS supports, its SRT and RIST guides describe using a Media Source with Local File unchecked and the URL entered as the input. Those instructions do not establish that an arbitrary network-share URL or protocol will work. See the SRT Protocol Streaming Guide and RIST Protocol Streaming Guide.
Rank #2
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Set up and test the stream
- Mount the share on the OBS computer. Open the video from that computer using the same account that will run OBS. If OBS runs under a different user or as a service, confirm that account can access the share too. Leave the share connected for the entire stream.
- Add the source. In your OBS scene, choose to add a Media Source and select the file on the share. For a playlist, add VLC Video after installing the matching VLC version. Confirm the source is visible in the scene and that audio meters respond during playback.
- Test continuity before going live. Play the video in OBS and check picture, sound, and whether playback continues without stalling or losing the share. OBS recommends a short test in its Quick Start Guide; its documentation does not prescribe a specific test duration for network-drive playback. YouTube also advises monitoring audio and video quality.
- Connect OBS to YouTube Live. In YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, create or select the stream and obtain the stream URL and stream key. Enter them in OBS’s streaming settings, then use YouTube’s preview and start controls as appropriate. Follow YouTube’s encoder setup instructions. First-time live-stream enablement may take up to 24 hours. YouTube’s general eligibility guidance says a channel must be verified and have no live-streaming restrictions in the preceding 90 days; check YouTube Studio for your account’s current requirements at Get started with live streaming.
- Check the outgoing upload connection. YouTube states, “The total bitrate you’re streaming cannot exceed the amount of upload bandwidth available,” and recommends leaving 20% headroom. This concerns the encoder’s upload to YouTube; it does not specify how much local or LAN bandwidth the share needs. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
Common problems and fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| OBS cannot open the file | The share is disconnected, the path is wrong, or the OBS user lacks access. | Open the same path under the account running OBS, reconnect or remount the share, and select the file again in the source properties. |
| Playback works in a desktop player but not in OBS | OBS may be running under another account, or the chosen source may not support the file as configured. | Check access as the OBS user. Try Media Source for a single file or VLC Video for a playlist or broader media support; ensure VLC is installed with the same architecture as OBS. |
| Video or audio stalls during playback | The share connection or file-read path may not be keeping up; a network-share performance guarantee is not documented. | Test the same file and share before streaming, check that the connection remains available, and try VLC Video’s Network caching property if using VLC Video. |
| OBS plays correctly, but YouTube drops frames or loses the stream | The outgoing internet upload may not have enough capacity for the selected stream bitrate. | Check upload capacity and leave YouTube’s recommended 20% headroom; distinguish this internet upload path from the LAN connection used to read the share. |
| YouTube interrupts the broadcast after it starts | A live-stream rights or policy issue may be involved, including a third-party-content match. | Check YouTube Studio notifications and the live-stream copyright guidance below; file access alone does not grant broadcast rights. |
Check rights before rebroadcasting
Being able to open a file does not mean you have permission to stream it. YouTube scans live streams for third-party content; a match can cause a placeholder to replace the stream, and continued use may lead to interruption or termination. Even licensed material may require the rights owner to allowlist your channel through Content ID. Review YouTube’s copyright guidance for live streams.
YouTube’s livestream terms require the provider to have necessary rights for the live content, including music licensing rights, and to follow Community Guidelines and applicable rules. Confirm permission for every video and audio track before scheduling a broadcast.
Rank #3
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Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded video playing on a YouTube channel without leaving a PC running, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. StreamNeo is for YouTube streams, not camera broadcasts.
- Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It includes automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, and StreamNeo team support.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. The same product is available on every plan; only the billing length changes. Daily $0.99 per day · Weekly $2.99 per week · Monthly $9.99 per month · 6 months $49.99 for 6 months · Yearly $89.99 a year.
- Billing can be for a day, week, month, 6 months, or year, and can be canceled any time. UPI and cards are accepted in India; card checkout is available worldwide. For 5 or more slots, contact support.
See StreamNeo for details, then start your free first day.
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.
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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
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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.
