To switch sermon videos without ending your church’s YouTube Live broadcast, keep OBS and the YouTube encoder stream running, and change the media OBS is sending. Use an OBS Media Source for one video or VLC Video for an ordered playlist. Rehearse every change—including the last playlist item returning to the first—and check the incoming stream in YouTube’s Live Control Room preview before going live. Neither looping nor changing scenes guarantees a gapless transition, so test the actual files and setup you plan to use.
Choose the right OBS source for your videos
One sermon that should repeat
Add the file as an OBS Media Source and enable Loop. Loop is off by default, so do not assume the video will repeat automatically. Also check Show nothing when playback ends if you are not looping: that setting can leave the source blank after playback finishes.
OBS documents local video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. Supported audio formats include MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Confirm your particular file plays correctly in the source before the broadcast.
Several sermons in a planned sequence
Use an OBS VLC Video source and add the recordings in the order you want them to play. Leave Shuffle Playlist off for a predictable sequence, and enable Loop Playlist if it should repeat. OBS documents playlist looping as on by default and shuffle as off by default; verify both settings rather than relying on defaults.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#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.
VLC must be installed for the VLC Video source to appear in OBS. OBS specifies that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
Manual control between prepared scenes
If an operator needs to choose when each sermon appears, prepare scenes with the relevant media and overlays, then switch scenes while the encoder remains connected. This gives the operator control over timing, but a cut, fade, or other scene transition is not a guarantee of gapless playback. Rehearse it with the actual media and transition settings.
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.
Set up and rehearse the switch before service
- Make the files available. Keep the video files accessible to the computer running OBS for the duration of the broadcast. Add a Media Source for one file or a VLC Video source for a playlist to the scene you intend to put on air.
- Set playback behavior. For one repeating file, turn on Loop. For a playlist, check the file order, keep shuffle off if the sequence must stay fixed, and confirm whether Loop Playlist should be on.
- Check what happens when a source is hidden. OBS’s Close file when inactive option unloads hidden media; OBS notes that a small period while the source reloads can follow. VLC Video is documented to stop when it is not visible and restart when it becomes visible by default. Choose the behavior that suits your scene plan, then test it rather than assuming playback will continue seamlessly while hidden.
- Run the full sequence in rehearsal. Check the end and start of every file, the last-to-first loop, audio continuity, scaling, overlays, and any pause or blank frame. Rehearse both the planned switch and any scene changes the operator may need to make. A playlist loop does not by itself establish that file boundaries are gapless.
- Connect OBS to the YouTube event. In YouTube Live Control Room, use the server URL and stream key shown for the event in OBS. Start sending the encoder feed and wait for YouTube’s preview. Check picture and sound there before selecting Go live.
- Switch media without stopping the encoder. Once the broadcast is running, change the OBS source or scene that supplies the video while leaving OBS connected and sending content. YouTube’s encoder instructions say to stop sending content from the encoder to end the stream; for a mid-broadcast content change, keep that encoder feed running.
What this method can—and cannot—prevent
This method avoids ending and restarting the YouTube encoder stream merely to change which sermon video OBS sends. It does not guarantee uninterrupted internet or encoder operation, nor does it promise gapless playback between files with different encoding or timing. Check the YouTube preview and rehearse with the same files, source settings, and transitions you intend to use during service.
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. If the church expects a saved replay from a longer loop, do not assume that the same automatic archiving behavior applies.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #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.
Troubleshoot a blank picture or interrupted playback
- The video ends and the scene goes blank: Check whether Loop is off on a Media Source and whether Show nothing when playback ends is enabled. Set the intended end behavior and test the end of the file.
- A playlist stops instead of starting over: Check Loop Playlist on the VLC Video source. Test the last-to-first boundary in rehearsal.
- The playlist plays in the wrong order: Review the VLC Video file order and make sure Shuffle Playlist is off if you need a fixed sequence.
- The VLC Video source is unavailable: Install VLC. If OBS is 64-bit, use 64-bit VLC, as specified by OBS.
- A source pauses or briefly disappears after a scene change: Check Close file when inactive and the VLC Video visibility behavior. Hidden media may unload, stop, or restart when shown, depending on the source and settings; rehearse the exact visibility changes you plan to use.
- The local OBS preview looks right but viewers do not see the expected feed: Check the incoming picture and audio in YouTube’s Live Control Room preview before going live. Verify the selected OBS scene and source, and confirm OBS is sending content to the event’s stream URL and key.
- A transition contains a pause, black frame, or audio gap: Inspect the file boundary and rehearse it with the actual recordings and scene transition. The documented loop controls do not guarantee gapless switching; use a transition that you have verified on your setup.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is an always-on YouTube loop without keeping the church’s computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud option for uploaded videos: upload a recording or build a playlist, add the YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded video at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and it can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. This is for prerecorded video streaming to YouTube, not a camera feed. Start the free day on StreamNeo.
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
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.
