Yes—but the method depends on what you mean by a “break.” To switch between a live camera and prerecorded video, change scenes in streaming software such as OBS. YouTube Live Control Room’s Take a Break feature instead shows a temporary away overlay, while mid-roll ad controls schedule possible ads, not a custom video intermission.
Choose the kind of break you need
| Option | What viewers see | How it is triggered | Does it end automatically? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encoder scene change | The camera, prerecorded media, or break card/video you put in the scene | You switch scenes in software such as OBS | Only when you switch scenes or otherwise change the program |
| YouTube Take a Break | YouTube’s default slate or an eligible video from your channel library | You set it in Live Control Room | No. You must end it in Live Control Room |
| Mid-roll ad | An ad for viewers who receive one; others continue seeing the stream | Automatic, scheduled, or manual ad controls, if available to your channel | It is ad delivery, not a scheduled scene change |
The encoder sends the composed program feed to YouTube. YouTube hosts the live event and provides controls such as the away overlay and monetization settings; scheduling an event does not schedule arbitrary future scene changes.
Switch between a live camera and prerecorded video with OBS
This is the option for a producer who wants control over the exact program shown, including a custom intermission card or video. OBS supports scenes with media and other sources, scene switching, transitions, and hotkeys.
- Schedule the YouTube event if you want an upcoming-event page. In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and schedule the stream. Scheduling creates the event; it does not automate changes among OBS scenes.
- Connect OBS to the scheduled stream. In Live Control Room, obtain the stream’s server URL and stream key, then configure the encoder connection in OBS. Treat the stream key like a password: do not share it publicly, and use the stream associated with the intended event.
- Create and label separate scenes. In OBS, make a live-camera scene, a prerecorded-video scene, and—if useful—a break scene. Add the relevant camera, media, graphics, and audio sources to each. Load the media and confirm it is the intended file.
- Set the switching method. Select a scene in OBS when it is time to change, or assign hotkeys to scenes if you need keyboard control. Add a transition if appropriate. A scene switch changes the encoder’s outgoing program; it is not a YouTube scheduled break timer.
- Check audio, playback, and the YouTube preview. Confirm that the prerecorded clip’s picture and sound appear as intended and that the camera or break scene is ready to return to. Check the preview in Live Control Room before going live.
- Switch back when the segment ends. Select the live scene or next program scene in OBS. If you need a break at a precise time without an operator, plan and verify an automation workflow separately; the documented scene workflow here is a producer-triggered change.
Prepare before the broadcast
YouTube recommends setting up the encoder at least two hours before the event and starting it at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start. These are recommendations, not hard platform requirements. Use the preview to catch a wrong scene, missing audio, or an encoder connection problem before viewers arrive.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#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.
Check rights for the prerecorded video, music, and break media before using them in a live stream. YouTube’s stream setup includes rights-management controls and its encoder guidance advises ensuring you have the rights to the content. Selecting or uploading a video does not itself clear it for live use.
Use YouTube’s Take a Break overlay
Choose this when you want a brief away screen rather than a switch to the full program you compose in OBS. In Live Control Room, configure the break overlay and choose YouTube’s default slate or a public or unlisted video from your channel library. A selected channel video must allow embedding.
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.
- Open the live event in Live Control Room and locate its break overlay settings.
- Select the default slate or an eligible channel video, then choose a duration of 1, 3, or 5 minutes.
- Start the break when needed, and return to Live Control Room to end it.
The countdown reaching zero does not end the break automatically. Arrange for someone to return to Live Control Room and end it; do not treat the preset duration as an automatic return to the program.
Schedule mid-roll ads only if you mean an ad break
For monetized creators with the relevant controls, YouTube offers automatic, scheduled, or manual mid-roll insertion. Scheduled intervals are 6, 12, 18, 24, or 30 minutes. Manual insertion is available in Live Control Room. These controls schedule possible ad delivery, not a particular prerecorded scene or intermission.
Rank #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.
An ad is not guaranteed to appear for every viewer. Viewers who do not receive an ad continue seeing the stream, so an ad break cannot reliably create a shared pause or show everyone the same break video. YouTube recommends automatic ad placement. It reports an average “Over 20% uplift in instream ad revenue per hour” for channels that enabled automatic live mid-roll ads compared with channels that did not, across 207 countries in January 2024. That is YouTube’s platform-reported comparison, not a guaranteed result for an individual channel, and it concerns ad revenue rather than scene switching.
Use StreamNeo if the goal is an always-on prerecorded stream
If you want uploaded videos to loop as a 24/7 YouTube stream rather than operate a live-camera broadcast with manually switched scenes, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It is YouTube-only and plays uploaded videos; it does not broadcast from a camera.
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
Or let it run in the cloud
Nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; StreamNeo does not re-encode or use quality tiers. It can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
- Upload a video or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live from the cloud.
Start your free first day with StreamNeo.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common problems and fixes
- The wrong content is on air: Check the selected OBS scene and its sources. Scheduling a YouTube event does not switch scenes for you.
- The prerecorded video has no sound or picture: Confirm the correct media source and file are loaded, then check playback and audio in the encoder preview before the event.
- The Take a Break overlay does not show the selected video: Check that the channel video is public or unlisted and allows embedding; otherwise use the default slate or an eligible video.
- The break remains on screen after the countdown: This is expected behavior. End the break manually in Live Control Room.
- Viewers report different experiences during a mid-roll: Ad delivery is not guaranteed for every viewer. Use an encoder scene or Take a Break overlay if the audience needs a consistent intermission.
- The YouTube preview is missing or incorrect before the event: Verify the encoder connection and the stream key for the scheduled event, then check the preview again. Allow time for setup rather than waiting until the scheduled start.
YouTube’s interface, feature access, and monetization settings can change and may differ by account or device. The exact controls available to a channel depend on its access to those features.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →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.
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.
