Recommended Free Tools
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To show the current track over an OBS playlist, add the playlist as a VLC Video source, then place a text source above it. For automatic updates, use the third-party Tuna plugin to read information from the VLC source and write it to a text file that OBS displays. This works only with information available from the selected source and media files, so test the actual playlist before streaming.
Choose what the overlay should show
A filename and a song title are not always the same thing. Tuna is designed to display available music information, such as artist and title; when that information is absent, a filename may be a useful fallback. The fields you can display depend on the metadata in the files and on what the selected source supplies. If you need a precise label regardless of file tags, use a manually maintained text file instead.
Add the playlist to OBS
- Install VLC. OBS’s VLC Video source requires VLC to be installed. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC as well. See the OBS Project Media Sources documentation.
- Create the source. In the OBS scene, click the plus button in the Sources dock and add a VLC Video source. Add the media files in the order you want them played.
- Set playback behavior. Configure loop, shuffle, and visibility according to how you want the playlist to run. OBS notes that, unlike Media Source, VLC Video can create a playlist of items, similar to an Image Slideshow.
- Confirm playback. Start the playlist and make sure the video or audio behaves as intended before adding the overlay. Keep track of the source name; you will select it in Tuna.
Make the now-playing text update automatically with Tuna
Tuna is a third-party OBS plugin, not a built-in feature that automatically links every playlist to an OBS text source. Its VLC integration documents VLC 3.0.0 or later. The Tuna instructions are available from its OBS Project resource page.
- Install Tuna for your OBS platform. Follow the current installation instructions for your operating system and OBS build. On Linux, steps vary by distribution; Tuna’s documentation describes a Debian-based installer and manual alternatives. It also notes reports of loading problems with the Flatpak OBS build, so do not assume the same installation works for every package.
- Select the VLC playlist source. In OBS, open Tools > Tuna settings. Choose VLC as the music source, select the scene and the VLC Video source you created, then add it. If you have multiple or nested VLC sources, check carefully that Tuna is pointed at the source that is actually playing.
- Set Tuna’s text-file output. In Tuna’s Basics/output configuration, choose a local file path and a format. For example,
{artists} - {title}can produce an artist-and-title line when those fields are provided. Tuna supports formatting and character limits, but a format cannot display metadata the source does not supply. - Add the file as an OBS text source. Add a text source to the scene and configure it to read from the output file Tuna writes. In the Sources dock, place this text source above the VLC Video source so it appears on top of the playlist. Style and position it, and constrain its width or wrapping so longer titles stay inside the intended overlay area.
- Test several transitions. Play multiple playlist items and confirm the text changes, is not blank, and does not retain the previous track’s information. Check the media files’ tags if a title or artist is missing or wrong.
Use a manual text file if you do not need automatic track changes
An OBS text source can read text from a file, but the existence of a VLC playlist and a text source does not by itself create an automatic connection between the playing item and the displayed text. Without Tuna or another metadata process you have verified, update the file manually. This route lets you write exact labels, but you must keep them in sync with playlist playback. OBS documents the playlist source; Tuna documents one way to send available current-track information to a text file.
Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: Fix Windows Errors and Clear Junk Files in Minutes - Free Scan →Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →
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 blank, incorrect, or stale text
- The text source is blank or incomplete: Check that the OBS text source points to Tuna’s output file and that Tuna is configured to write to that same path. Then inspect the file tags and the fields available from the selected VLC source.
- The text does not change between items: Verify that the VLC playlist is advancing and that Tuna selected the active VLC source in the correct scene. Test the transition with the actual playlist rather than assuming every item exposes the same metadata.
- Tuna cannot find or use the VLC source: Check the VLC installation and confirm that it is version 3.0.0 or later for Tuna’s VLC integration. Also confirm OBS and VLC have matching architecture where required; OBS calls for 64-bit VLC with a 64-bit OBS installation.
- The plugin does not load on Linux: Installation varies by distribution, and Tuna notes possible loading issues with OBS Flatpak. Consult the current Tuna installation and release notes for your OBS package instead of applying Debian instructions unchanged.
- Nested or multiple VLC sources behave unexpectedly: Recheck the selected source and Tuna version. Tuna’s history lists a nested-source fix on May 7, 2024, and a change on May 19, 2023 related to selecting the first active VLC source. Its last listed update, September 12, 2025, fixed a crash with the latest beta; compatibility can change, so check the current release notes if your OBS build differs. See Tuna’s update history.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the playlist is part of a 24/7 YouTube channel, StreamNeo can keep uploaded videos playing without leaving OBS or a home computer running. Upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The service loops uploaded videos in the cloud; it does not stream from a camera and it streams to YouTube only. Your overlay still needs to be part of the video or supplied through an appropriate workflow—the cloud service is for keeping uploaded video live, not for adding Tuna’s OBS text overlay.
- Nothing has to stay on at home once the stream is configured.
- Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required; one free day is available per account.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for the service details, or start your free first day.
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.
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.
