Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
In OBS, add a local audio file as a Media Source in the scene where you want the cue to play. For a one-shot sting, leave looping off; if the cue should start from the beginning each time that scene becomes active, enable Restart playback when source becomes active. Test the mix before going live, and confirm the audio is cleared for both the live broadcast and any saved replay.
Choose a cue and make sure you can use it
A stinger is a short sound or musical cue used for an intro, transition, scene change, or other moment in a broadcast. A jingle is usually a short piece of branded music. Either can be a local audio file played from OBS.
The simplest route is YouTube Studio’s Audio Library: search its music and sound effects by keyword and download a selection as an MP3. YouTube says Audio Library tracks are known to it as copyright-safe. If you choose a Creative Commons track there, include the required artist credit in your video description. See YouTube’s Audio Library guidance.
You can also use original audio or audio from another library, but check that its license covers YouTube live streaming and any archive you retain. A “free” or “royalty-free” label—or credit in the description—does not itself establish permission. YouTube warns that material labeled free may still be flagged; its advice on checking music rights is at Tips to find safe music.
#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.
Add a one-shot sting in OBS
- Prepare the file. Save the cue locally in a supported format. OBS’s Media Source documentation lists MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV.
- Select the scene. In OBS, click the scene where the sting should be available. Add the source to that scene so it is part of the broadcast when that scene is active.
- Add the audio. In the Sources panel, choose + and then Media Source. Create a new source, give it a recognizable name, and select the local file in the source properties.
- Set playback behavior. Leave Loop off for a one-time sting. Turn on Restart playback when source becomes active if you want the file to begin at its start whenever the source becomes active. Enable looping only if the audio is meant to repeat continuously.
- Check the mix. Watch the OBS audio mixer while previewing or recording. Set the cue so it is audible without masking speech or other program audio. The appropriate level depends on your own mix; OBS does not prescribe a universal loudness target for stingers.
- Test the complete scene change. Make a test recording or use a private or unlisted stream to confirm the cue starts when expected, ends cleanly, and does not play unexpectedly in other scenes.
OBS’s Media Sources documentation describes the supported files and playback controls. The documented page is dated January 11, 2022, so interface details may differ in later OBS versions.
Use a playlist when you have several cues
For a single intro or scene-change sound, a Media Source keeps the setup straightforward. If you want to manage multiple audio or video files together as a playlist, OBS offers a VLC Video source; VLC must be installed. Choose this route when a playlist is useful, rather than adding complexity for a single one-shot cue. See the OBS Media Sources page for the documented source options.
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.
Prevent copyright interruptions on YouTube Live
YouTube scans all live streams for matches to third-party content. If it detects a match, it may replace the stream with a placeholder and warn you to stop streaming the material; continuing can lead to a temporary interruption or termination. A cue that sounds brief is not automatically exempt from this process. Read YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams.
- For Audio Library tracks: follow the track’s attribution requirements. Creative Commons tracks require artist credit in the description.
- For third-party licensed audio: ask the rights holder to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. YouTube says a licensed live stream can still be interrupted if the channel has not been allowlisted, even if the broadcast is geographically restricted.
- For saved streams: if you archive the live broadcast, it may receive a Content ID claim after the stream ends. Make sure the license covers the archive as well as live use.
- For “free” or “royalty-free” tracks: read the actual license and verify its scope. A label or a written credit does not guarantee the track will avoid a Content ID match.
Troubleshoot a cue that does not behave as expected
- No sound in the stream: confirm the Media Source points to the intended local file, the source is in the active scene, and its level is not muted or too low in the OBS audio mixer. Test a recording before going live.
- The cue does not restart after a scene change: check Restart playback when source becomes active in the Media Source properties.
- The cue repeats when it should play once: turn off Loop for that source.
- The audio plays continuously: check whether looping is enabled, and whether the source remains active in more than one scene. Adjust the scene setup and source behavior to match when you want the cue heard.
- YouTube interrupts the live stream: stop using the matched material and follow the warning. For licensed third-party content, contact the rights holder about Content ID allowlisting; having a license alone may not prevent a live interruption.
- A replay receives a claim after the broadcast: review the license for archive rights and address the claim through the appropriate rights-holder process. YouTube notes that archived live streams can receive claims after the broadcast.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you are running a pre-recorded YouTube stream rather than adding cues to a live camera-and-microphone production, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos, not a camera feed, and your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. Each slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card.
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
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.
Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free first day with StreamNeo.
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.
