The Tool Desk
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First decide what “change the video” means
A YouTube live setup has two parts: the encoder sends a video feed, and YouTube associates that feed with a live broadcast. YouTube describes the stream key as the credential that lets the encoder send content to YouTube; treat it like a password. Keep the existing encoder connection and broadcast running when you want to change the content within the same live video. YouTube’s live stream settings guidance explains stream keys and encoder settings.
- Change the content on the current live video: switch the active media source or scene in OBS while OBS continues sending its feed. Viewers remain on the same broadcast.
- Publish a distinct live video as well: YouTube’s Live Streaming API documentation describes binding two broadcasts to the same stream. The existing 24/7 broadcast stays live while the separate broadcast goes live; this is not the same as replacing a source in the current broadcast.
Do not end the YouTube broadcast or stop the encoder if the current broadcast must remain online. YouTube says stopping the content sent from the encoder ends the stream. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions cover the encoder workflow.
Change the video in OBS without ending the broadcast
Prepare the next video
Make sure the video file is available on the computer running OBS and that it plays correctly before changing the live scene. OBS Media Source supports local MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM files. Test the file in a scene that is not currently being sent live if you need to check framing or playback first. OBS documents its media-source options in Media Sources.
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Use a Media Source for one clip
Add or configure an OBS Media Source for the clip you want to show. Use its Loop property if the single clip should repeat. Keep the YouTube service, stream URL, and stream key configured on the encoder; changing which media source is visible does not require a new key.
Use VLC Video for a playlist
For a list of clips, OBS’s VLC Video source can play a playlist and has a playlist-loop option. VLC must be installed for the source to appear in OBS; if OBS is 64-bit, OBS documents that 64-bit VLC is required. Confirm the playlist order and loop setting before switching viewers to it. See OBS’s source documentation.
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Switch what OBS sends
- Leave OBS connected and streaming to YouTube.
- Make the intended media source visible in the active scene, or switch to a scene that contains the prepared source.
- Check YouTube Live Control Room to confirm that it is still receiving the encoder feed.
OBS documents the media playback options, but the exact scene-switch controls depend on your OBS layout and configuration. A source change is the documented approach; it is not a guarantee of a gap-free picture on every computer, file, encoder, or network. Avoid stopping OBS or ending the broadcast during the change.
If you want a separate live video instead
Google’s YouTube Live Streaming API documentation describes a channel that keeps a 24/7 broadcast live while creating a separate broadcast, such as for an interview, on the same stream. The separate broadcast can later be completed while the encoder keeps sending video. Google’s example says: “However, you don’t stop streaming video since the 24/7 broadcast continues.” Read the YouTube Live Streaming API explanation of broadcasts and streams.
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This is an API resource-binding workflow, not a documented one-click YouTube Studio source swap. Use it only if you need a second, distinct YouTube live video; for a content change on the existing broadcast, switch the source in the encoder.
Settings and practical cautions
Stream key and reused settings
Changing the video source does not mean changing the stream key. YouTube says reused stream settings can copy metadata, settings, and the stream key. If you reset the key, update the encoder with the newly generated one or YouTube will not receive the feed under that key. YouTube also provides auto-start and auto-stop controls; understand their effect before changing them during a continuous broadcast. YouTube’s settings guidance describes these controls.
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Latency and playback
YouTube defines latency as the time between capture by the encoder or camera and display to viewers. Lower latency can mean more playback buffering. It is background behavior, not a requirement to change when switching media sources.
Copyright, reused content, and archives
Only stream videos you have the rights to use, including any music, game footage, or other included material. A video being prerecorded does not itself establish that it is cleared for a live broadcast. YouTube’s encoder guidance says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; it does not make the same automatic-archive promise for a 24/7 stream. Do not assume the full continuous broadcast will be available as an archive. YouTube’s encoder guidance states the archive threshold.
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Troubleshooting a source change
- The new clip does not appear: confirm the intended source is visible in the active scene and that the file is accessible to OBS. Test it in a separate scene before switching live.
- The playlist source is missing: install VLC; for 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC, as specified by OBS.
- YouTube stops receiving the feed: check that OBS is still connected and sending. Do not stop the encoder to change media. If the stream key was reset, update the encoder with the new key.
- The clip ends and nothing follows: check whether the single Media Source loop is enabled or, for VLC Video, whether playlist looping is enabled.
- The picture briefly goes blank or buffers: the available documentation does not guarantee seamless switching across all setups. Check the file and scene in advance, then verify the incoming feed in Live Control Room.
Or let it run in the cloud
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