To put a live clock in a 24/7 YouTube broadcast, add it to the video scene—not just to your desktop. In OBS Studio, add a Browser Source, load a clock webpage or local HTML file, set its viewport to fit your scene, and check that the displayed time advances in the preview. OBS Browser Sources can load both local files and URLs, making this the most direct do-it-yourself method.
Choose a local clock or a hosted widget
A local HTML clock keeps its files with your OBS setup and does not depend on a clock website staying available. A hosted widget can be easier to configure through a webpage, but the overlay depends on that page being reachable. Available controls vary by overlay; examples include choosing a time zone and 12- or 24-hour notation.
- Local HTML: choose this if you want the overlay files on the streaming computer and are comfortable managing them.
- Hosted webpage: choose this if you prefer to configure a widget online and accept its reliance on an external page.
OBS describes Browser Source as a way to add browser content to a scene: “Anything that you can program to run in a normal browser (within reason, of course), can be added directly to OBS.” OBS Project: Browser Source.
Add the clock in OBS Studio
- Prepare the overlay. Obtain a clock webpage URL or save the clock’s HTML file locally. If using a project such as obs-time-overlay, follow that project’s own file and configuration instructions; settings are project-specific.
- Add a Browser Source. In the OBS scene that will appear on YouTube, add a source and choose Browser. Give it a recognizable name such as “Live clock.”
- Set the source content. For a hosted overlay, enter its URL. For a local overlay, enable the local-file option and select the HTML file. OBS supports both source types.
- Choose the viewport dimensions. Set width and height to suit the clock design and your output composition. OBS documents 800 × 600 as the Browser Source default, not a recommended clock size. If the clock is clipped or scaled poorly, adjust the viewport and source transform until it fits.
- Configure the clock itself. Where the overlay supports it, select the intended time zone and 12- or 24-hour format; decide whether to show seconds and a date. Do not assume every widget offers these options.
- Position and inspect it. Place the clock where it will not obscure important video. Check contrast and readability at the size viewers are likely to see, not only while the OBS preview is enlarged.
- Verify the time and scene behavior. Check the computer’s system clock and time zone, then confirm in the OBS preview that the displayed time advances. If you switch scenes, make sure the clock is present in every scene where it is needed.
Keep the clock visible during a continuous broadcast
The Browser Source is composed into the outgoing video. It is not a separate clock displayed only on your operator screen. A scene change or source visibility setting can therefore remove it from the broadcast even if the stream itself continues.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#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.
In the Browser Source properties, OBS offers controls including Shutdown source when not visible and Refresh browser source when scene becomes active. Choose them according to your scene setup and the overlay’s needs. If you need the clock available immediately when a scene returns, test the behavior rather than assuming it continues running while hidden.
Time accuracy depends on the overlay and its time source. The available examples describe local/browser clocks and time-zone selection, but do not establish a universal synchronization guarantee. Check the system clock, configured zone, and date rollover in the actual output. A decorative overlay should not be treated as certified timekeeping for legal or operational purposes without independently verifying its time source and synchronization.
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.
Test before leaving the stream unattended
YouTube recommends testing before going live and monitoring stream health. Those are general encoder practices, not a clock-specific certification. Before relying on a 24/7 broadcast, check the clock in the actual scene and confirm it remains visible and advances after the stream starts. YouTube’s encoder guidance says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; that statement does not promise unlimited archival for an uninterrupted 24/7 broadcast. Check YouTube’s current encoder guidance for the operating pattern you plan to use.
Common clock-overlay problems
- The source is blank: verify that the URL is correct or that the selected local HTML file exists, then refresh the Browser Source. For a hosted widget, check whether the page is reachable.
- The clock is cut off or too small: adjust the Browser Source viewport dimensions and its placement or scale in the scene.
- The clock shows the wrong time: check the computer’s clock and time zone, then check the overlay’s selected zone if it has one. Confirm date and time behavior around a date change.
- The clock disappears after a scene change: add the source to the relevant scene or review its visibility and Browser Source shutdown/refresh settings.
- The displayed time does not advance: check the overlay itself and refresh the Browser Source. If it is a hosted page, confirm the page is still available.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the clock is part of a prerecorded 24/7 YouTube video, the do-it-yourself OBS method still requires your OBS setup to render and send the stream. StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping an uploaded video or playlist live on YouTube: upload the recording, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The clock must already be part of the uploaded video; StreamNeo plays uploaded content and does not add a live camera or overlay.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated 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 matchQuick 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.
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on for the cloud stream to continue.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly is $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
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.
