Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
You can set up and control a Raspberry Pi without keeping a monitor, keyboard, or mouse attached: install Raspberry Pi OS Lite with remote access enabled, connect to the Pi over your network, and use mpv with the actual YouTube playlist URL. To watch the video, though, connect the Pi’s HDMI output to a TV or other playback display. “Without a monitor” applies to administration—not to the screen that shows the playlist.
What you need
- A Raspberry Pi with network access and an HDMI output.
- A second computer on the same network for initial remote administration, unless you use Raspberry Pi Connect.
- A TV or other display connected to the Pi for playback. The HDMI cable depends on the Pi model.
- A YouTube playlist URL that the playback software can access.
Raspberry Pi defines a headless setup as operating without a monitor, keyboard, or mouse. The Pi still needs network access for remote control and a physical video connection to show the playlist on a TV. Raspberry Pi’s getting-started documentation covers headless setup.
Set up Raspberry Pi OS for remote access
Prepare the operating system
- Install Raspberry Pi Imager on another computer and choose Raspberry Pi OS Lite for the Pi. Raspberry Pi recommends Lite for a headless installation.
- In Imager’s customisation settings, configure the wireless network if you will use Wi-Fi, and enable SSH. Set the account details requested by the Imager version you are using.
- Write the image to the Pi’s storage, insert it into the Pi, and power it on with network access available.
SSH is disabled by default on Raspberry Pi OS unless you enable it during imaging or afterward. Do not assume remote login will work until SSH has been enabled. See Raspberry Pi’s headless setup guidance and its remote access documentation.
Connect from another device
Use SSH from a computer on the same network, or use Raspberry Pi Connect as your remote-access option. SSH gives you a terminal over the network; Connect is another documented way to reach a headless Pi. Follow the access method’s current sign-in or connection instructions. If the Pi does not appear, first check that it has joined the network and that SSH was enabled when using SSH.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC 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 & 11#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.
Connect the playback screen
Connect the Pi’s HDMI output to the TV or display that should show the playlist. Check the exact board before choosing a cable: Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5 use micro-HDMI, while Raspberry Pi Zero models use mini-HDMI. Other HDMI-capable models may use a different connector. Raspberry Pi’s model documentation lists board connectors. HDMI-capable Raspberry Pi models support HDMI audio; the TV or display must also be set to the correct HDMI input. The cable is for playback output, not for headless administration.
Play the playlist with mpv
mpv’s FAQ explicitly documents passing a YouTube playlist URL to the player. Use the playlist’s actual URL, generally in the form https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=..., rather than an individual video URL that merely includes playlist parameters. Check that the playlist is accessible to the account or playback environment you are using.
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.
The available documentation does not establish one universal mpv installation command or dependency set for every Raspberry Pi model and Raspberry Pi OS release. Install mpv using instructions appropriate to the OS release on your Pi, then check the installed player’s current YouTube support and any required companion tools. Compatibility can change as YouTube and third-party players change; do not treat an old command copied from another OS version as guaranteed to work.
Once mpv is installed and can access YouTube, run it remotely from your SSH session with the playlist URL as the argument, following mpv’s current usage guidance. The display connected to the Pi should show playback. The mpv FAQ explains the distinction between a playlist URL and a video URL with playlist parameters.
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.
mpv or VLC?
| Player | What is established | Best fit for this task |
|---|---|---|
| mpv | Its FAQ says a YouTube playlist URL can be passed directly. Current OS package and YouTube-extraction compatibility still need checking. | The documented choice here for trying a YouTube playlist URL. |
| VLC | Raspberry Pi OS documentation says VLC is included and uses hardware acceleration for supported formats; it also supports command-line playback. The cited documentation does not establish direct YouTube playlist playback. | A documented option for supported local media, not a verified substitute for mpv for this YouTube playlist task. |
See Raspberry Pi OS documentation for VLC information and the mpv FAQ for playlist URL behavior.
Troubleshooting
You cannot connect to the Pi
- SSH refuses the connection: SSH may still be disabled. Enable it during imaging or on the existing installation using Raspberry Pi’s documented method, and confirm the Pi is on the network.
- You cannot find the Pi: Check that the Pi and your computer are on the same network and that the Pi has finished starting. Use Raspberry Pi Connect if that better suits your remote-access setup.
mpv does not play the playlist
- The player opens one video instead of the playlist: Check that you supplied the playlist URL, not a video URL with playlist parameters.
- The URL works inconsistently or stops working: YouTube behavior and third-party extraction support can change. Check the current mpv guidance, installed version, any required companion tools, and whether the playlist is accessible.
- The command or package instructions do not match your Pi: Installation depends on the OS release and setup. Use instructions for the installed release rather than assuming one command applies to every model.
The TV has no picture or sound
- No picture: Confirm the cable matches the Pi’s connector, the TV is on the corresponding HDMI input, and the cable is seated at both ends.
- No sound: Confirm the display accepts HDMI audio and check its selected audio input and volume. HDMI audio support depends on using an HDMI-capable Raspberry Pi model.
Copyright and playlist access
Playing a YouTube playlist through a Pi does not change the rights or access settings on its videos. Use content you have permission to play, and make sure the playlist is available to the account or environment attempting playback. A private or otherwise restricted playlist may not be accessible in the way a public playlist is.
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
If your goal is a continuous YouTube live stream made from uploaded videos—not playback on a TV from a Pi—StreamNeo is a different option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It runs in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it automatically recovers 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. StreamNeo is for YouTube streams from uploaded videos, not camera capture or playback to a local TV. Start the free day with StreamNeo.
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.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
