What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
OBS WebSocket can remotely restart or navigate a supported OBS media input without ending the YouTube broadcast. In OBS Studio 28.0.0 and later, enable WebSocket, secure it with a password, and use a compatible client to target the input and send a restart, next, or previous action. That changes playback inside OBS; it does not restart or transition the YouTube broadcast.
What a remote restart does—and does not do
OBS WebSocket controls OBS. Its media-input actions can restart a selected input or move to another item in a configured playlist. YouTube’s broadcast lifecycle is separate: changing a broadcast’s state is a YouTube Live Streaming API or Live Control Room operation, not an OBS media restart.
| Operation | What it controls | Control | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restart or navigate playback | An OBS media input | WebSocket media-input action: restart, next, or previous | The selected source must expose media-input actions and have the intended playlist configured. |
| Change YouTube broadcast state | A YouTube live broadcast | Authorized YouTube liveBroadcasts.transition operation |
The bound stream must be active before transitioning to testing or live; this is not the same as restarting OBS media. YouTube API transition documentation |
Requirements and security
- OBS version: obs-websocket is included by default in OBS Studio 28.0.0 and later. The project points users of older OBS versions to legacy releases. obs-websocket project
- Protocol: The media-input actions and status request described here are available from protocol version 5.0.0. Choose a client that supports the 5.x protocol.
- Network access: The documented default WebSocket port is 4455, and it can be changed in settings. Choose a client for your platform and decide whether it will connect locally or through a secured remote path.
- Authentication: Enable authentication and set a strong password. Do not expose an unauthenticated WebSocket endpoint to the internet.
OBS’s Remote Control Guide describes WebSocket as a way to automate or control scenes and sources with external tools. It lists examples including Streamer.bot, Touch Portal, Aitum, and Bitfocus Companion Module, but does not provide a current compatibility ranking. OBS Remote Control Guide
Set up remote playlist control
- Confirm your OBS version. Use OBS Studio 28.0.0 or later for the built-in WebSocket server. For older versions, consult the obs-websocket project’s legacy releases and verify the client’s protocol compatibility.
- Enable and secure the server. In OBS, open Tools > WebSocket Server Settings, enable the WebSocket server, and enable authentication with a strong password. Check the displayed port; the default documented port is 4455, but it may have been changed.
- Configure the playlist source. Add or select the media input that actually contains the files or playlist you want to control. OBS’s media-source guide documents VLC as a source when VLC is installed, with a Loop Playlist setting that restarts the source after its media files run out. This end-of-playlist loop is different from a WebSocket restart command sent on demand. OBS media sources guide
- Connect a compatible client. Enter the OBS host, port, and authentication details in a client that supports the 5.x protocol and can issue media-input actions. Keep the connection local where possible; for off-network control, use a deliberately secured remote-access path rather than exposing the endpoint without protection.
- Target the correct input and send the action. Use
TriggerMediaInputActionfor the selected input and chooseRESTART,NEXT, orPREVIOUS. The protocol also documents play, pause, and stop actions. - Check playback state if needed. Query
GetMediaInputStatusfor that input. Documented states include none, playing, opening, buffering, paused, stopped, ended, and error; status and timing fields can help confirm whether playback resumed.
These controls apply to supported OBS media inputs. The documentation does not establish that every external YouTube playlist URL can be used as an OBS VLC playlist. Verify that your particular source works in OBS before relying on remote playlist navigation.
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.
Keep YouTube broadcast controls separate
If your goal is to bring a broadcast live, move it to testing, or mark it complete, handle that as a separate YouTube operation. The YouTube API documents authorized transitions and requires the stream bound to the broadcast to have an active stream status before a transition to testing or live. It also documents completing a broadcast as a separate transition and describes optional auto-start and auto-stop behavior. YouTube Live Streaming API transition documentation YouTube Live Control Room guidance
Restarting OBS media is not evidence that YouTube ended, restarted, or changed the broadcast state. Treat the source playback and the YouTube event as two distinct controls.
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.
Choose a client and remote-access setup
The OBS guide names several client examples, but does not compare them or establish which works best for a particular operating system or network arrangement. Before choosing, check whether the client:
- supports the OBS 5.x WebSocket protocol;
- can issue media-input actions and target the input you use;
- handles authentication without requiring you to disclose the password insecurely; and
- can reach OBS through your intended local or secured remote connection.
Troubleshoot common failures
The client cannot connect
- Confirm the WebSocket server is enabled in OBS and check the port shown in its settings.
- Verify the client is using the same host and port and supports the 5.x protocol.
- Check that authentication credentials match. Do not solve a remote connection problem by leaving the server exposed without a password.
The action runs but the playlist does not change
- Confirm the client targets the intended media input, not a similarly named source.
- Use
RESTARTto restart the current item orNEXT/PREVIOUSto navigate. These are distinct actions. - Check whether the source is a supported media input and whether the playlist is configured inside that source. Do not assume an arbitrary YouTube playlist URL behaves as an OBS VLC playlist.
Playback status reports buffering, ended, or error
Read the input’s status after issuing the action. The documented status values distinguish active playback from opening, buffering, ended, and error states; use that response to determine whether the issue is playback state rather than a failed broadcast transition.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
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.
The YouTube event did not go live
Check the broadcast through YouTube’s own controls and verify the bound stream reports an active status before a testing or live transition. Sending an OBS media restart does not satisfy or replace that YouTube precondition.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded videos looping on a YouTube channel without leaving OBS or a computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It keeps the stream running without a computer or home connection staying on. Every slot streams uploads as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it includes automatic recovery 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 streams to YouTube only and plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed. See StreamNeo, then start the free day.
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
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.
