To change what viewers see every six hours, create a separate OBS scene for each content block and use Advanced Scene Switcher to trigger scene changes on a timer. OBS’s VLC Video source can loop a playlist, but its Loop Playlist setting restarts playback only when the list reaches its end; it does not run on a six-hour clock.
That distinction matters: looping one list, switching between different playlists, and restarting a YouTube broadcast are three different tasks. A timed scene change is the approach for rotating content blocks without assuming that the broadcast itself needs to stop and restart.
Choose the kind of rotation you want
| Goal | What triggers the change | OBS approach |
|---|---|---|
| Replay the same playlist indefinitely | The playlist reaches its end | Use a VLC Video source and enable Loop Playlist. Leave shuffle off for sequential playback. OBS Media Sources documentation |
| Show a different content block every six hours | A timer or automation macro | Put each block in a separate scene and configure Advanced Scene Switcher to change scenes on the intended timer. Test the exact setup with your OBS and plugin versions. Advanced Scene Switcher macro documentation |
The VLC loop and the six-hour timer solve different problems. If one playlist happens to last six hours, looping it will start it again at the end, but that is not a clock-based schedule and will not reliably rotate at six-hour intervals unless its playback duration and behavior match that interval.
Set up a playlist in OBS
- Install VLC. OBS requires VLC for its VLC Video source to be available. Match the architecture: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. OBS Media Sources documentation
- Add the source. In OBS, select the scene that should play the first content block. In the Sources panel, choose + and add VLC Video. If the source type is missing, check that VLC is installed with the matching architecture, then restart OBS.
- Add media files. In the VLC Video source properties, add the local video files you want in that block’s playlist. Put them in the desired order. Leave shuffle disabled if they should play sequentially.
- Choose end-of-list behavior. Enable Loop Playlist if the list should begin again after its last file. OBS describes the control as specifying whether the source restarts when it has run out of media files; it is not a timed restart option. OBS Media Sources documentation
- Set visibility behavior. In the same source properties, review Visibility Behaviour. Choose whether playback continues, pauses, or stops while the scene is hidden according to the options available in your OBS version and the behavior you want. This affects what happens to a playlist when you switch away from its scene.
- Repeat for each content block. For timed rotation, create a separate scene for each block and give each scene its own playlist source. Arrange each list independently; do not assume a hidden source will pause or resume in the way you expect without checking its visibility setting.
Schedule scene changes every six hours
Advanced Scene Switcher provides macro and media-condition automation for OBS, including workflows that trigger scene changes. Its documentation supports using macros for scene automation, but the available material does not establish one universal six-hour recipe that applies to every OBS and plugin version. Use the plugin documentation for the version you install and confirm the timer’s behavior in your own configuration. Advanced Scene Switcher macro documentation Advanced Scene Switcher media-condition documentation
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#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.
- Install Advanced Scene Switcher using the instructions for its release and your operating system.
- Open its macro controls and create an automation that changes to the next playlist scene on a six-hour interval. Select the scenes in the intended order and configure the timer according to the plugin version’s documentation.
- Decide what should happen after the last scene in the rotation: return to the first scene or use another sequence supported by your macro setup. Verify that behavior rather than assuming the sequence wraps automatically.
- Check each scene’s transition and source visibility behavior. A scene change can alter what is visible and which playlist continues playing; it does not inherently mean the YouTube broadcast must end and restart.
Because the six-hour macro configuration is version-dependent and is not established as a single verified recipe, avoid relying on an untested timer for a live channel. Test the automation and observe at least one actual scene change before leaving it unattended.
Test before relying on the rotation
OBS recommends running a short test to catch issues before a first stream or recording. OBS Quick Start Guide Check these behaviors in a private or otherwise suitable test setup before using the schedule on a live channel:
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 VLC Video source appears and each playlist plays the intended files in order.
- Looping restarts the list only after its final media file, if that is the behavior you selected.
- The timer changes scenes at the intended interval, in the intended order, including what happens after the final scene.
- Audio remains audible and at the expected level after each scene change.
- Hidden-scene playback matches the configured Visibility Behaviour: continuing, pausing, or stopping as applicable.
- The transition looks as intended and the YouTube broadcast remains in the state you expect. Do not assume a scene change has been validated for every aspect of an active broadcast until you check it.
Troubleshooting common problems
- VLC Video is missing from the source list: Install VLC and confirm its architecture matches OBS (64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC), then restart OBS. OBS Media Sources documentation
- The playlist repeats, but not every six hours: Loop Playlist responds to the end of the list, not a clock. Use timed scene automation for six-hour changes.
- A scene changes but its playlist resumes at an unexpected point: Review that source’s Visibility Behaviour and test whether it continued, paused, or stopped while hidden.
- The timer does not switch scenes as expected: Check that the macro is enabled, its target scenes and sequence are correct, and its timer is configured for the intended interval in the installed plugin version. Re-test after changing settings.
- The new scene appears but audio or transition behavior is wrong: Check the sources and transitions in both scenes, then repeat the test while monitoring the broadcast output.
Optional alternative: Media Playlist Source
The OBS community plugin Media Playlist Source is another listed option for playlist playback. Its listing describes supported systems and version requirements. It is optional; the basic workflow above uses OBS’s VLC Video source and does not require this plugin.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
For an uploaded-video YouTube stream that should keep running without an OBS computer at home, 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 from the cloud; it does not broadcast from a camera.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →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.
- Nothing has to stay on at home for the stream to keep running.
- Each slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. To start, try StreamNeo’s free first 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.




