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To stream a playlist of local video files through OBS to YouTube Live, install VLC with the same architecture as OBS, add a VLC Video Source to an OBS scene, load your media items, and connect OBS to the stream details supplied in YouTube Studio. One important distinction: this setup plays media available to the computer running OBS; the reviewed OBS documentation does not confirm that a YouTube-hosted playlist URL can be used directly as a VLC playlist.
What this setup does—and what it does not
OBS’s VLC Video Source is designed to play multiple media items as a playlist. It is the documented choice when you want OBS to play local media files and send the scene to YouTube Live. OBS’s simpler Media Source is intended for a single media item. OBS’s Media Sources guide documents the VLC source and its controls.
An existing playlist hosted on YouTube is a different input. The OBS documentation reviewed here does not establish that pasting a YouTube playlist URL into VLC Video Source will reliably import and play that playlist. Do not treat generic URL support described in an older manual as proof of YouTube playlist compatibility; test against your current software versions or use a workflow verified for that purpose.
Before you begin
- Install OBS Studio and VLC on the computer that will run the broadcast.
- Match their architectures. OBS specifies that a 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC. If “VLC Video Source” is missing from OBS’s Add Source menu, check this first. OBS Media Sources
- Have the media files you intend to play available to that computer. The older OBS Studio Reference Manual describes adding individual items or a directory; its interface details may differ from current releases.
- Create or select a YouTube Live broadcast in YouTube Studio so you can provide OBS with the connection details YouTube gives you. The exact current YouTube interface labels are not established by the sources cited here.
Set up the VLC playlist in OBS
- Select a scene. In OBS, choose the scene that should contain the video playlist. If you do not have one, create a scene in the Scenes dock.
- Add the source. In the Sources dock, click the + button and choose VLC Video Source. OBS documents the plus control for adding sources in its Sources Guide.
- Name it and open its properties. Give the source a recognizable name if prompted, then open its properties to configure the playlist.
- Add the media items. Use the playlist controls to add the files you want played. The VLC source supports multiple items; the older manual describes adding items through a plus control and playing them in insertion order. Because the manual is from 2022, control placement can vary by OBS version. Do not assume a YouTube-hosted playlist URL will behave like a local file playlist.
- Choose the playback order. Leave Loop Playlist enabled to restart the sequence after the last item. Leave Shuffle Playlist disabled for a fixed order, or enable it to randomize playback. OBS lists loop on and shuffle off as the defaults. OBS Media Sources
- Set visibility behavior. OBS’s documented default is to stop playback while the source is not visible and restart it when visible. Choose another visibility behavior if it better suits your scene: the documented alternatives include pausing and resuming, or always playing. This matters when switching scenes or hiding the source. OBS Media Sources
- Place and size the video. In the scene preview, select the source and drag its bounding box to position or resize it. For precise dimensions and placement, use Edit Transform; see the OBS Sources Guide.
- Check playback and audio. Preview the scene and confirm that the playlist advances and that its audio is present at an appropriate level in OBS before starting the broadcast.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
Create or select the live broadcast in YouTube Studio, then enter the server and stream details provided by YouTube in OBS’s streaming settings. The general workflow is OBS sending its output to YouTube Live using those supplied connection details; the current YouTube button names and any account-specific requirements are not verified in the sources cited here. Follow the instructions shown in your own YouTube Studio account, and keep your stream key private.
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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- 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.
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- 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.
Settings and behavior to understand
- Loop Playlist: enabled by default; restarts the playlist when it reaches the end.
- Shuffle Playlist: disabled by default; enable it only if randomized playback is wanted.
- Visibility Behaviour: the documented default stops playback while the source is hidden and restarts when it becomes visible. Pause/resume and always-play behavior are also documented options.
- Network caching: OBS lists 400 ms as the default. The documentation does not establish one custom value as best for every media item or connection, so leave it unchanged unless you are addressing a specific playback problem.
These controls are documented in the OBS Media Sources guide; the underlying source behavior can also be seen in the OBS Project’s VLC source implementation.
Troubleshooting
- VLC Video Source is not in the Add Source menu: install VLC and confirm its architecture matches OBS. In particular, 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC, according to OBS.
- The playlist does not play when the scene first appears: check that the source is visible and review its Visibility Behaviour. The default behavior stops it while hidden and restarts it when shown.
- The playlist ends and stays stopped: open the source properties and make sure Loop Playlist is enabled.
- Items play in an unexpected order: check whether Shuffle Playlist is enabled. Turn it off for a fixed sequence.
- A YouTube playlist URL does not work as expected: direct support for a YouTube-hosted playlist URL is not confirmed by the OBS documentation reviewed here. Use media files available to the OBS computer or another workflow whose compatibility you have verified.
- OBS reaches YouTube but the broadcast does not connect: recheck the server and stream details against the values currently provided in YouTube Studio. The exact interface and account requirements can vary, and are not specified in the sources cited here.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube channel to keep playing uploaded videos without leaving OBS and a computer running at home, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; videos stream as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 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
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- 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
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Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- 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.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 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.
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