To share your screen while live streaming, add a display, window, or application-capture source to a scene in streaming software such as OBS. Check the preview, then start the stream through your platform’s encoder workflow. Use full-display capture only when viewers need the whole monitor; a window or application source can limit what they see.
Before you start: check platform eligibility
If you plan to stream to YouTube, its stated requirements include a verified channel with no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days, and a minimum age of 16. These are YouTube requirements, not universal rules for every streaming platform. See YouTube’s live-streaming guide for current eligibility and setup information.
Choose what to capture
| Capture option | What viewers see | Best suited to | Privacy consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display capture | The selected monitor, including anything visible on it | Showing activity across multiple apps or the full desktop | Highest exposure: notifications, unrelated windows, and private information may appear |
| Window or application capture | A selected app or window, depending on the capture method and operating system | Presenting one game or application without showing the entire desktop | Narrows what is shared, but inspect the preview and the app’s behavior before going live |
Capture choices differ by operating system and OBS version. OBS documents Display Capture, application/window capture, and platform-specific options. Its legacy Display Capture is deprecated on macOS 13 or newer; OBS directs users to macOS Screen Capture. On Linux, the documented options include XSHM and PipeWire. Check the current OBS controls for your installed system in the OBS capture-source guide.
Add the screen to an OBS scene
- Choose the scene. In OBS, select the scene you intend to broadcast, or create one for the game or desktop you want to show.
- Add a capture source. In the Sources area, add a Display Capture source for a whole monitor, or choose an available window/application capture source to limit the capture. The exact source names and options vary by operating system and OBS version.
- Select the right screen or window. Confirm that OBS is capturing the intended monitor, app, or window. If you use a full-display source, remember that other visible windows can be captured too.
- Arrange and inspect the preview. Check the framing and make sure the important content is visible. On macOS, OBS notes that overlapping windows can remain visible in the crop behavior of its display source, so inspect the preview rather than assuming a crop hides everything behind it.
- Start through the platform’s encoder workflow. Connect OBS to your platform as directed by that service, then confirm the platform’s live preview or status before sharing your stream with viewers.
There is no single bitrate, resolution, or frame-rate setting established here for every platform and setup. Use the current recommendations for your streaming service and choose settings your computer and connection can sustain.
#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.
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Do a privacy check before going live
Screen sharing can expose more than the game or app you intend to present. Before starting, close or hide notifications, personal messages, account details, and unrelated tabs. Check the preview again after changing scenes or windows. The W3C Screen Capture specification cautions: “The user agent is strongly recommended to steer users away from sharing a monitor, as this poses risks to user privacy.” Read the W3C Screen Capture specification.
Choose the stream format before starting
YouTube describes horizontal and vertical formats, as well as a dual-stream option. Consider how viewers will watch and compose the scene for that format. YouTube’s guidance says vertical format cannot be added after a stream starts, so choose it before going live if you need it. Check the current options in YouTube’s live-streaming guide.
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.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Protect your stream from third-party content problems
YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. If that material remains in the stream, YouTube may interrupt or terminate it. A license alone may not prevent interruptions: YouTube says licensed third-party content can still trigger them if the channel has not been allowlisted by the rights owner through Content ID. Use content you have the rights to stream, and confirm any required allowlisting with the rights owner. See YouTube’s copyright guidance for live streams.
Troubleshoot common screen-sharing problems
- The wrong screen or app appears: Reopen the capture source’s properties and select the intended display, window, or application. Verify it in the OBS preview before going live.
- Private windows or notifications are visible: Stop or switch scenes if needed, hide the material, and use a window/application source instead of the full display when it fits your presentation.
- The capture source is unavailable: Check which capture methods your OS and OBS version support. In particular, OBS directs macOS 13 or newer users away from legacy Display Capture to macOS Screen Capture.
- The stream format is wrong: Set the intended horizontal, vertical, or dual presentation before starting; YouTube says vertical format cannot be added midstream.
- The YouTube stream is interrupted over third-party material: Remove the material or resolve the rights issue. If you have a license, check whether the rights owner must allowlist your channel through Content ID.
Or let it run in the cloud
For an always-on YouTube stream built from uploaded recordings or a playlist, StreamNeo works differently from screen-sharing software: it plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a live camera or your desktop. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps it running, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams uploads as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
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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
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- 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.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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