October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
live streaming

How to Stop OBS From Showing a Media Source Filename on Stream

OBS has no documented filename-overlay switch. Trace the text to the player, scene source, playback app, or video image and fix it there.

By VGSources Team 4 min read

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

OBS does not document a dedicated switch that hides a media-source filename. First find out where the text is coming from: a media player overlay, a separate OBS source, the video image itself, or only the app used to watch a finished recording. Then change the setting at that source.

Find out where the filename appears

Check the OBS preview and, if possible, make a short test recording. If the text is visible in the preview, it is part of the scene OBS is sending. If it appears only when you open the finished recording in a player, the playback app may be drawing it rather than OBS adding it to the recording.

That distinction matters: a filename shown by VLC or another player needs a player-side fix; a separate text source needs an OBS scene fix; text baked into the video requires changing the video.

Remove a filename overlay from the media player

If you play the video in VLC or another desktop player and capture its window or display, inspect the player’s on-screen display or title-overlay settings. A player can draw a filename over its video, and a capture of that player can include the overlay in the OBS scene.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#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.
  • 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.

An OBS forum user reported that a VLC setting caused the filename in their case; the forum examples are troubleshooting reports, not a universal diagnosis. The available reports do not establish a current VLC menu path or exact setting label, so check the version of the player you use rather than relying on an assumed menu location. See the OBS forum discussion about filenames in recordings and the discussion about filenames during MP4 playback.

Use a direct OBS Media Source instead of capturing the player

OBS treats Media Sources and Display Capture as different source types. If you only need the video in your scene, add the file directly as a Media Source rather than capturing a player interface that may draw its own controls or title text. This is a practical troubleshooting step, not a guarantee: check the preview and make a short test output.

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.
  1. In OBS, select the scene that should show the video.
  2. In the Sources box, select + and choose Media Source.
  3. Create a new source or select an existing one, then choose the media file in its properties.
  4. Check the preview. If the filename remains, determine whether it is another source or part of the video image.

The OBS Media Sources guide describes supported media files and playback options, including restarting when active, hiding when playback ends, and closing a file while inactive. It does not list a filename-overlay control.

Hide or reorder a separate OBS text source

If the filename is its own OBS source, use the eye icon beside that source to hide it. To change layering instead, drag sources in the Sources list: higher sources appear above lower ones. Reordering only changes which visual is on top; it does not remove text that is part of the video itself. See OBS’s Sources Guide.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
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.
  1. In the Sources box, look for a Text source or other source that contains the filename.
  2. Select its eye icon to hide it, then check the preview.
  3. If the text should remain but sit behind another visual, drag the source lower in the Sources list.

If the filename appears only on a finished recording

Open the file in another playback app or inspect the OBS preview and a short test recording. If OBS’s preview and the recording are clean but the filename appears only in one player, change that player’s overlay setting. An OBS forum helper stated that OBS has no function to put the filename into a recording; in that thread, the original poster later identified a VLC setting as the cause. Treat this as a community report, not an official product specification.

OBS’s recording settings control the name given to the file OBS creates; that is different from text visibly rendered into the scene. The Standard Recording Output Guide covers recording output and file naming.

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

If the text is part of the video image

When the filename is already present in the source video’s pixels, neither a player overlay setting nor an OBS source visibility control can remove it as editable text. Use a clean copy of the video, or edit, crop, or cover the affected area if that suits the composition.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Common symptoms and fixes

What you see Likely source What to do
Filename appears over video in OBS preview while capturing a player Player-generated overlay included in the captured window or display Disable the player’s relevant title or on-screen display, or use an OBS Media Source.
Filename disappears when an OBS source is hidden Separate OBS text or overlay source Leave that source hidden or adjust its position in the Sources list.
Filename remains with a direct Media Source It may be baked into the video pixels, or another scene source may be visible Inspect the source file and scene sources; use a clean file or edit the image if the text is baked in.
Filename appears only when watching the recording Playback application overlay Check that application’s title or on-screen display settings.

For a custom presentation, OBS Browser Source can load a local HTML file or URL and supports custom CSS. It is a way to build a presentation deliberately, not a built-in filename-removal feature; see the Browser Source guide.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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.

Or let it run in the cloud

If your goal is to keep uploaded videos looping as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option—not an OBS filename fix. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from Patch Notes

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.