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Yes. Keep one OBS encoder session connected to YouTube and switch between two OBS scenes, each with its own prerecorded video. The scene changes happen inside OBS; YouTube continues receiving the same encoder stream. Transitions are not guaranteed to be gap-free on every computer or with every file, so rehearse your setup before broadcasting.
Set up two scenes with separate videos
- Create the scenes. In OBS, create one scene for each clip if you want to choose scene changes yourself or give each video a different layout. OBS scenes and sources determine what appears in the outgoing layout. OBS Sources Guide
- Add each video. In each scene, add a Media Source and select the local video file. Check the source’s playback options, including looping, restarting when active, and hiding after playback ends. OBS Media Sources
- Choose what happens when a scene returns. Decide whether its clip should restart when the scene becomes active. Review the Media Source controls to get the playback behavior you want. If you enable Close file when inactive, the file may take a short time to reload when its scene is shown again. OBS Media Sources
- Connect OBS to YouTube. In YouTube Live Control Room, get the stream URL and stream key, then use them to connect OBS. Start the encoder stream once. Keep it running while you switch between OBS scenes; end the broadcast when you are finished. YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder
- Rehearse the change. Test privately or unlisted and check the picture, audio, and restart behavior. The documented controls do not guarantee a seamless transition for every file, computer, or configuration.
Choose scenes or a video playlist
If each clip needs its own layout or you want to control when it appears, use separate scenes with Media Sources. If you simply want several files to play sequentially from one source, OBS’s VLC Video source offers a playlist with loop and shuffle options; VLC must be installed. Review its visibility behavior too: by default, the source stops when it is not visible and restarts when visible. OBS Media Sources
| Consideration | Separate OBS scenes | One VLC Video playlist |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Clips need different layouts or operator-controlled scene changes | Files should play sequentially from one source |
| Playback control | Each scene can have its own Media Source behavior | Playlist includes loop and shuffle options |
| Visibility behavior | Review Media Source restart and close-when-inactive settings | By default, stops when hidden and restarts when visible |
| Dependency | Media Source | VLC installed and available to OBS |
Before you broadcast
- Check playback at transitions. Confirm whether a returning scene restarts as intended and whether closing an inactive file creates a noticeable reload pause.
- Review your content rights. Having the technical ability to play a recording does not establish permission to rebroadcast it. Check the rights that apply to the videos and any music or other material they contain.
- Check channel and monetization rules separately. These setup steps do not determine whether particular prerecorded content is eligible for monetization.
- Know the archive threshold. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. This is a platform rule, not a promise about stream performance. YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder
If something goes wrong
- The clip does not restart when you switch back: Revisit the Media Source playback controls and set the restart behavior you want for that scene. Test it before going live. OBS Media Sources
- A clip takes a moment to appear: If Close file when inactive is enabled, OBS may need a short reload when the scene returns. Check that setting and rehearse the change.
- A VLC playlist stops or restarts unexpectedly: Review the source’s visibility behavior; its documented default is to stop while hidden and restart when visible. OBS Media Sources
- YouTube stops receiving the broadcast when OBS stops: The encoder session must remain active while you want the live stream to continue. YouTube’s encoder guidance says to end the stream by stopping content from the encoder. YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want prerecorded videos to keep a YouTube channel live without leaving a computer on, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos 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, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot. StreamNeo can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, and monthly billing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube streaming, not camera-based live broadcasts. Learn about StreamNeo. Start your free day.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Capture Card 4K HDMI Video Streaming to USB 3.0 1080P 60FPS Capture Device
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
Rank #3
Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
Rank #2
Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
#1 Best Overall
Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
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