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To schedule seasonal store promos as a YouTube Live broadcast, schedule the event in YouTube Studio, then use OBS to loop a local promo file or playlist and send it to YouTube. YouTube Studio manages the event; OBS plays the media and encodes the stream. The documented workflow does not automatically switch playlists by calendar date, so change the OBS media or playlist yourself when the season changes.
Before you set up the stream
- Your YouTube channel must be verified and must not have had live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. Check YouTube’s live-streaming requirements and setup guidance.
- Use encoder streaming in Live Control Room because OBS is streaming software. You will need a computer running OBS and the seasonal video files stored locally.
- Choose whether the broadcast should repeat one promo or rotate through several. A single file is simpler; a playlist is useful when you want multiple spots played in a set order or shuffled.
Schedule the YouTube Live event
- In YouTube Studio, select Create → Go Live → Manage → Schedule Stream.
- Create a new stream or reuse prior settings. Enter the event title, description, visibility and other details, then set the scheduled date and time.
- Save the event. A scheduled stream can be shared in advance, and viewers can set reminders.
- Keep the Live Control Room open. You will copy the stream URL and stream key from the event’s stream settings in a later step.
YouTube recommends setting up an encoder stream at least two hours ahead and starting the encoder at least 15 minutes before the scheduled event. That gives you time to check the connection and preview before the event begins. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips.
Set OBS to loop the seasonal video
For one promo video
- Open OBS and choose the scene that will carry the broadcast.
- In the Sources panel, select + and add Media Source.
- Name the source, select the local promo file, and enable Loop.
- Confirm that the file appears in the preview and that its audio is at the intended level. OBS documents formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI and WebM; see its Media Sources guide.
For a sequence of seasonal spots
- Install VLC on the computer if it is not already installed. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video source type to appear.
- In the Sources panel, select + and add VLC Video.
- Add the promo files to the playlist in the order you want, or choose shuffle if order does not matter.
- Enable Loop Playlist so playback returns to the beginning after the final clip.
- Check scene visibility behavior. If the source is hidden, it may pause or stop depending on its visibility settings; verify that it resumes as expected before relying on the playlist.
OBS loops the file or playlist currently configured in the scene. The documented setup does not provide a calendar rule that swaps a summer playlist for a holiday playlist automatically. For a seasonal change, update the playlist or source yourself and verify the new content in the preview.
Connect OBS to the scheduled stream
- In YouTube Live Control Room, open the scheduled stream and locate its stream URL and stream key.
- In OBS, open Settings → Stream. Choose the YouTube service and enter the stream details as prompted. If the service selection does not supply the server automatically, use YouTube’s stream URL as the server and enter the stream key in the key field.
- Keep the stream key private: anyone who has it may be able to send a broadcast to your channel. Do not show it in screenshots, recordings or a public scene.
- Apply the settings and return to the main OBS window. Do not start the broadcast until the correct scheduled event is selected in Live Control Room.
YouTube recommends RTMPS. Encoder recommendations, including codec-specific bitrate ranges and other settings, can change; use YouTube’s current streaming settings guidance rather than relying on a fixed bitrate copied from an older setup.
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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.
- 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.
Rehearse, start and monitor the broadcast
- Start OBS streaming at least 15 minutes before the event’s scheduled time.
- In Live Control Room, wait for the incoming signal and inspect the preview. Confirm that the intended seasonal clip is visible, the picture is not cropped or blank, and audio is present at a suitable level. YouTube’s instruction is: “Before clicking Start Streaming, check the preview in the Live Control Room.”
- When the preview is correct, start the scheduled event in Live Control Room if required by its settings. Confirm that the public event is live before leaving the setup.
- Monitor audio and video throughout the event. YouTube recommends keeping total streaming bitrate within available upload bandwidth, with 20% spare capacity. If the connection is unstable, reduce the encoder load or improve the connection rather than using all available upload bandwidth.
- When the event is over, end the stream deliberately in YouTube, then stop streaming in OBS. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived.
Seasonal workflow: what is and is not automatic
YouTube Studio scheduling and OBS playback are coordinated but separate tasks: Studio schedules the event, while OBS sends whichever local media source or playlist is active. YouTube’s auto-start and auto-stop settings relate to starting or stopping the encoder stream; they are not a documented date-based playlist selector. For a seasonal rotation, plan a manual playlist update or create and manage separate events and scenes so the right content is selected.
Common problems and fixes
- OBS does not show VLC Video: Install VLC, then reopen OBS and check the Sources add menu again.
- The video plays once and stops: For a Media Source, enable Loop. For multiple clips, enable Loop Playlist in the VLC Video source.
- The wrong promo appears: Check the selected OBS scene and source, then inspect the Live Control Room preview before starting the event. Confirm the playlist contents and order.
- The source stops when the scene changes: Review the source’s visibility behavior and test transitions. A hidden VLC source may pause or stop rather than continue playing.
- YouTube receives no signal: Confirm OBS is streaming, the scheduled event is the one open in Live Control Room, and the stream URL and key were copied correctly. Treat a stream key as a password; regenerate it if it has been exposed.
- Video buffers or drops frames: Compare the total streaming bitrate with available upload bandwidth and preserve YouTube’s recommended 20% headroom. Check network stability and use YouTube’s current encoder guidance for the resolution, frame rate and codec in use.
- The event starts late or the preview is wrong: Start OBS early enough to inspect the incoming feed; do not assume that a scheduled event also starts media playback or verifies the scene automatically.
Copyright and promotional content
Use footage, music, images and other material that your store has the rights to broadcast. A promotional video being owned or commissioned by a business does not by itself establish that every music track, stock asset, performer or third-party clip is cleared for a public YouTube stream. Review the permissions for each component and YouTube’s policies before scheduling; see the copyright safety checklist for a practical pre-stream review.
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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps uploaded promo videos live without leaving a computer running at the store, StreamNeo is a cloud option. Upload the video or build a playlist, add the YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it is not a camera streaming service.
- Nothing has to stay on at home or at the store; StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. The first day is free with no card; see StreamNeo for details. Start a free day with StreamNeo.
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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
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.
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