Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To show the current track over an OBS playlist, play the playlist through a VLC Video source, use the Tuna OBS plugin to write available track information to a text file, then add an OBS text source that reads that file. The overlay is a separate scene source layered above the playlist. If you only need a filename or a fixed label, a manually maintained text file is simpler; automatic artist-and-title text depends on metadata available from your media and source.
Choose what the overlay should display
“Now playing” can mean a filename, a track title, or an artist-and-title line. Tuna is intended to display available music information, such as the fields in its example format {artists} - {title}. If files lack usable tags, or the source does not provide a field, that information may be blank or incomplete. A filename can be a practical fallback, but check the actual output rather than assuming it will match the title you want.
OBS does not automatically connect every playlist change to a text source. For automatic updates, use a metadata tool such as Tuna to write information to a file OBS can display. Without a plugin or another tested metadata process, update the text file yourself; having a VLC playlist and a text source in the same scene does not make the text update automatically.
Set up the OBS playlist source
- Install VLC. Add a VLC Video source in OBS. VLC must be installed for this source to appear. OBS specifies that a 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add your media. In the VLC Video source properties, add the files in the order you want them played. Choose loop and shuffle behavior to suit the stream, then confirm the source is visible in the scene.
- Check playback. Start the playlist and verify that the expected files play before configuring the overlay.
OBS Project describes the distinction this way: “Unlike Media Source, you can create a playlist of items, similar to an Image Slideshow.” Read OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- 15 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly control your apps, tools and platforms.
- One-Touch Operation: trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute mic, turn on lights, and much more.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
- Hotkey Actions: streamline your film editing, music production, photography workflow, etc.
Configure Tuna to write the current track to a file
- Check compatibility. Tuna’s VLC-source integration requires VLC 3.0.0 or later. Install Tuna using its current instructions for your operating system, and consult its release notes if your OBS build differs from the versions covered there. See Tuna’s OBS Project resource and installation instructions.
- Select the OBS source. In OBS, open Tools > Tuna settings. Choose VLC as the music source, select the scene and the VLC Video source that contains your playlist, then add it. If you use nested scenes or several VLC sources, verify that Tuna is connected to the intended source.
- Set up file output. In Tuna’s Basics/output configuration, choose a destination file path and the text format. For example,
{artists} - {title}requests an artist-and-title line where those fields are available. Tuna also provides formatting and character-limit options. - Save the settings. Make sure the output file is somewhere OBS can read and that Tuna is writing to the path you selected.
Tuna’s documentation notes that available metadata varies by selected source and that correctly tagged files matter for full song-information extraction. Check the current resource instructions for installation details, especially on Linux: the process differs by distribution, and the documentation notes possible loading issues with Flatpak OBS.
Add and style the OBS text overlay
- Create a text source. In the scene’s Sources panel, add a text source and enable its option to read text from a file. Browse to the output file you configured in Tuna.
- Layer it above the playlist. Put the text source above the VLC Video source in the Sources list. If the text is hidden behind the video, adjust the order.
- Format the overlay. Set the font, size, color, alignment, outline or background as needed. Position it over an area that remains legible across the playlist visuals, and constrain or wrap the text so long titles do not obscure the scene.
- Test real transitions. Play several playlist items and confirm that the displayed line changes, is readable, and does not remain blank or stale. Check the media tags and Tuna’s selected source if an expected field is missing.
Tuna’s setup instructions describe using local output files with OBS text sources; text and image files can also be dragged into OBS to create sources. For exact behavior and current options, use the Tuna documentation.
Rank #2
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more; Know that your command has been executed
- Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc
- Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different apps
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more
- Stream Deck App and Store: drag and drop setup, download plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, SFX, and more; Regular updates and new plugins frequently added
Manual text-file option and trade-offs
If automation is unnecessary, create an OBS text source that reads a local file and edit that file whenever the playlist changes. This gives you precise control over wording, but requires ongoing updates. Tuna reduces that manual work by writing available information to the file; in return, it adds plugin and VLC compatibility requirements, and the displayed fields depend on metadata from the files and source. The available documentation does not establish a measured update delay or guarantee that every playlist item will provide complete metadata.
Troubleshoot a blank, wrong, or stale overlay
| Symptom | What to check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The VLC Video source is unavailable | Whether VLC is installed and its architecture matches OBS’s requirement. | Install VLC; for 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC. |
| Tuna cannot use the VLC source | VLC version and the source selected in Tuna. | Use VLC 3.0.0 or later for Tuna’s VLC integration, then select the intended scene and VLC source in Tools > Tuna settings. |
| The text is blank or missing artist/title | Whether the media files have the relevant tags, whether the selected source provides those fields, and whether Tuna’s output path matches the OBS text source’s file path. | Correct the tags where needed, choose an available format, and confirm both tools point to the same output file. Use a filename or manually maintained label if the required metadata is unavailable. |
| The text does not change with the playlist | Whether Tuna is connected to the active VLC source and whether its output file changes when the track changes. | Test multiple items, check source selection (especially with nested or multiple VLC sources), and confirm OBS is reading Tuna’s output file rather than a different file. |
| Tuna does not load on Linux | Your distribution and whether OBS is the Flatpak build. | Follow Tuna’s instructions for your distribution; the documentation reports possible loading issues with Flatpak OBS, so do not assume identical installation steps across Linux setups. |
Tuna’s release history includes fixes and source-selection changes, including a nested-source fix listed on May 7, 2024, and a latest-beta crash fix listed on September 12, 2025. These entries are not a guarantee of compatibility with every later OBS build; check the current release notes if the plugin behaves differently on your system.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Advanced Live Production: easily control your favorite tools and platforms.
- 32 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly trigger unlimited actions with a tap.
- Powerful Integrations: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, vMix, VoiceMod, and more.
- One-Touch Operation: change scenes, launch media, switch cameras, tweak lighting, adjust audio, post tweets – anything.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded videos looping on a YouTube channel without leaving OBS or a home computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Work smarter not harder: forget keyboard shortcuts. Stream Deck Mini lets you assign tedious, hard to memorise shortcuts to a single key. Instantly identify and activate them without error.
- Compatible with your apps: Seamlessly integrate with essential software including Zoom, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, GoogleSuite, MS Office, Photoshop, Adobe Creative Apps, Spotify, Music, and many more.
- Customizable LCD keys: Instantly activate commands and functions with a single tap.
- Easy Set Up: User-Friendly Software. Drag actions onto keys. Then personalize settings with ease.
- Multi-action efficiency: Execute multiple actions at once or in a sequence, precisely timed.
Rank #4
- 18 Programmable Keys Macro Keypad: This stream controller deck comes with 18 customizable macro keys (15 LCD visual keys + 3 physical buttons). Users may program single actions or multi-step sequences for daily operation. The keys support in-game combos, app launch and media playback control for multiple usage scenarios. Each LCD key accepts JPG, PNG and GIF images and animations to mark separate functions
- Single Tap Control: This USB macro keyboard pad supports single tap commands for quick operation. Users can trigger pre-set macros, input text, open files and web pages, adjust media playback, or switch OBS scenes with one tap. The straightforward layout fits gaming, live streaming and professional office task setup
- One Tap Multi-Shortcut: This macro controller pad streaming deck supports multi-shortcut macro programming for gamers and content creators. Custom shortcuts simplify game combo inputs, video editing, music production and photography workflows. The Operation Follow function runs multiple macro steps in custom order or simultaneous execution for adjustable task control
- Adjustable RGB Surround Light Ring - VSD M18 gaming streaming deck features an outer RGB light ring with auto color cycle mode. Custom RGB tones are available via device firmware upgrade. The light ring offers adjustable visual lighting for dim gaming, streaming and night work setups.
- Wide System Compatibility: This VSDinside macro control board works with Windows 11 and newer, macOS 11.0 and newer systems. Connect via USB-C cable for immediate use. It is compatible with mainstream software including OBS, Streamlabs, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Excel, Word and Photoshop for daily production work. Native Linux system plug-and-play support is not available, while SDK development documents are provided for custom secondary development
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required (one free day per account).
- The monthly option is $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo 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.
