The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can change the video OBS sends without deliberately stopping the YouTube broadcast. To reduce the chance of interrupting the clip currently playing, build the updated playlist in a second VLC Video source or scene, preview it, then switch at a planned point without clicking Stop Streaming. OBS does not promise that every source or scene switch will be seamless, so test the handoff with your installed OBS and VLC versions.
Choose the right OBS source
- VLC Video: Use this for a playlist of multiple files. OBS documents playlist, loop, shuffle, and visibility options for this source. VLC must be installed, and 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Media Source: Use this for an individual video file. It can loop a file, but it is not OBS’s documented playlist source.
In OBS, add a source from the Sources dock. OBS describes VLC Video as supporting a playlist of items, unlike Media Source. OBS Project: Media Sources and OBS Project: Sources Guide.
Safer update: stage a second playlist
- Leave the current playlist alone. Editing the active VLC Video source’s settings can restart that source’s playback. The current OBS implementation stops the media-list player, replaces the list, and starts playback again when the source is active or set to always play. That is distinct from stopping the broadcast itself.
- Create a second VLC Video source or scene. Add the existing videos and the new demo in the order you want. Set loop and shuffle to match the current loop.
- Preview the staged version. Confirm the files play and the sequence behaves as intended before taking it live. Keep in mind that a separate source or scene is a practical staging method, not a documented guarantee of a glitch-free switch.
- Switch at a planned point. When the current demo finishes, or at another acceptable boundary, switch to the staged scene or source. Do not click Stop Streaming if your goal is to leave the encoder session live.
- Verify the outgoing picture. Check OBS’s preview/program output as applicable and confirm the expected content in YouTube Live Control Room.
OBS’s scene and source documentation explains how sources compose scenes; it does not guarantee that every transition will be uninterrupted. YouTube’s HLS guidance concerns encoder ingestion, a separate layer from editing a local VLC playlist: YouTube Live HLS ingestion.
Check what happens when the source is hidden
VLC Video has visibility behavior that can stop and restart, pause and resume, or keep playing when the source is not visible. Choose the behavior that suits your scene-switch method and test it. If it is set to stop and restart, making the staged source visible may start it from the beginning.
Recommended Free Tools
#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.
- 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.
What if you edit the active playlist?
You may be able to keep the broadcast encoder running while changing the active VLC playlist, but the source’s playback may restart. OBS’s current implementation rebuilds and restarts the media list; the cited documentation does not establish a way to append an item while preserving the exact playhead. An OBS forum user also reported that adding media returned playback to the first video, but that is one user’s experience, not a guarantee about every setup: OBS forum discussion.
| Option | Best fit | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Edit active VLC playlist | You want the quickest update and can accept playback restarting. | The source implementation stops and rebuilds the playlist, then starts playback again. |
| Stage a second VLC source or scene | You want to prepare and preview the revised loop before switching. | Requires an extra setup and a deliberate handoff; a seamless switch is not guaranteed. |
| Use Media Source | The new demo is a single file or temporary standalone item. | It is not the documented VLC playlist workflow; integrating it into a loop requires additional scene or source control. |
Keep the update from becoming an avoidable outage
- Confirm the new file is available to OBS and plays in the staged source before switching.
- Check the playlist order, loop, shuffle, and hidden-source behavior rather than assuming the new source inherits the old source’s settings.
- Make the switch at a point where a brief visual change would be acceptable; official OBS guidance does not certify all scene or source transitions as glitch-free.
- If the goal is to keep the stream session live, change the output source or scene rather than pressing Stop Streaming.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the aim is an always-on YouTube loop rather than a local OBS workflow, StreamNeo plays uploaded videos from the cloud: upload your recording or 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; automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube and uploaded video playback, not camera streaming. See StreamNeo, then start the free first day.
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
- 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
- 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.
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.)
- 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.
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.
