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To put several recordings into one Castr YouTube broadcast, create a Pre-Recorded Stream, add the videos in its Playlist section, arrange and enable the entries, then choose whether to loop the playlist or schedule it. Add YouTube as an active destination before starting the stream or relying on its schedule. Castr’s workflow sends the files as a live stream; it does not simply publish them as ordinary on-demand YouTube videos.
Before you build the playlist
- Use MP4 files: Castr’s current help article lists MP4 as the supported upload format for pre-recorded streams. File size and media-file count depend on your subscription, so check the limits shown for your account before preparing a large playlist. Castr’s pre-recorded streaming instructions describe the workflow and plan-dependent limits.
- Have the YouTube channel and connection details ready. Castr documents an account-authorized YouTube Events/API connection and a manual streaming-server-and-key setup.
- If you are scheduling a start, confirm the device’s time zone. Castr says its scheduler uses the device time zone.
Create a stream and add multiple videos
- In the Castr dashboard, open Pre-Recorded Streams and create a new pre-recorded stream.
- Give the stream a name so you can identify it in the dashboard.
- In the Playlist section, add your recordings. You can upload video files, import them from cloud storage, or select videos already in the Castr Video Hosting library.
- Add each video you want included. Drag entries to set the playback order. Use each entry’s toggle to turn that video on or off without removing it from the playlist.
- Check the total duration Castr displays for the playlist. Castr says this duration updates automatically as you add or change entries.
Do not assume a fixed maximum number of videos or a universal file-size allowance: Castr says these limits vary by subscription.
Choose looping or a scheduled start
Loop the playlist
Select Loop when you want the playlist to repeat. This suits a recurring or ongoing broadcast made from the selected videos.
Schedule one start
Select Date & Time to set a specific start time. Check the device time zone against the intended YouTube start time before saving; Castr’s scheduler follows that time zone. The choice is between repeating the playlist and scheduling its start, so use the mode that matches the intended broadcast.
#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.
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- 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.
Castr’s regular pre-recorded playlist workflow is different from TV Playout. TV Playout is a timetable for continuous channel-style programming and can include video on demand, livestreams, and breaks. Choose it only when you need a programmed channel rather than one looping or scheduled pre-recorded stream. See Castr’s TV Playout documentation.
Connect YouTube and start the stream
- Add YouTube as a destination in the stream setup.
- Choose the connection method. Castr documents connecting through YouTube Events/API or configuring the destination with YouTube’s streaming server and stream key. The API/Event option uses an account-authorized connection; the manual route uses the server and key details from YouTube. Castr’s connection instructions are at How to Connect YouTube with Castr.
- If using the stream-key route, note that Castr says the stream description must be edited in YouTube’s dashboard. Manage that metadata there rather than assuming it can be changed in Castr.
- Verify that the YouTube destination toggle is on. Then start the stream, or leave it configured to begin at the scheduled time.
If you need to use a livestream that already exists in Castr as the destination, Castr documents an alternate Add Stream within Castr route. It is optional, not required for the standard YouTube destination setup. See Castr’s pre-recorded stream troubleshooting guidance.
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.
Video settings Castr recommends
Castr’s settings article, dated December 18, 2023, recommends the following for recorded videos. These are Castr recommendations, not universal YouTube requirements or independently tested guarantees.
| Setting | Castr recommendation |
|---|---|
| Container | MP4 |
| Bitrate mode | Constant bitrate |
| Keyframe interval | 2 seconds |
| Resolution | 1920 Ă— 1080 |
| Frame rate | 30 fps |
| Video bitrate | 4,000 Kbps |
| Extra material at each end | 10–20 seconds at the beginning and end |
Use settings appropriate to your source footage and intended output; do not upscale lower-resolution recordings just to match a recommendation. Read Castr’s recorded-video settings guidance for its full context.
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.
Common problems and fixes
- A video will not upload: Confirm that it is an MP4 and that its size is within your account’s current plan limit. Check the plan’s file-count limit as well if the playlist already contains many entries.
- A video does not play in the playlist: Check that its individual toggle is on and that it appears in the intended position. Reorder entries by dragging them.
- The stream does not go to YouTube: Open the stream’s destination settings and confirm YouTube is added and its toggle is on. If using the server-and-key method, verify that the server and key correspond to the intended YouTube stream.
- The YouTube description is wrong or missing: For a stream-key-connected setup, Castr says the description must be edited in YouTube’s dashboard.
- The scheduled start is at the wrong time: Check the device’s time zone and compare it with the intended start time; Castr uses the device time zone for scheduling.
- The playlist ends when you expected it to repeat: Check whether Loop is selected rather than a one-time Date & Time schedule.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that stays live with uploaded recordings, StreamNeo is another route: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so no home computer, OBS, or home internet connection has to stay on. It streams to YouTube only and does not broadcast from a camera.
- Any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps streams as made, at one flat price per slot with no re-encoding or quality tiers.
- If YouTube drops the stream, StreamNeo automatically recovers it.
- The first day is free with no card, once per account. A monthly option is $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo for details, or start your 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
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