Recommended Free Tools
To change what viewers see in an existing 24/7 YouTube live stream, keep the encoder connected and switch the video source in the encoder—such as OBS. Use an OBS Media Source for one clip or a VLC Video source for a playlist. Do not stop the encoder or end the YouTube broadcast: that would end the current stream. If you mean publishing a separate live video while the 24/7 broadcast continues, that is a different, API-based workflow.
First decide what “change the video” means
YouTube receives a feed from an encoder and associates that feed with a live broadcast. The stream key and stream URL connect the encoder to YouTube; changing the video source in OBS changes the content in that feed, not the stream key or the broadcast itself. YouTube describes the stream key as similar to a password and address, so treat it as sensitive. See YouTube’s live stream settings guidance.
- Replace the content on the current watch page: change the active source or scene in the encoder while it continues sending video. This is the usual method for a channel that wants one ongoing broadcast.
- Publish a distinct live video: use a separate broadcast while the existing 24/7 broadcast remains live. Google’s YouTube Live Streaming API documentation describes binding two broadcasts to the same stream; it is an API resource workflow, not a one-click YouTube Studio source swap. See YouTube Live Streaming API: broadcasts and streams.
The steps below cover the first case using OBS. They describe the documented source workflow, not a guarantee that every change will be gap-free on every computer, file, encoder, or network.
Change the video in OBS without stopping the current broadcast
Prepare and test the next clip
- Make sure the video file is available on the computer running OBS and plays correctly. OBS Media Source supports MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. Before changing the live scene, add the file to a test scene or source and check its playback.
- Keep the current YouTube service, stream URL, and stream key configured in OBS. You do not need to change the key just to change the video. If you have reset the key in YouTube, update OBS with the newly generated key before relying on that connection.
YouTube’s encoder setup instructions explain connecting an encoder and stopping a stream. Do not use the encoder’s stop-streaming control or end the broadcast if the same live video must remain online.
#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.
For one video file, use Media Source
- In OBS, add a Media Source to the scene that will show the clip, then select the local file.
- Set the source’s Loop option if that clip should repeat. Check the source in a test scene first so you know how it starts and ends on your setup.
- When ready, make the scene containing the intended source visible while OBS continues streaming. OBS documents the Media Source and its loop property, but exact scene-switch controls can vary by setup; use the controls you have configured and confirm the result in YouTube Live Control Room.
For several videos, use a VLC Video source
- Install VLC before configuring the source. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video source; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add a VLC Video source and select the playlist files in the desired order.
- Enable playlist looping if playback should restart after the last item, then test the playlist before showing it in the live scene.
OBS’s Media Sources documentation describes supported local formats, Media Source looping, and VLC playlist looping. These options control what OBS plays; they do not replace the YouTube broadcast.
Verify the feed stays live
- Check YouTube Live Control Room to confirm the stream is still receiving the encoder feed after the source change.
- Keep OBS connected and sending video during the change. YouTube’s encoder workflow says that stopping the content from the encoder ends the stream.
- If viewers see a blank or frozen picture, check that the intended source is enabled and visible in the active scene, that the file still loads, and that OBS remains connected. Avoid ending the broadcast as a first troubleshooting step if keeping that broadcast online is the goal.
If you need a separate live video instead
A separate YouTube live video is not the same as swapping the clip shown on the current watch page. Google’s API example describes keeping a 24/7 broadcast live while setting another broadcast live on the same stream, then completing that separate broadcast later without stopping the encoder. The documentation says: “However, you don’t stop streaming video since the 24/7 broadcast continues.” This describes the YouTube Live Streaming API’s broadcast-binding workflow; it does not establish that every YouTube Studio user can do it with a single click.
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.
Settings and limits that matter
Stream key and reused settings
The stream key tells YouTube which encoder feed to accept. Keep it private; if it is reset, update the encoder with the replacement key. YouTube also lets creators edit stream metadata from stream settings or while creating or scheduling a stream. Reusing stream settings can copy metadata, settings, and the stream key, so review what carries over before using that option.
Auto-start, auto-stop, and latency
YouTube’s auto-start and auto-stop controls determine whether streaming can be started or stopped from the encoder. These controls are copied when reusing stream settings. Latency is the time between capture at the encoder or camera and display to viewers; YouTube notes that lower latency can mean more playback buffering. Neither setting is needed merely to change an OBS media source.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
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.
Archives for a continuous broadcast
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Its guidance does not make the same automatic-archive promise for a stream running 24/7, so do not rely on a complete archive of the continuous feed. See YouTube’s encoder guidance.
Rights and suitability of prerecorded footage
Only use video and audio you have the rights to stream, and check that the material is appropriate for your channel and YouTube’s applicable policies. A source-switching method does not establish that footage is cleared for livestreaming or that a channel will qualify for monetization. Review each clip and soundtrack before adding it to a loop or playlist.
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
When local OBS control is not the right operating model
OBS and its media sources are software-based: the computer running OBS must remain available to play the files and send the feed. YouTube also lists software and standalone hardware encoders in its encoder directory. Its listing describes Gyre as a cloud tool for 24/7 prerecorded video and AJA HELO Plus as hardware with a PlayToStream feature for scheduling prerecorded media to YouTube Live. These are different operating models; the cited descriptions do not establish that either product can change a clip inside every already-live broadcast. For an existing OBS stream, use the source-switching method above unless you have verified a particular service’s workflow.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube channel playing uploaded videos, rather than changing sources on a computer you maintain, StreamNeo runs the feed from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It keeps streaming with your computer off, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and streams uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Quick 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.
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.
