What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
First find where the pause enters the chain: the audio files, the playlist player, the encoder, or YouTube delivery. Play the tracks consecutively outside the stream, then compare that sound with the encoder and YouTube preview. If the pause is already in the local playback, changing YouTube settings will not remove it.
Identify when and where the gap happens
Note whether the pause happens at every song boundary, only after particular tracks, randomly during a song, or only for some viewers. Then compare what you hear at each stage: local player, OBS monitoring or encoder preview, YouTube Live Control Room preview, and the public stream. A repeatable pause at the same boundary points toward the file or player transition; random interruptions or dropped frames point more toward stream delivery. Without the setup or a recording, there is no single cause to assume.
Check the tracks and playlist before changing stream settings
Test the transition outside the live output
Play the end of one track and the start of the next consecutively in the same order used for the stream. Listen for silence at the file edges or a pause introduced by the playback workflow. If the gap is audible there, inspect those files and the player or playlist transition first. If playback is continuous outside OBS but pauses inside it, focus on the OBS source and its behavior.
Review OBS source behavior
OBS Media Source supports common formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. OBS VLC Video can play a playlist and provides loop, shuffle, and visibility-behavior controls. Its documentation does not promise gapless playback or crossfading, so a playlist and loop setting alone do not guarantee seamless boundaries. See the OBS media sources documentation.
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.
- Check that the intended playlist loop setting is enabled for continuous playback.
- Check that a source is not configured to stop or restart when it becomes hidden if scene changes could hide it.
- If the files play continuously elsewhere but not through the source, test that source and its transition behavior separately.
- Make source changes during a private or otherwise safe test stream rather than experimenting on the live broadcast.
These checks narrow down the cause; they do not make VLC, a plugin, or any one playback application a universal fix. Evaluate a player on whether it explicitly supports gapless playback or crossfade, whether looping and restart recovery suit your setup, whether it supports your files, and whether audio continues through scene changes.
Check encoder output and YouTube’s health messages
Compare the encoder with the source
Listen to the encoder output and, if available, review a local recording or archive. YouTube recommends checking encoder output, Live Control Room messages, CPU load, and a local archive when troubleshooting stream sound. If those checks look healthy but the public playback still interrupts, test the outbound internet connection. See YouTube’s live-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.
Confirm the intended audio stream and settings
YouTube lists missing audio and multiple audio streams among ingestion errors. Confirm that the encoder is sending the intended audio stream and that its status is healthy. YouTube’s published RTMP/RTMPS encoder guidance lists AAC or MP3 audio, a 44.1 kHz sample rate for stereo, and 128 kbps for stereo audio. Check the current YouTube live encoder settings and any messages in Live Control Room. These settings describe audio encoding; they do not guarantee gapless transitions between songs.
Distinguish a track-boundary pause from a delivery problem
If the gap repeats at the same song boundary and appears in local playback, fix the file or player transition. If it is random, occurs during songs, or coincides with dropped frames, inspect the connection and bitrate stability instead. OBS explains that dropped frames can indicate an unstable connection or one that cannot sustain the configured bitrate. Viewer buffering can also depend on the viewer’s own device and network. See OBS stream connection troubleshooting and OBS stream buffering troubleshooting.
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.
If the local source and encoder sound continuous but YouTube playback does not, check Live Control Room health messages and test the outbound connection. YouTube recommends checking internet strength and contacting the ISP if the outbound connection is the problem. For a 24/7 Hindi music stream, the language does not change these technical causes; the same checks apply to any playlist.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the playback chain is sound but keeping a computer and connection running is the burden, StreamNeo keeps a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The stream runs in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home; videos play as uploaded up to 4K 60fps at one price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo streams to YouTube only and plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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
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.
