In OBS Studio, put the overlay above the video or background in the Sources list: sources higher in the list appear in front of sources below them. This controls what viewers see, but it does not keep OBS, your computer, network, or YouTube stream running continuously.
How OBS source ordering works
Think of the Sources list as a stack of visual layers. A source near the top is drawn in front of sources below it; a full-screen source above an overlay can cover the overlay entirely. The OBS Project’s Sources Guide explains that a source listed above another is on top and may hide what is beneath it.
Layer order and position are different controls: order decides which source appears in front when they overlap, while position and size decide where each source appears in the preview.
Put an overlay above your video
- In OBS, select the scene used for the YouTube stream.
- In the Sources list, add or select the video or other content source and the overlay source. For a web-rendered overlay, add a Browser Source and configure its URL or local file using the OBS Browser Source guide.
- Drag the overlay above the content source in the Sources list. Alternatively, select it and use the list’s up-arrow controls until it is above the content it should cover.
- Check the preview. Move or resize the overlay as needed so important text and imagery are visible without obscuring key parts of the documentary footage.
- Test the scene with representative video and audio before relying on it for a continuous broadcast.
Choose the right source for your content
| Need | OBS source | What it does | Useful check |
|---|---|---|---|
| A web-based alert, chat, or custom overlay | Browser Source | Loads a local page or URL into a scene. | Confirm the page renders correctly in the OBS preview. See the Browser Source guide. |
| One local video or audio file | Media Source | Plays supported local media and offers a loop option. | Enable looping if the file should repeat. See OBS Media Sources. |
| An ordered or shuffled playlist | VLC Video | Supports playlists, playlist looping, and shuffle. | VLC must be installed; check the playlist and its loop or shuffle settings. See OBS Media Sources. |
These sources solve different content and layout needs. A media loop repeats playback; it is not a guarantee that the OBS process, computer, internet connection, or YouTube broadcast will stay connected.
#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.
Test the stream before leaving it live
OBS recommends a test before your first stream, and YouTube advises testing with representative movement and audio and watching stream health. Choose resolution, frame rate, and bitrate for your available upload connection and intended output rather than copying a setting from an unrelated setup. YouTube’s encoder settings and bitrate recommendations vary by resolution and frame rate; the page also recommends RTMPS.
OBS notes that streaming capability depends on the encoder, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity. Its System Requirements page cautions that compatible requirements do not guarantee a system can stream or record. OBS suggests using the Auto Configuration Wizard to help select settings; hardware encoding can reduce CPU workload, but does not by itself guarantee an uninterrupted stream. See the Hardware Encoding guide and Quick Start Guide.
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.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Fix common overlay and playback problems
- The overlay is missing: Check whether a visible source is above it and covering it. Move the overlay above the source it should sit over, then inspect the preview.
- The overlay appears in the wrong place or covers too much: Adjust its position and size in the preview; changing its layer order alone will not reposition it.
- A browser overlay does not render: Check the Browser Source’s configured URL or local-file selection and confirm the result in the preview.
- A video stops at the end: Check the Media Source loop setting. For a multi-file sequence, check the VLC playlist’s loop and shuffle options.
- The stream disconnects: Source order and media looping do not prevent encoder, network, or YouTube interruptions. Check YouTube stream health and the relevant connection and encoder settings.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps playing uploaded videos while your computer is off, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud rather than relying on an OBS computer at home. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It supports the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and includes a first free day with no card required. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free 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.
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.
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