Recommended Free Tools
To play different prerecorded videos at planned times in an OBS YouTube stream, put each video in its own OBS scene and automate scene changes. Use OBS’s Media Source for individual local files; use a VLC Video source playlist when you simply need clips to play one after another. Schedule or start the YouTube live event separately—OBS scene automation controls what the event receives, not when YouTube starts it.
Choose the playback method that matches your schedule
| What you need | OBS method | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Play clips in sequence, shuffled, or on a loop | VLC Video source with a playlist | VLC must be installed. A playlist plays items in its configured sequence; it does not select a particular clip by clock time. |
| Show particular videos at planned times or after set durations | Separate scenes with a video source in each, plus scene-change automation | This involves more scene and source setup. A community workflow uses Advanced Scene Switcher to change scenes after durations, but check the controls for the version you install and test the result. |
| Make an uploaded video public later | YouTube scheduled publishing | This schedules publication of an uploaded video. It does not change the media inside an ongoing OBS live event. |
Set up the videos in OBS
Prepare and locate the files
Save each video somewhere the computer running OBS can access reliably, and play it once to check that the file works. OBS Media Source supports local formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. Keep the files in stable locations; moving or renaming them after you configure sources can break their file paths. OBS Media Sources documentation
Make a scene for each independently scheduled video
- In OBS, create a scene for each clip you want to select independently. Give scenes clear names that correspond to their video or scheduled slot.
- In each scene, add a Media Source and select the matching local file.
- Set the source options to fit the intended playback. Media Source can loop a file, restart playback when the source becomes active, and hide itself when playback ends. For a clip intended to play once, confirm it does not loop; for a repeating clip, enable looping.
- Check the source’s visibility and audio routing in the scene. Preview the scene and listen for the expected audio before building the schedule.
OBS notes that closing an inactive media file can leave a short period without display while it reloads. Watch for that gap in rehearsal, especially when a clean transition matters. OBS Media Sources documentation
Use a playlist for a simple sequence
If the videos only need to run one after another, add a VLC Video source and configure its playlist, ordering, and loop or shuffle behavior. This is simpler than creating a separately automated scene for every item, but it is not a clock-time scheduler. VLC is a prerequisite: OBS specifies that 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC. OBS Media Sources documentation
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#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.
Automate scene changes for set times
Choose the trigger carefully
For a timed lineup, use scene automation to move from one video scene to the next. One OBS community discussion recommends Advanced Scene Switcher to transition after a duration corresponding to a video’s runtime. That is a community example, not a guarantee or official plugin setup guide; confirm the plugin’s current controls and behavior in your installed version. OBS community discussion of scheduled video loops
If your plan is based on elapsed time, calculate each scene’s duration from the intended playback point and account for transition time. If it is based on a real clock time, verify that the automation method you choose supports the clock-time trigger you need; a duration countdown alone does not establish wall-clock scheduling. Do not assume exact timing under dropped frames, computer sleep, crashes, or network interruptions.
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.
Keep the YouTube event separate
YouTube’s Live Streaming API distinguishes a broadcast—the event viewers watch—from a stream, the audio-video transmission resource. Scene changes in OBS affect the content sent through that stream; they do not create, schedule, or start the YouTube broadcast. Set up or schedule the live event in YouTube as a separate task, then connect OBS to the appropriate event and stream settings. Google for Developers: Understanding broadcasts and streams (last updated September 14, 2026)
If instead you want an uploaded video to become public at a set time, YouTube Help describes scheduled publishing for a private video. That is a different outcome from playing clips inside an OBS live stream. YouTube Help: Schedule video publish time
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 →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.
Rehearse the full run before going live
- Start the sequence from the beginning and verify that each intended clip appears in the correct scene.
- Check that each clip begins at the expected point, transitions behave acceptably, and audio continues or changes as intended.
- Review the stream output, not just the OBS preview, so you can catch problems in what viewers receive.
- Test the complete playlist or automated schedule after any file, scene, or playlist edits.
Do not rely on live playlist edits without a test. In one OBS forum thread, a user reported that an edit appeared on the live broadcast once, but on another occasion required restarting OBS and YouTube. That is anecdotal experience, not evidence of how current versions behave generally. OBS community discussion of VLC playlist updates
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common failures
A scene changes, but the wrong video appears
Check that the intended Media Source is in that scene, points to the correct file, and is visible. If a file was moved or renamed, update its source path and preview the scene again.
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
A clip does not restart when its scene becomes active
Review the Media Source playback options, including restart playback when the source becomes active. Confirm whether the source is configured to loop or hide when playback ends, then test the scene transition again. OBS Media Sources documentation
The VLC source is unavailable
Install VLC on the computer running OBS and match its architecture: OBS calls for 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS. Reopen OBS and confirm the VLC Video source is available. OBS Media Sources documentation
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBest 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.
A playlist edit does not show up in the stream
Do not assume edits will reload consistently while live. Test the edited playlist before the event; if it still does not update, stop and restart the relevant source or OBS only when it is safe to interrupt the broadcast. A forum report describes inconsistent outcomes, so it should not be treated as a universal fix. OBS community discussion of VLC playlist updates
The schedule slips or playback stalls
OBS documentation and the cited community examples do not establish guaranteed wall-clock precision through dropped frames, sleep, crashes, or network interruptions. Rehearse on the actual computer and inspect the stream output; for a public event, have a person available to monitor and intervene.
Check rights and YouTube suitability
Use videos and audio you have the right to stream, and check the applicable YouTube copyright and monetization rules before scheduling a public or recurring broadcast. A successful OBS setup does not establish that the content is authorized or eligible for monetization. Do not treat a collection of prerecorded clips as automatically compliant simply because they are played live.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded video running on YouTube without leaving the OBS computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not camera feeds, and streams to YouTube only.
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required (one free day per account).
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
For Indian creators, UPI and cards are accepted; worldwide checkout is by card. Start your free StreamNeo day.
Quick Recap
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.
