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To include a video file saved on your computer in a screen recording, add it as a Media Source in an OBS Studio scene. Choose the file, set its playback behavior, arrange it alongside any other scene elements, then record the scene. OBS documents this workflow for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Use OBS to include a local video in your recording
OBS treats a local clip as a source in a scene, so you can combine it visually with other scene content rather than merely record video playing in a separate window. OBS describes the feature this way: “Media source adds different types of media files to your scenes.” See the OBS Project Media Sources documentation.
- Open or create a scene. In OBS, select the scene you want to record, or create one for the recording.
- Add the clip. In the Sources panel, add a Media Source and select the local video file. OBS lists formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM.
- Choose playback behavior. Set whether the clip should loop, restart when the source becomes active, or hide after playback ends. Select the behavior that matches the recording: for instance, enable looping if the clip must continue playing during a longer capture.
- Arrange the scene. Position and size the video source with any other visual sources in the scene.
- Record the scene. Start recording in OBS and confirm the clip plays as intended in the composed scene.
The available controls and supported formats do not guarantee every codec combination, DRM-protected video, or audio-routing setup will behave identically. Check the result with a short recording before capturing a long session; the cited documentation establishes the media-source workflow, not a universal audio-capture guarantee.
If the file format is a problem
OBS also documents a VLC Video source for extended media support and playlists. VLC must be installed for the source to appear; OBS notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. Consult the same OBS Media Sources documentation for source details.
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- 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.
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What VLC can do instead
VLC documents recording content that is playing, and it separately documents recording the desktop. These are distinct capabilities in VideoLAN’s documentation; the cited pages do not describe one integrated workflow that places a local clip into a composed scene alongside screen and camera layers.
- To record content being played, VideoLAN explains using VLC’s Record button in its recording documentation.
- For a screen capture, VideoLAN separately describes making and saving a desktop recording in its screen-recording documentation.
Choose VLC if you need one of those simpler recording tasks and are already working in VLC. Choose OBS Media Source when the local clip needs to be part of a layered scene with other visual elements.
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.)
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Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is not a local screen recording but keeping uploaded videos live on a YouTube channel, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops the uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams the file as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it also attempts automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for uploaded video streams to YouTube, not camera-based screen recording. Start the 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
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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