Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →First identify what is missing: a YouTube playlist, an OBS scene or source configuration, an external playlist file, or the media files themselves. These are different things, and neither YouTube nor OBS documents a way to reconstruct an external playlist file that has no surviving copy. If the stream is still running, preserve its current state and remaining configuration before changing anything; then recover from surviving data or rebuild the list from your own records.
Identify which playlist or file disappeared
“Playlist” can refer to an item stored on YouTube or to the local setup that supplies videos to a streaming encoder. Work out which one you mean before trying a fix.
A YouTube playlist
If you mean a playlist on YouTube, check your library and playlist controls first. YouTube Help describes saving playlists to a library so you can find and view them later, but does not promise restoration of a deleted playlist: Save playlists – Computer. Its playlist-management guidance says a deleted playlist’s URL and title stop appearing or being searchable in Analytics; the playlist may still be present in viewers’ watch histories. That is not the same as a recoverable copy: Create & manage playlists – Android.
An OBS source, scene collection, or external playlist file
If the stream is assembled in OBS, identify the source type and what was lost. OBS distinguishes a single-file Media Source from VLC Video, which can hold multiple media items and loop the playlist. Read OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation and inspect the source used by the stream.
#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.
- VLC Video source: the playlist entries may still be saved in the source configuration.
- Scene collection: this may retain the scene and source setup. OBS says, “Scene Collections save all Scenes and Sources that have been added to it.” It does not guarantee that the collection contains a restorable external playlist file or the media files: Scene Collections.
- External playlist file: the file may be gone even if the OBS source that referenced it remains.
- Media files: a playlist can survive while some or all of its referenced videos are missing.
Protect the stream and remaining setup
If the live stream is still working, do not reload or alter its active source until you have recorded or preserved the state you can see. This is cautious troubleshooting judgment, not a recovery procedure promised by YouTube or OBS. A change or restart could remove useful clues or interrupt the stream.
- Record the source type, visible playlist entries, media paths, scene names, and any relevant settings you can inspect without disrupting the stream.
- Export or otherwise preserve the surviving OBS scene collection before editing it. OBS supports importing scene collections; its output settings are stored separately in profiles. Preserve the matching profile and stream settings too, as described in the OBS Scene Collections documentation.
- Keep an unchanged copy of any surviving playlist file, configuration, and media before attempting repairs. Work from copies where possible.
Search for surviving configuration, media, and backups
Inspect the scene collection currently used by the stream and any other collections you have. Note the source type and the paths it references. If a VLC Video source remains, its configured entries may provide enough information to rebuild the sequence. A scene collection can preserve useful source setup, but OBS does not say that it contains the complete contents of an external playlist file or the media themselves.
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.
Look in places where you already keep copies: the computer’s recycle bin or trash, backup storage, synced-folder version history, exported scene collections, or an older machine. These are practical places to check, not locations where OBS or YouTube guarantees a copy. The recovery path depends on your software, operating system, source type, and whether another copy exists; official guidance does not specify a universal file location or complete procedure for recovering a missing external playlist.
A third-party OBS Media Playlist Source plugin documents playlist settings and says developers can inspect source settings in scene-collection JSON. It is optional, has version compatibility requirements, and is not an official recovery utility. Installing a plugin cannot recreate data that has disappeared. See the OBS Forums plugin page for its capabilities and compatibility details.
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.
Use archives as recordings, not playlist restores
YouTube Help says it can automatically archive a live stream when it is less than 12 hours, and warns that a stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. YouTube recommends recording a local archive as a backup: “We recommend recording a local archive as a backup.” See Archive live streams.
An available archive may help you identify stories or the order in which they played, but YouTube’s guidance does not say it restores the encoder’s playlist, project configuration, or full 24-hour history. DVR is not a substitute: YouTube says rewind may be limited or unavailable for streams longer than 12 hours, and viewers cannot seek back to before the stream went live. See Turn on DVR on live streams.
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
Rebuild the playlist and resume with checks
If a surviving source, configuration, media copy, or backup gives you the needed information, rebuild from that. If none survives, the playlist must be recreated manually from records or recollection; neither YouTube history nor OBS documentation promises to reconstruct a lost source list.
- Make a documented list: collect the media you can access, note the intended order, and confirm each file opens. Keep the playlist or source configuration separate from the media files so both can be backed up.
- Verify streaming rights: a bedtime stream can include copyrighted stories, narration, music, and sound effects. YouTube says live streams are scanned for third-party content; unresolved matches can interrupt or terminate a stream. If you have a licence, the rights owner may need to allowlist your channel. Check Copyright issues with live streams before returning to continuous streaming.
- Test locally: open the rebuilt source in your encoder, check that every item plays, confirm the sequence and loop behavior, and watch for missing-file errors before starting the live stream.
- Resume using the intended stream settings: YouTube Live Control Room can reuse previous stream settings and reset a stream key. Treat the key as secret: YouTube describes it as the stream’s password and address. See Manage live stream settings. Do not share it in screenshots, public notes, or messages.
Prevent another playlist loss
Keep the source list or playlist configuration and the media it references in separate, recoverable copies. A backup is more useful when it is independent of the streaming computer, recent, and periodically tested by opening or restoring it. YouTube’s recommendation to record a local archive is for a backup recording, not a playlist restore feature. An external drive is only useful if the files were copied to it and the copies still work.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
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.
- Keep a readable source list with titles, order, filenames, and rights notes.
- Back up the playlist/configuration and media, not just one or the other.
- Keep a copy away from the streaming machine, and update it when the sequence or files change.
- Periodically open the backup or restore it to confirm that it is usable.
- Save the matching OBS scene collection and profile when you change the stream setup.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a YouTube stream made from uploaded videos, StreamNeo is an alternative to keeping an OBS computer running at home. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops the video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. StreamNeo supports uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and offers the first day free with no card. The monthly plan is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start the free first 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.
