In OBS, create a separate scene for each visual segment—such as an opening slate, the prerecorded program, an intermission, and an ending—and add the media and overlays each scene needs. Use a Media Source for one local video or a VLC Video source for a playlist. Save the scenes in a Scene Collection, keep stream and output settings in a Profile, then test the full output before broadcasting.
Plan scenes around the program
An OBS scene is a visual layout; sources within it supply the video, text, images, and other elements. For a prerecorded channel, make a scene for each segment whose layout or media differs. A simple program might have an opening slate, a main program scene, an intermission, and an ending slate.
In the Scenes dock, add a scene and give it a descriptive name. With that scene selected, add its elements from the Sources dock. Add a separate scene for each distinct layout rather than building one crowded scene with every segment layered into it.
Layer titles and logos over video
Source order controls what appears in front: sources higher in the Sources list are displayed over sources lower in the list. Put a title, logo, or other overlay above the video source it should cover. Check the preview to confirm that the video and overlays are composed as intended.
#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.
Add the prerecorded video
One local file: Media Source
- Select the scene for the segment, then add a Media Source from the Sources dock.
- Select the local video file. OBS lists supported video types including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. Listed audio types include MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV.
- Set playback options to match the segment. Enable looping if the file should repeat. Use restart when the source becomes active if it should begin from the start whenever that scene is activated. Use hide after playback ends if the source should disappear at the end; leave it visible if the ending frame or slate should remain.
- Choose whether to close the file while the source is inactive based on how you want OBS to handle it between scene changes, then preview playback and confirm the audio.
Several files: VLC Video source
For a program made from several files, OBS’s VLC Video source supports a playlist, along with loop and shuffle controls. VLC must be installed for the source to appear in OBS. Match VLC’s architecture to OBS; the OBS documentation specifically notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
Use a Media Source when a scene needs one local file; choose VLC Video when that scene needs a playlist. Confirm the playlist order and playback behavior in the preview before going live.
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.
Save the right configuration
OBS separates scene layouts from stream and output settings. A Scene Collection stores scenes and sources and can be switched for different setups. Scene Collections also contain global audio sources. A Profile stores stream, video, and output settings, but not scenes.
| OBS item | What it saves | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Scene Collection | Scenes and sources, including global audio sources | The layouts and media arrangement for this program |
| Profile | Stream, video, and output settings | The broadcast configuration associated with the channel |
Keep the relevant Scene Collection and Profile paired for the channel: switching one does not replace the other. A separate Scene Collection can also keep a documentary program’s layouts apart from a larger general-purpose collection.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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.
Prepare scene changes and test playback
If someone will advance segments manually, set a hotkey for switching to each specific scene. OBS Studio Mode can help an operator prepare and review a scene change, but the cited OBS documentation does not establish a built-in timed automation sequence. Do not assume that scene switching will happen automatically on a schedule; plan for manual operation or verify any separate automation method you choose.
- Play each media source and check that the intended video appears in the correct scene.
- Check audio meters during playback and confirm the program audio is present.
- Review the complete output and stream settings in OBS before broadcast.
- Make a short test recording or stream; OBS recommends testing for a few minutes before the first stream.
These are OBS preparation steps, not YouTube scheduling or channel-eligibility instructions. YouTube’s current live-event requirements, scheduling options, and ingest settings are not established here; check current YouTube Help for those platform-specific details rather than relying on assumed menu paths or settings.
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
Troubleshoot sluggish or unexpected scenes
OBS struggles while switching or playing scenes
Complex or hidden sources, filters, and browser sources can consume resources. Simplify scenes, use appropriately sized media, and reduce expensive filters or browser sources when performance is poor. If a large collection has become sluggish, consider keeping this program in a separate Scene Collection.
A playlist source is missing
The VLC Video source depends on VLC being installed. If it does not appear, install VLC and ensure its architecture matches OBS; for 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →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.
A segment repeats, stops, or disappears differently than expected
Check the Media Source playback options for looping, restarting when active, hiding after playback ends, and closing the file while inactive. Adjust them to match whether the segment should repeat, restart on scene activation, or leave its final image visible.
An overlay covers the wrong element
Check the source order in the selected scene. Move the title or logo above the video in the Sources list if it should appear over the video.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep prerecorded video live on YouTube without leaving OBS or a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not a camera feed, and is for YouTube.
Quick Recap
- Nothing has to stay on at home; StreamNeo loops the video from the cloud.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
Monthly pricing: $9.99 per month.
Start the free first day on StreamNeo.
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.
