The Tool Desk
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What you need before you start
- OBS Studio and VLC media player installed on the computer that will broadcast. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video Source. Match their architectures: if OBS is 64-bit, install 64-bit VLC. If VLC Video Source is missing from OBS’s Add Source list, check this first. OBS Media Sources
- Video and audio files accessible to that computer. The VLC source is intended for a list of media items; OBS’s simpler Media Source is for a single file. OBS Media Sources
- A YouTube Live broadcast and its connection details from YouTube Studio. The exact current Studio labels and setup requirements are not established by the sources cited here, so follow the instructions shown in your own Studio account.
This documented workflow is for local media playback. Although an older OBS manual describes adding a directory or URL, that does not establish that a YouTube-hosted playlist URL will work as a VLC playlist input. University of Regina Open Textbooks, OBS Studio Reference Manual (2022 edition)
Set up the VLC Video Source in OBS
- Open the scene you want to use. In OBS, select the target scene in the Scenes dock.
- Add the source. In the Sources dock, click + and select VLC Video Source. If that option is absent, confirm VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS. OBS Media Sources OBS Sources Guide
- Load your media items. Open the source properties and add the video files you want played. OBS’s VLC source supports playlists of media items. The 2022 manual describes adding items using the plus control and playing them in insertion order; controls may differ in newer versions. University of Regina Open Textbooks, OBS Studio Reference Manual (2022 edition)
- Choose playlist behavior. Keep Loop Playlist enabled to start again after the final item. Leave Shuffle Playlist off for a fixed sequence, or turn it on to randomize playback. OBS documents loop on and shuffle off as the defaults. OBS Media Sources
- Set visibility behavior. OBS’s documented default is to stop playback while the source is not visible and restart when it becomes visible. The available behaviors also include pausing and resuming, or always playing. Choose based on whether playback should continue when you switch scenes or hide the source. OBS Media Sources OBS Studio source implementation
- Fit the source to your scene. In the preview, drag the source’s bounding box to position or resize it. For exact dimensions and placement, use Edit Transform. OBS Sources Guide
- Connect OBS to YouTube Live. Create or select a broadcast in YouTube Studio, then enter the server and stream details provided by YouTube into OBS’s streaming settings. Use the current instructions and labels shown by YouTube Studio and OBS; the cited sources do not establish exact current UI paths.
- Preview before going live. Confirm that the intended playlist plays in the scene and that its audio is audible. Then start the broadcast using the connection workflow presented by OBS and YouTube Studio.
Local playlist versus YouTube playlist URL
| Input or workflow | What is established | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Video files available to the OBS computer | OBS documents VLC Video Source as a playlist source with loop, shuffle, and visibility controls. OBS Media Sources | Use the VLC Video Source and add the local media items. |
| Existing YouTube-hosted playlist URL | The official OBS material cited here does not confirm that VLC Video Source can consume a YouTube playlist URL as a playlist. Generic URL support in an older manual is not proof of compatibility. OBS Media Sources University of Regina Open Textbooks, OBS Studio Reference Manual (2022 edition) | Do not assume direct compatibility. Use media files you can play locally or verify a workflow against your current OBS, VLC, and YouTube setup. |
Troubleshooting
VLC Video Source does not appear
Check that VLC is installed on the broadcast computer and matches OBS’s architecture. OBS specifically requires 64-bit VLC when using 64-bit OBS. Restart OBS after installing or correcting VLC, then check the Add Source list again. OBS Media Sources
The playlist does not repeat or plays in an unexpected order
Open the VLC Video Source properties and check Loop Playlist and Shuffle Playlist. Loop is documented as on by default, while shuffle is off; confirm the actual settings rather than relying on defaults. OBS Media Sources
#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.
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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.
Playback stops when you switch scenes
Check Visibility Behaviour. The documented default stops playback while the source is hidden and restarts it when visible. Select pause/resume or always play if that better matches your scene-switching workflow. OBS Media Sources OBS Studio source implementation
A YouTube playlist URL does not load as expected
Direct YouTube-hosted playlist compatibility is not confirmed by the official OBS documentation cited here. The documented playlist workflow is for media items added to the VLC source; use files available to the OBS computer or verify another method before relying on it for a broadcast.
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.)
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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.
The picture is cropped, too small, or misplaced
Select the source and adjust its bounding box in the preview, or use Edit Transform for precise sizing and position. OBS Sources Guide
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep the computer running, or run the playlist in the cloud?
The OBS method depends on the computer running OBS, VLC, and the playlist files throughout the broadcast. For an alternative, StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded video in the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. StreamNeo streams to YouTube, not other platforms. See StreamNeo.
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.
StreamNeo uses one flat price per slot regardless of quality: uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers. Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and StreamNeo team support. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. The monthly option is $9.99 per month.
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
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- 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
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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