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To stream a playlist of local video files from a Linux desktop to YouTube Live, add OBS Studio’s VLC Video source, arrange the files in playback order, and send OBS to a YouTube event using its stream URL and key. This is a playlist inside OBS—not a YouTube playlist URL that OBS automatically imports. VLC must be installed for the source to work.
What you need before you start
- A YouTube channel with live streaming enabled. YouTube says the channel must be verified and have had no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days; first-time activation can take up to 24 hours. Check YouTube’s live-streaming tips before planning an event.
- OBS Studio and VLC installed on your Linux desktop. Follow the OBS Project’s Linux installation instructions for your distribution. OBS’s VLC Video source uses VLC libraries; the OBS documentation notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. See OBS media source documentation.
- Local video files you have the right to broadcast, plus a reliable internet connection with enough upload capacity for your chosen stream settings.
You do not need a camera or an expensive hardware encoder for this software-based playlist workflow. YouTube’s guidance says expensive equipment is not required.
How to add a playlist in OBS on Linux
- Create a scene. In OBS, select or create a scene for the broadcast. Add a VLC Video source from the Sources panel. If the source is missing, confirm VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS (for example, 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS).
- Add the media files. Open the VLC Video source properties, add the local files, and arrange them in the order you want them to play. The source supports multiple media items as a playlist. Check that the Linux account running OBS can access each file path and that the files play in the intended order.
- Set playback behavior. Choose whether the playlist should loop or shuffle. OBS’s documented defaults are loop on and shuffle off. Review the source’s visibility behavior too: depending on its setting, hiding the source can stop and restart playback, pause and resume it, or let it continue while hidden. OBS documents these VLC Video controls.
- Fit the video to the scene. Select the VLC Video source in the preview and size and position it for the broadcast layout. Confirm that the source’s audio is included in the scene and reaches the intended OBS mixer output.
- Test the exact playlist. Play through representative portions of every file, including transitions, and check both video and audio in the OBS preview. If the playlist is long, test the start, a transition, and a later item before the public event. Do not assume every codec or file will play correctly without testing your setup.
OBS’s regular Media Source is suited to a single file and basic looping. Use VLC Video when you need multiple files in a playlist, playlist order, shuffle, or playlist looping. Neither source should be treated as an automatic importer or rebroadcaster for a YouTube-hosted playlist URL.
Create a YouTube Live event and connect OBS
- Open YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room. Create a stream for now, or open Manage to schedule one. Set the title, visibility, and other event details in YouTube Studio. A scheduled event can be promoted in advance, and viewers can set reminders. YouTube’s encoder guide explains event creation and scheduling.
- Get the event’s stream URL and key. In YouTube Studio, copy the stream URL and stream key shown for the event. In OBS, open Settings > Stream, select YouTube if it is available, or choose a custom service and enter YouTube’s stream URL and key in the corresponding fields. Labels can vary by OBS version and service configuration.
- Protect the stream key. Treat it like a password: anyone with the key may be able to send video to your event. Do not publish it or include it in screenshots. If you think it has been exposed, reset it in YouTube Studio and update OBS with the replacement.
- Choose encoder settings. YouTube recommends RTMPS for general encoder use, constant bitrate (CBR), and a two-second keyframe interval; its guidance says the interval should not exceed four seconds. Choose a resolution, frame rate, codec, and bitrate using YouTube’s current table and your actual sustained upload capacity. Consult YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions rather than guessing a bitrate from a file’s properties.
- Start OBS and check the preview. For a scheduled stream, start streaming from OBS and wait for the event preview in Live Control Room. When it is ready, use YouTube’s Go live control if the event requires it. Starting the encoder and making the event public are separate actions in this workflow.
YouTube recommends setting up the encoder at least two hours before a scheduled event and starting it at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. These are YouTube’s published planning recommendations, not technical minimums. Use the lead time to check preview, audio, video, and stream-health messages. YouTube’s streaming tips cover testing and monitoring.
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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- 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.
Preflight checklist for a documentary playlist
- Confirm the event title, visibility, schedule, and reminder link in YouTube Studio.
- Confirm the playlist order, loop and shuffle settings, and behavior when the VLC source is hidden.
- Listen to the stream audio in OBS’s mixer and verify audio and moving video in the YouTube preview; use a private or unlisted test where appropriate.
- Check that the Live Control Room preview appears and that stream health shows no unresolved problem before directing viewers to the event.
- Keep OBS running and monitor the broadcast so you can respond if playback, audio, or ingestion stops.
Copyright and YouTube policy
A video being publicly viewable does not give you permission to rebroadcast it. Use footage, music, narration, and other material that you own or are licensed to broadcast live. YouTube may terminate a live stream over copyright or Community Guidelines issues; if the event stops, check YouTube Studio for strikes or notices. Read YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams.
When the stream ends
Stop sending content from OBS and end the event in YouTube Studio as appropriate. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; check the event in Studio afterward to confirm its status and review the replay. Longer streams are not covered by that automatic-archive assurance. See YouTube’s encoder workflow.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 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.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| VLC Video is missing from OBS sources | VLC is not installed, or its architecture does not match OBS. | Install VLC for your distribution and match 64-bit OBS with 64-bit VLC. Review the OBS media source requirements. |
| A playlist item does not play | The file path is unavailable to the account running OBS, or the file/codec is not working in this setup. | Check permissions and path, open the file locally, then test it in the VLC Video source. The official guidance does not guarantee every codec or distribution’s VLC packaging. |
| There is no audio on the event preview | The source audio may not be routed to the active OBS mixer output, or the file may not contain the expected audio. | Check the OBS mixer while the clip plays and listen to the YouTube preview. Test representative audio before going live. |
| The playlist stops or restarts when hidden | The source’s visibility behavior may be configured to stop and restart playback. | Review the VLC Video source’s visibility setting and test the exact scene changes you plan to use. |
| OBS is sending, but the scheduled event is not live | The encoder preview may be ready while the scheduled event still awaits the separate Go live action. | Open the event in Live Control Room, wait for the preview, then use YouTube’s Go live control when available. |
| YouTube reports stream-health trouble or the picture stutters | The chosen bitrate may exceed stable upload capacity, or settings may not match YouTube’s recommendations. | Check YouTube’s stream-health messages and encoder settings; test a bitrate and resolution supported by your actual upload. Use CBR and the recommended keyframe interval. Check YouTube’s settings guidance. |
| The live stream ends unexpectedly | Possible causes include encoder disconnection or a YouTube policy/copyright action. | Check OBS connectivity and YouTube Studio’s event status and notices. Resolve any strike or policy issue before restarting. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a pre-recorded YouTube stream to keep running without leaving a Linux desktop on, StreamNeo is a cloud option. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so no computer or home connection has to stay on.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps as uploaded, at one flat price per slot.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 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
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- 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
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- 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.
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