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To stream a video saved on your computer to YouTube Live, add it to an OBS scene as a Media Source, connect OBS to a YouTube encoder stream with your stream key, then check the preview and audio before going live. For a playlist, use OBS’s VLC Video source instead. The steps below cover both setups, the settings that matter, and common fixes.
Before you start
- Your YouTube channel must be verified, have no live-streaming restriction in the past 90 days, and the person streaming must be at least 16. Check YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility rules.
- Install OBS and keep the video file accessible on the computer that will stream. OBS documents support for containers including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, but a supported container does not guarantee every file or codec will play correctly. See OBS Media Sources.
- Use content you have the rights to stream. A local copy does not by itself grant permission to broadcast it; YouTube streams must comply with its policies and copyright rules. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
Create an encoder stream in YouTube Studio
- Open YouTube Studio and go to the Live Control Room. Create or select an encoder stream, or schedule one if you want a scheduled event. Follow YouTube’s encoder setup instructions.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key shown for the event. The key is a credential: do not share it or show it on screen. If you believe it has been exposed, reset it in the stream settings. See Manage live stream settings.
- Keep the Live Control Room open. You will use its preview and stream-health indicators before starting the public event.
Add one local video to OBS
- In OBS, choose or create a scene, then in the Sources dock click + and select Media Source.
- Name the source if useful, select Local File, and browse to the video. Confirm the file path and click OK.
- To repeat one video continuously, enable Loop in the Media Source properties. Leave it off if the file should play once.
- Make sure the video appears in the preview. Select the source and resize or position it in the canvas if needed. OBS scenes are built by arranging sources; see the OBS Sources Guide.
- Check the OBS audio mixer while the file plays. The media source should produce the intended audio. Mute or disable any microphone or desktop-audio source you do not want included.
Play a sequence of local videos
For a playlist, add a VLC Video source rather than creating a separate Media Source for each clip. OBS requires VLC to be installed for this source to appear; match the VLC architecture to OBS (for example, 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS).
- In the Sources dock, click + and choose VLC Video.
- Add the local files to the source’s playlist in the order you want them to play.
- Leave Loop Playlist enabled if the sequence should repeat. Choose whether to shuffle if you do not want the listed order.
- Check the canvas and audio mixer as the playlist plays. OBS documents the VLC playlist controls in its Media Sources guide.
Connect OBS to YouTube
- In OBS, open Settings and select Stream.
- Select YouTube as the service or use the available YouTube preset. If configuring a custom server, enter the server URL from YouTube and the stream key you copied from the Live Control Room.
- Prefer RTMPS when available. YouTube supports RTMP/RTMPS ingest and describes RTMPS as encrypted delivery; see YouTube’s RTMPS guidance.
- Click Apply and OK. Keep the stream key private; OBS needs it to send the feed, but it should not appear in your recording, screenshots, or public notes.
Choose video, bitrate, and audio settings
Set OBS output to match the source and the upload connection you can sustain. YouTube’s current encoder guidance lists the following H.264 video bitrate values; they are recommendations, not guarantees about a particular computer or network.
| Output example | YouTube H.264 video bitrate |
|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 3 Mbps minimum; 8 Mbps recommended |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 5 Mbps minimum; 14 Mbps recommended |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 6 Mbps minimum; 17 Mbps recommended |
See YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions for its full table and codec guidance. YouTube documents CBR bitrate encoding, a two-second keyframe interval (no more than four seconds), up to 60 fps, and H.264, H.265, or AV1 video with AAC or MP3 audio for RTMP/RTMPS. Use the options supported by your OBS encoder and YouTube ingest configuration.
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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.
- Resolution and frame rate: avoid upscaling a low-resolution file or selecting a frame rate the source does not have without a reason. Match the output to the material where practical.
- Upload capacity: total stream bitrate must fit within available upload bandwidth. YouTube recommends leaving 20% headroom; other devices sharing the connection and network disruptions can reduce what is available. Guidance: YouTube streaming tips.
- Audio: confirm the media source is audible in OBS and that unwanted inputs are muted. A video preview alone does not confirm that viewers will receive its sound.
Test, start, and end the stream
- Start the OBS stream and wait for the Live Control Room preview. Confirm that the right video and audio are arriving and check YouTube’s stream-health indicators.
- For a scheduled public event, click Go live in Live Control Room when the preview is ready. YouTube recommends preparing encoder streams at least two hours ahead and starting the encoder at least 15 minutes before the scheduled event. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips.
- Monitor the stream health and listen for audio problems. Test with movement and audio similar to what the real stream will contain, and use the same network you intend to stream on.
- To finish, end the event through the Live Control Room flow and stop sending from OBS as directed there. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; verify the event has ended and, if recording locally, that the recording is being saved.
Latency, DVR, and long streams
YouTube’s latency options trade interaction speed against the chance of viewer buffering; for a prerecorded program with no live audience interaction, the lowest latency may not be useful. DVR can let viewers pause or rewind, but availability is limited on streams longer than 12 hours. Check the event’s controls in YouTube stream settings and the DVR guidance before relying on rewind for a long broadcast.
Troubleshooting
- Media Source is blank: check that Local File is selected, the file path still exists, and the file’s container and codec can be read in your environment. Remove and re-add the source if the media was moved.
- VLC Video is missing from the Sources menu: install VLC and ensure its architecture matches OBS. Restart OBS after installing it.
- Video appears but has no sound: watch the OBS mixer while the source plays, confirm the media source audio is not muted, and check that the intended audio track is present in the file. Mute unwanted microphone or desktop inputs.
- Stream will not connect: verify the YouTube service/server selection and stream key, and confirm the event is open in Live Control Room. Reset the key if it may have been exposed.
- Buffering, dropped frames, or poor stream health: reduce output bitrate or resolution, check other upload use on the network, and leave the recommended bandwidth headroom. Retest before the event.
- The event preview works but it is not public: a scheduled encoder feed may still need the Go live action in Live Control Room. Check the event state rather than assuming that sending from OBS publishes it automatically.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep prerecorded videos running on YouTube without leaving a home computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud service from Yorker Media. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not broadcast from a camera.
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.
- Nothing has to stay on at home once the cloud stream is running.
- One flat price per slot covers the quality of the uploaded file, up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; one free day is available per account.
Monthly service is $9.99 per month. For longer or shorter billing options, see StreamNeo pricing. Start the free day at StreamNeo registration.
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.
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.
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