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Keep your encoder connected to YouTube and change the scene or media source in the encoder. In OBS Studio, prepare clips as scenes with Media Sources, then switch scenes while streaming. Do not click Stop Streaming in OBS or End Stream in YouTube Live Control Room when you only want to change what viewers see.
Switch the video without stopping the stream
Your encoder sends a continuous feed to YouTube. A scene or source change changes that feed; it does not require ending the broadcast. YouTube’s encoder setup explains how to connect an encoder and separately describes ending a stream: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
The steps below use OBS Studio. You can use another encoder if it supports changing the live program output while keeping the same YouTube stream connection active.
Prepare and switch clips in OBS Studio
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Connect OBS to your YouTube stream
Set up the stream in YouTube and connect OBS using the stream URL and stream key. These are the connection details the encoder needs to send its feed. See YouTube’s encoder setup and stream settings.
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Create scenes for the clips or segments
In OBS, create a scene for each clip, layout, or program segment you want to show. Add each local video as a Media Source. OBS documents support for common formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, and WebM. For a continuous program, you may also want a holding scene to use between segments. See the OBS Studio Overview Guide and Media Sources guide.
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Switch directly or use Studio Mode
For a direct change, select the next scene. To prepare the change before viewers see it, enable Studio Mode, make the next scene ready in Preview, then click Transition. The scene in Program is the live output. OBS says viewers cannot see that Studio Mode is enabled; the transition is what changes the program output. Details are in the OBS overview.
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Choose playback behavior for each Media Source
Open the source’s properties and decide whether it should loop, restart playback when activated, show nothing when playback ends, or close the file while inactive. OBS warns that Close file when inactive can save memory but may cause a short delay when the source is shown again. If reducing reload delay matters and your computer has enough resources, leave that option off. The available controls are documented in the OBS Media Sources guide.
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Keep streaming and check the output
Leave the encoder session running as you switch content. Watch and listen to the outgoing stream so you can catch a blank frame, unexpected playback behavior, or audio problems. YouTube recommends testing the encoder, previewing before going live, and monitoring audio and video during the event: YouTube live-stream tips and encoder settings.
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Use Studio Mode to prepare a change before it goes live
Studio Mode is useful when you want to check the next clip or layout before putting it on air. Preview is for preparing the next scene; Program is the live output. Click Transition when you are ready to make the change. This gives you control over when the new scene reaches the stream, but it does not guarantee a seamless, zero-gap change on every computer or with every file.
Test the actual clips and audio setup before relying on them in a live program. A short delay can depend on how the media source is configured and the resources available to the machine. Keep monitoring the outgoing stream after each switch.
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Actions that end the broadcast
Changing a scene or source changes the encoder’s program output. Ending the broadcast is a separate action. YouTube’s encoder instructions say to stop sending content from the encoder and, for scheduled streams, use End Stream in Live Control Room. When you are only changing clips, leave OBS streaming and do not click End Stream in YouTube.
If you have not used the controls before, rehearse on a private or unlisted test stream before making a change during a public broadcast.
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Plan carefully for long-running streams and archives
YouTube’s encoder instructions state that streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That statement does not establish that a live event can run indefinitely or what happens to the archive for a stream longer than 12 hours. For a long-running broadcast, check YouTube’s current guidance and arrange a separate recording or archive plan rather than assuming the live stream will run forever or be archived automatically. See YouTube’s encoder instructions.
Other encoder choices
OBS is a software encoder suited to switching scenes and local media. For another software or hardware encoder, check that it supports the operating system or inputs you need, scene and media controls, audio routing, stable operation, and maintaining the same active output session. For hardware, also check the supported YouTube ingest protocol, physical inputs, and budget. YouTube lists verified third-party encoders as compatibility options, not as products it endorses. Its live-stream tips note that hardware encoders can suit higher-production events; the encoder setup guide covers verified encoders.
A capture card is relevant if you need to bring an external HDMI source, such as a camera or console, into OBS. It is not necessary just to play local video files or switch existing scenes. See the OBS Sources Guide.
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