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To key a prerecorded overlay in OBS, add it as a Media Source, place it above the background in the scene’s Sources list, and add a Chroma Key filter to the clip. Start with OBS’s documented defaults—Green, Similarity 400, Smoothness 80, and Key Color Spill Reduction 100—then tune the result in the preview. Those values are starting points, not a universal preset: the best key depends on the clip and the composite.
Set up the prerecorded overlay in OBS
- Add the clip. In the scene, select Sources → + → Media Source, create or select a source, and browse to the local video file. OBS lists MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM among supported video types. The Media Source Loop option is off by default; turn it on if the overlay should repeat. Restart playback when source becomes active defaults to on, and Show nothing when playback ends defaults to on. OBS Media Sources.
- Choose the background. Add or select the scene source that should appear behind the subject.
- Set the layer order. In Sources, move the clip above the background. Sources higher in the list appear above lower sources.
- Add the key filter. Right-click the clip source, choose Filters, and add Chroma Key under Effect Filters. OBS describes the filter as removing instances of a given color from a source. OBS Filters.
- Check the clip’s audio. A Media Source can include audio. Preview the scene and confirm whether the clip’s audio should be heard alongside the rest of the production.
OBS Chroma Key defaults and what to adjust
The following are OBS’s documented Chroma Key filter defaults and control descriptions. The documentation page is dated 2022; labels or defaults may change in later OBS versions. OBS Chroma Key Filter.
| Control | Documented default | What to do with it |
|---|---|---|
| Key Color Type | Green | Choose the color actually behind the subject. OBS also allows a custom color. |
| Similarity | 400 | Sets how similar a pixel must be to the key color to be removed. Raising it removes a broader range of colors but can also cut into the subject or other wanted image detail. |
| Smoothness | 80 | Softens the edge of the removed area. Adjust this when the cutout looks too hard. |
| Key Color Spill Reduction | 100 | Reduces traces of the key color around edges, such as green near hair. |
| Opacity | 1.0 | Controls source opacity: 0.0 is transparent and 1.0 is opaque. Keep it at full opacity unless translucence is intentional. |
| Contrast | 0.0 | Source contrast control. OBS’s page labels the control, but its description appears to contain a wording error; avoid treating that text as a separate effect. |
| Brightness | 0.0 | Brightness control. The OBS page repeats the same apparent wording error in its description, so do not infer additional behavior from it. |
Tune the key against your actual scene
- Begin with the documented defaults and look at the keyed clip over the background that will be used on stream. A key that looks acceptable over a blank preview may show flaws against the real scene.
- If key-colored patches remain, increase Similarity gradually. Watch the subject closely: a higher threshold can remove parts of the subject or other details that share similar colors.
- If the cutout edge is too sharp, adjust Smoothness in small increments and inspect fine edges such as hair or clothing.
- If the subject has a colored fringe, adjust Key Color Spill Reduction. It targets residual key color around edges; it is not the same control as Similarity.
- Check the result during representative motion, not only on a still frame. Revisit the key if motion reveals holes, harsh edges, or color spill that is not apparent while the clip is paused.
There is no substantiated final numeric setting for unspecified footage. Background color, compression, edge quality, motion, subject detail, and the intended composite all affect the result. Use the preview to balance complete background removal against preserving the subject.
Check the YouTube Live encoder separately
Chroma Key changes the composed image in OBS; it does not configure the stream encoder. YouTube’s general SDR guidance recommends CBR bitrate encoding, a two-second keyframe interval (do not exceed four seconds), and Rec. 709 color space. Choose resolution, frame rate, and bitrate for the stream you intend to send and the upload connection available to you rather than copying HDR guidance into an SDR setup. Test before going live with audio and movement similar to the actual broadcast, then monitor YouTube’s stream health and messages. See YouTube’s live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
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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.
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Common problems and fixes
- The background is still visible: confirm the filter is on the clip source, that Key Color Type matches the actual background color, and that the clip is above the intended background. Increase Similarity gradually if needed.
- Parts of the subject disappear: Similarity may be too high or the subject may contain colors close to the selected key. Lower Similarity and assess whether the remaining background is an acceptable trade-off.
- The edge looks jagged or too hard: adjust Smoothness and inspect moving frames as well as the paused image.
- A green or other colored fringe remains: adjust Spill Reduction, which targets key-color traces around edges.
- The clip stops instead of repeating: enable Loop in the Media Source properties.
- The final frame stays visible after playback: check the Media Source’s Show nothing when playback ends setting; it defaults to on.
- The overlay has unexpected audio: inspect the Media Source audio in the OBS mixer and test the full scene before broadcast.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a prerecorded video that should keep a YouTube channel live around the clock, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload the recording, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it also attempts automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for uploaded videos streamed to YouTube, not a camera feed. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
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.
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- 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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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
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Rank #3
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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.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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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.
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