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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To switch recorded podcast episodes during a YouTube livestream, add each episode to its own OBS scene and assign a hotkey to each scene. Press the relevant key when you want that episode to appear. For hands-off playback in a fixed order, use an OBS VLC Video source with a playlist instead.
Choose how you want to switch episodes
| Method | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Separate scenes with hotkeys | Choosing when each episode starts | Requires a scene and hotkey for each episode. |
| VLC Video playlist | Playing several episodes in a set sequence | Requires VLC, careful playlist ordering, and playback setting checks. |
| Studio Mode | Preparing a scene change before viewers see it | Requires a separate preview-and-transition step. |
| Native Media Source | Playing one local episode file in a scene | It is a single media source, not the playlist method described here. |
You do not need a physical microphone, capture card, controller, or other purchase just to switch recorded episodes. The switching workflow uses OBS scenes, hotkeys, and media sources.
Set up manual episode switching with scenes
- Create a scene for each episode. In OBS, create a scene for each recording, or a scene for each episode layout if the artwork, title text, or other on-screen elements differ. A scene is the composition viewers see.
- Add the episode file. In the episode scene, add a native Media Source for a single file. If the scene needs to play a playlist, use a VLC Video source instead. OBS documents common local video types including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, and audio types including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Check the media-source controls for options such as restarting playback when the source becomes active and hiding it after playback ends. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
- Assign a hotkey to each scene. Open Settings → Hotkeys, find each scene’s scene-switch action, and assign an unused key. OBS documents hotkeys for switching to a specific scene. Exact labels can vary with your installed OBS version; make sure each key is unique and easy to identify during the show. See the OBS Studio Overview Guide.
- Switch during the broadcast. Press the assigned key for the scene you want live. If you do not use Studio Mode, the scene switch goes straight to the live output, so check the target scene before pressing the key.
Use Studio Mode to preview a change
Studio Mode keeps the live scene separate from the scene you are preparing. OBS describes it this way: “Activating Studio Mode allows you to change your Scenes in the background without your viewers being able to see you making those changes.” Select the next episode in the edit/preview area, check its layout and media, then use Transition or a configured Quick Transition to put it on air. The overview guide is dated August 25, 2021, so confirm the labels in your installed version.
Play episodes sequentially with a VLC playlist
- Install VLC if needed. Add a VLC Video source in OBS and select the episode files in the order you want them to play. If the source is not available, install VLC. OBS specifies that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Set the playlist behavior. Keep Shuffle Playlist off to preserve the listed sequence. Choose whether Loop Playlist should be on or off; OBS documents it as on by default.
- Check visibility and end behavior. OBS documents the VLC source default as stopping when it is not visible and restarting when it becomes visible. Review the source’s end behavior and test what happens if you change scenes: playback may pause or restart depending on the setup and visibility settings.
- Rehearse the full sequence. Check the episode order, scene changes, and audio routing by running the intended setup before going live. If you will switch manually between playlist scenes, test the hotkeys and transitions too.
OBS’s Media Sources guide, dated January 11, 2022, describes the VLC playlist and native media controls. Supported formats or interface wording may have changed since publication, so check the guide and controls for your installed version.
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#1 Best Overall
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Connect OBS to YouTube and check before going live
YouTube documents encoder-based streaming for productions that use tools such as multiple cameras and microphones, and its verified encoder list includes OBS as open-source software available at no charge. The episode switching happens in OBS; YouTube is the destination. Follow YouTube’s current encoder live-stream setup guidance to configure the broadcast.
- Play each episode in the intended scene and confirm the video and audio are correct.
- Test hotkeys, the Studio Mode transition, or playlist order—whichever method you plan to use.
- Verify the stream and audio routing before the public broadcast.
- Confirm you have the rights and permissions needed to rebroadcast each recorded episode. The official setup guides cited here do not evaluate the rights for any particular recording.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded podcast episodes looping on a YouTube channel, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It runs without a computer, OBS, or home internet connection staying on. Whatever you upload streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Sale
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Rank #4
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Rank #3
Sale
SABRENT USB External Stereo Sound Card Adapter, Plug & Play (AU-MMSA)
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
Rank #2
Sale
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
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.
