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To include a video saved on your computer in a screen recording, add it to an OBS Studio scene as a Media Source. Choose the file, set its playback behavior, arrange it with any other scene elements, and record the scene. OBS documents Media Source for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Play a local video in an OBS screen recording
OBS treats a local clip as a scene source, so you can place it alongside other visual elements rather than having to play it in a separate player window. OBS describes the feature this way: “Media source adds different types of media files to your scenes.” OBS Project: Media Sources.
- Open or create a scene. In OBS Studio, select the scene you want to record, or create a new one for the recording.
- Add the clip. In the Sources panel, add a Media Source, then select the option to add a new source. Give it a recognizable name, confirm, and choose the local video file.
- Set playback behavior. In the source properties, choose whether the clip should loop, restart when the source becomes active, or hide after playback ends. Select the behavior that fits the recording—for example, enable looping if the scene needs the clip to repeat.
- Arrange the scene. Position and size the video source in the preview. If the scene has other sources, order and arrange them as needed.
- Record the scene. Start recording in OBS and check the resulting recording to confirm that the clip appears as intended.
OBS lists MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM among the formats supported by Media Source. Format support does not guarantee that every file will behave identically; the documented information does not establish every codec combination or audio-routing result. See OBS’s Media Sources documentation.
If you need a VLC playlist or extended media support
OBS also documents a VLC Video source for extended media support and playlists. VLC must be installed for the source to appear. The OBS documentation notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. OBS Project: Media Sources.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
What VLC can do—and how it differs from OBS
VideoLAN documents recording content that is playing in VLC and, separately, recording the desktop. These are distinct capabilities in the cited documentation; it does not describe one integrated workflow for compositing a local clip with screen and camera layers. VLC: Recording and VLC: Desktop capture.
| What you need | OBS Studio | VLC |
|---|---|---|
| Place a local clip in a composed scene | Media Source adds media files to scenes. | The cited documentation describes playback recording and desktop capture separately, not a composited scene source. |
| Control clip playback in the scene | Media Source documents loop, restart, and hide-after-playback options. | The cited recording documentation describes starting and stopping recording, not equivalent scene-source controls. |
| Documented platforms | Media Source is documented for Windows, macOS, and Linux. | The cited VLC pages do not establish platform coverage for this comparison. |
For a recording that needs the local clip layered into a scene, OBS is the documented fit. VLC may suit a simpler task when you want to record playback or capture the desktop in VLC.
Rank #2
Sale
Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
Check playback and recording when the result is wrong
- The clip is missing from the scene: Confirm that the file was selected in the Media Source properties and that the source is enabled and visible in the scene.
- The clip stops before the recording ends: Review the source’s loop and hide-after-playback settings. Enable looping if you want it to repeat.
- The clip does not restart when you expect: Check the restart-when-source-becomes-active setting.
- The VLC Video source is unavailable: Install VLC. If OBS is 64-bit, use 64-bit VLC, as specified in OBS’s documentation.
- The video or its audio does not behave as expected: Check the source properties and the recording output. The cited documentation does not guarantee audio routing, DRM behavior, or every codec combination.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos playing as a 24/7 YouTube live stream rather than make a desktop screen recording, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. Every slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; automatic recovery helps resume the stream if YouTube drops it. The first day is free with no card, and the monthly option is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo supports YouTube only and plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 2
Rank #4
Sale
Capture Card 4K HDMI Video Streaming to USB 3.0 1080P 60FPS Capture Device
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
Rank #3
Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
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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