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To switch between different games during one continuous YouTube live stream, put each game capture in its own OBS scene and switch scenes when you change games. You do not need to end the broadcast or buy a control pad; OBS can switch scenes with hotkeys, and Studio Mode lets you preview the next scene before it reaches viewers.

First, clarify what you mean by “VODs”

If you mean changing from one game to another while you are playing live, use the scene-switching workflow below. If you mean playing previously recorded VOD files one after another as a live broadcast, that is a different setup: OBS supports media sources and playlists through VLC, but the guidance here does not establish complete current steps or YouTube’s treatment of rebroadcasting prerecorded gameplay.

Choose how the game reaches YouTube

Setup Best fit Trade-off
Direct console stream You want the simplest route and the console’s broadcast controls meet your needs. The documented guidance does not establish that this provides OBS scene composition or equivalent production controls.
Computer encoder with OBS You want scenes, overlays, or production controls on the streaming computer. You must configure and test the game capture and audio sources.
Console routed through a capture card to a computer You want to bring console video into OBS as a capture source. This adds hardware and setup. A capture card is not required for every console stream because direct console streaming is also available.

YouTube documents both encoder-based gameplay streaming and direct streaming from modern PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles. OBS’s source guide describes game capture on Windows and video-capture sources such as capture cards. On other systems, use a supported display, window, or macOS capture source. See YouTube’s live-streaming guide and the OBS Sources Guide.

Set up game-switching scenes in OBS

  1. Create a scene for each game. In OBS, use the Scenes panel to add and name scenes such as “Game A” and “Game B.” Add any “Starting” or “Break” scenes you need. Scenes organize the sources that appear in your stream.
  2. Add the right capture source to each scene. For a PC game on Windows, add a Game Capture source. For console video entering your computer, add a Video Capture Device source for the capture card. On other systems, select an appropriate supported display, window, or macOS capture source. Check that each scene points to the correct game or device.
  3. Check audio per scene. Watch the audio mixer while a game is running and confirm the intended game and microphone audio are reaching OBS. If meters are missing or the wrong device is selected, check the source and device selections; OBS’s Quick Start Guide recommends checking the mixer and manually selecting devices when needed.
  4. Set optional scene hotkeys. In OBS settings, configure a hotkey for switching to each named scene. The OBS overview documents hotkeys for switching to a specific scene. A dedicated control pad is optional; a keyboard hotkey can do the job.
  5. Use Studio Mode if you want a preview. Studio Mode provides a preview/edit scene and a live scene. Prepare the next game scene in preview, check it, then transition it to the live output when you are ready.
  6. Test before broadcasting. Make a brief local or private test. Confirm each game appears, audio behaves as intended, transitions work, and overlays do not cover important gameplay. OBS recommends testing settings for a few minutes to catch problems.

These steps follow OBS’s documentation for scenes, hotkeys, and Studio Mode and its setup and testing guidance.

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Switch games without ending the broadcast

Once both game scenes are configured and tested, keep the same YouTube broadcast running and switch the live output to the scene for the game you are starting. If you use hotkeys, trigger the shortcut assigned to that scene; with Studio Mode, preview the scene and transition it to the output. You can also switch to a starting or break scene between games.

Update the stream title and game details to match the content where appropriate. YouTube provides live-control and stream-management tools, but the sources cited here do not confirm the exact current interface steps for changing game metadata mid-broadcast or how quickly every viewer-facing surface reflects an edit.

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Protect the stream from copyright interruptions

YouTube says it scans all live streams for matches to third-party content. If third-party material remains after a warning, the live stream may be interrupted or terminated. A license does not necessarily prevent that interruption: YouTube says a rights owner may need to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist for licensed material. If you archive a live stream, Content ID claims can be made after the stream ends. Review YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams. Switching scenes, muting a track, or holding a license should not be treated as a guarantee against enforcement.

Troubleshoot common scene-switching problems

  • The wrong game remains on screen: Check that the live output switched to the intended scene and that its capture source targets the correct game or capture device.
  • A game appears, but its audio does not: Check the scene’s audio sources and OBS mixer meters; verify the intended device is selected.
  • A hotkey does nothing: Confirm the shortcut is assigned to the correct scene and is not conflicting with another hotkey. Switch scenes from the Scenes panel to keep the broadcast moving while you investigate.
  • A transition reveals an unfinished layout: Use Studio Mode to inspect the next scene in preview before transitioning it live, or test the scene before going on air.
  • Console video is not available in OBS: If the console is meant to feed the computer, check the capture-card connection and selected video-capture source. If you do not need computer-based production controls, consider direct console streaming instead.
  • The stream is interrupted after third-party content appears: Check YouTube’s copyright guidance and the relevant rights and Content ID allowlisting status; a license alone may not avert interruption.
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