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To stream several gaming videos from a folder as one YouTube Live broadcast, use OBS Studio with its VLC Video source. Add the files to its playlist, choose their order and loop behavior, then send OBS’s output to YouTube using the event’s stream URL and key. A folder by itself is not a live-stream input: OBS plays the videos and encodes the resulting feed.
Before you set up the stream
Check that your channel can go live
YouTube’s general live-streaming guidance says a channel must be verified and must not have had live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days. It also says streamers must be at least 16. First-time activation can take up to 24 hours, so enable live streaming well before you plan to broadcast. See YouTube’s live-streaming guide and encoder setup guidance.
Install OBS and VLC
Install OBS Studio and VLC before building the scene. OBS’s Media Sources guide documents VLC Video as the playlist-capable option; VLC must be installed for the source to appear. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
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Check that you have the right to broadcast every video, including its game footage, music, overlays and other material. YouTube’s copyright rules still apply to live broadcasts; permission to play a game does not automatically establish rights to every soundtrack or other included content. YouTube may interrupt or restrict a stream if it detects copyrighted material. A video being local or previously uploaded does not establish that you may rebroadcast it.
#1 Best Overall
- 【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
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- 【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
Prepare the files you intend to use and test each one in OBS. The playlist feature does not guarantee that every file’s container, codec or audio track will decode correctly on your computer.
Create a playlist in OBS
- Open your scene. In OBS, select the scene that should show the videos. Create a new scene if you want this broadcast separated from other setups.
- Add the playlist source. In the Sources panel, select + and choose VLC Video. Name the source and confirm.
- Add the files. In the VLC Video source properties, use the playlist controls to add the individual videos from your folder. OBS documents VLC Video as supporting multiple playlist items; the standard Media Source is intended for an individual file. See the OBS media-source documentation.
- Set playback behavior. Arrange the playlist in the order you want. Leave shuffle off for a predictable sequence; enable it only if you want a different order. Turn on Loop Playlist if the videos should start again after the final item. Without looping, the playlist reaches its end rather than restarting.
- Check the picture and sound. Preview the scene and verify that the video fits the canvas as intended, the audio is audible and not distorted, and each item plays. Check transitions between files and what happens when the playlist ends.
OBS also has a Media Source with a single-file loop option, but it is not the documented choice for a multi-file playlist. If VLC Video is missing, check that VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS.
Rank #2
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Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Open YouTube Studio. Create or select the live event in YouTube Studio and locate the event’s stream settings.
- Copy the stream URL and key. In OBS, open Settings → Stream, select YouTube as the service, and enter the stream URL and stream key shown for the event. YouTube describes the key as functioning like a password and address; keep it private. If it is exposed, replace or reset it in YouTube Studio before using it again. See YouTube’s stream-key guidance.
- Use an encrypted connection where supported. YouTube recommends RTMPS, the encrypted form of RTMP, when the encoder supports it. Choose the RTMPS server URL provided for the event if OBS offers it. See YouTube’s encoder settings guidance.
- Start the encoder and inspect the preview. Start streaming in OBS, then confirm that the event appears in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room. Starting OBS sends the feed; follow the event controls in Studio to make the broadcast public or begin the scheduled event as appropriate.
Choose stable video and audio settings
YouTube’s encoder guidance lists H.264, H.265/HEVC and AV1 as video options, AAC or MP3 audio, constant bitrate encoding, and frame rates up to 60 fps. YouTube recommends a 2-second keyframe frequency and says it should not exceed 4 seconds. See YouTube’s encoder settings.
Pick a resolution, frame rate and bitrate your actual upload connection can sustain. Higher resolution and frame rate require more upload capacity; a stable setting is preferable to a higher setting that causes dropped frames or an unhealthy stream. OBS’s output settings are under Settings → Output; video resolution and frame rate are under Settings → Video. Set the encoder to constant bitrate where available, and set keyframe interval to 2 seconds.
Rank #3
- 【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.
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- 【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.
YouTube recommends leaving about 20% upload-bandwidth headroom above the total stream bitrate. For example, if your selected stream bitrate is 6,000 Kbps, aim for at least 7,200 Kbps of sustained upload capacity. This is a planning margin, not a guarantee: other devices and fluctuations can reduce available bandwidth. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
Test and schedule the broadcast
- Test the complete playlist. Play every file, not just the first one. Confirm order, image framing, sound, and whether the final file restarts when looping is enabled. Check for files that fail to load or have silent or incompatible audio.
- Test under realistic conditions. Use audio and movement similar to the intended broadcast. Watch the YouTube Live Control Room preview and check stream health and audio/video quality while OBS is sending the feed. YouTube’s streaming tips recommend testing and monitoring.
- Leave time to recover. YouTube recommends setting up an encoder at least two hours before an event and starting it at least 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled time, so you can inspect the preview and resolve problems. These are YouTube’s suggested lead times, not required minimums.
- Finish through the event controls. When the broadcast is over, stop the stream in OBS and end the event in YouTube Studio if the event controls require it.
Troubleshooting common problems
- VLC Video does not appear in OBS: Install VLC, restart OBS, and confirm that a 64-bit OBS installation has 64-bit VLC.
- A file is black, silent or skipped: Test that exact file in the playlist. Its codec, container or audio track may not work with the local setup. Confirm the file plays in VLC and inspect its audio track and OBS preview before scheduling.
- The playlist stops at the end: Enable Loop Playlist in the VLC Video source properties if playback should restart. Check shuffle and item order if the sequence is unexpected.
- YouTube receives no signal or reports an encoder error: Verify the event’s stream URL and key in OBS, make sure the correct event is selected in Studio, and check whether live streaming has been enabled for the channel. Treat the key as a password and replace it if exposed.
- The stream drops frames or looks unstable: Check OBS and YouTube stream health, reduce bitrate, resolution or frame rate, and ensure the sustained upload capacity leaves YouTube’s recommended headroom. Pause competing uploads if they are using the connection.
- The preview is present but the event is not live to viewers: Check the event’s visibility, schedule and Live Control Room controls. An encoder feed reaching the preview is not the same as confirming the event is publicly live.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a continuous YouTube stream without leaving a computer running at home, StreamNeo can play uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. You do not need OBS or a home connection to stay on. StreamNeo can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream, and videos stream as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot. The first day is free with no card; one free day is available per account. Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo, then start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AV TO USB Converter: Capture videos and audios from VHS, VCR, Hi8, DV tapes to a PC, with the help of our USB Video Converter. Save room while digitizing your favorite old memories
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- Wide Compatibility: The Video Capture Card can work with video devices with RCA connector or S-Video connector, such as VHS, VCR, Hi8, camcorder, compatible with Windows and Mac OS. Support video formats like NTSC, PAL, and support brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation control
- Note: The Video Converter is used with acquisition software. We recommend OBS Studio or PotPlayer for Windows, and QuickTime Player for Mac. They can be downloaded for free online. Please operate according to the steps in User Manual or contact us if you have any questions
Rank #4
- 【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.
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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