Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To play several videos in sequence in an OBS stream, add a VLC Video source, put the files in its playlist, and enable Loop Playlist. VLC must be installed on the computer running OBS; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. This creates a repeating playlist, but it does not by itself guarantee an uninterrupted 24/7 stream.
What you need before you start
- OBS Studio and the video files you want to play.
- VLC installed on the same computer as OBS. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video source; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. See the OBS Project media sources guide.
- A scene in OBS that you intend to use for the stream.
Add the videos to an OBS playlist
- Install VLC. Match its architecture to OBS. Once installed, open or restart OBS if VLC Video is not yet available in the source list.
- Open the scene. In OBS, select the scene that should show the videos.
- Add a VLC Video source. In the Sources dock, click + and select VLC Video. Give the source a recognizable name if prompted.
- Build the playlist. Open the source properties and add the media files you want to play. VLC Video supports multiple media files in a playlist; the standard Media Source is intended for a media file in a scene. OBS explains that VLC Video allows a playlist, unlike Media Source, at its media sources guide.
- Set playback order. Leave Shuffle Playlist off to play files in list order. Turn it on for randomized playback.
- Repeat the list. Enable Loop Playlist. When the last item ends, OBS restarts the playlist. OBS lists this setting as on by default, but check it rather than relying on the default.
- Choose what happens when the source is hidden. Set the visibility behavior to stop and restart playback, pause and resume, or keep playing while hidden, according to how you use scenes. If you switch scenes, this determines whether the playlist continues in the background or changes playback when hidden.
- Apply the properties and test the scene. Confirm the playlist starts, advances through each item, and returns to the beginning after its final item.
VLC Video or Media Source?
| OBS source | Best for | Repeat behavior | Playlist controls | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLC Video | Playing multiple media files from a playlist | Loop Playlist repeats the complete list | Shuffle Playlist can randomize playback | VLC must be installed; use 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS |
| Media Source | Adding a media file to a scene | Loop replays that file after playback completes | No multi-item playlist or playlist-shuffle controls are documented for this source | VLC is not specified as a requirement for this source |
OBS lists video file types for Media Source including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, and audio types including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Support for a listed container does not ensure that every file or codec will behave identically on every system. Test your actual files and playlist before relying on them unattended. See OBS Project’s format and source documentation.
Settings worth checking for a long-running playlist
Loop Playlist and Shuffle Playlist
Looping restarts the sequence after its last item. Shuffling changes whether items play in list order or a randomized order. For a fixed schedule, leave shuffle off; for varied playback, enable it and verify the behavior you want.
Visibility behavior
A VLC Video source can stop and restart, pause and resume, or keep playing when hidden. Choose deliberately if the scene may be hidden during a stream: the playlist can otherwise restart, pause, or continue in a way you did not intend.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- 【Ryzen 5 3500U Processor】KAMRUI Essenx E2 Mini PC is equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (4-cores/8-threads, up to 3.7GHz) with integrated Radeon Vega 8 Graphics(1200MHz, 8 Core). The 3500U CPU operates at a base frequency of 2.1 GHz and a Boost frequency of 3.7 GHz. This DDR supports upgradable up to 32GB, SSD supports up to 2TB.(NOT INCLUED), KAMRUI E2 3500U Mini PC is ideal for light office work and home entertainment. KAMRUI E2 3500U is more than 35% more powerful and smoother in operation than the Intel N150, 33% faster than Intel N95, 28% performance boost over Intel i3-10110U, and 42% stronger processing power than AMD Ryzen 3 3200U.
- 【16GB DDR4 & 256GB SSD】The KAMRUI E2 mini computers is equipped with 16GB DDR4(Expandable up to 32GB) for faster multitasking and smooth application switching. 256GB M.2 SSD ensures fast startup times,fast file transfers and plenty of storage space,eliminating slow loading times and ensuring fast responsiveness.Storage space can RAM supports up to 32 GB, SSD supports up to 2TB (Not included)make file storage easier.
- 【4K Dual Display & USB 3.2 Type-A Port】KAMRUI E2 3500U mini desktop pc is equipped with an HDMI 2.0+DP 1.4 interfaces for faster transmission, Support Dual 4K@60Hz Display, E2 mini desktop computers is ideal for visual home entertainment, home office, conference rooms, etc. USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port×2 with a transfer speed of up to 5Gbps (10 times faster than USB 2.0) for efficient data transfer. The RJ45 1000M Gigabit Ethernet Port ensures a stable network connection.
- 【WiFi+Bluetooth stable connection】The Kamrui E2 micro pc have reliable and stable wireless connection, open websites in seconds, watch movies without buffering and download files smoothly, connect your monitor from WiFi or Ethernet, use a wireless keyboard and mouse through bluetooth, which will be powerful workstation for you.
- 【Versatile Ports】This KAMRUI E2 Small pc is equipped with HDMI 2.0×1(4K@60Hz)、DP1.4×1(4K@60Hz)、Gigabit Ethernet Port (RJ45, 10/100/1000Mbps) ×1、USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port×2（5Gbps）、USB2.0 Type-A Port×2、3.5mm Audio Jack ×1、DC In ×1、Power Button ×1
Network caching, audio tracks, and subtitles
The VLC source includes a network caching setting; OBS shows a documented default of 400 ms. That is a configuration default, not a promise that network media will play reliably around the clock. The source also offers audio-track selection and subtitle controls; subtitles are documented as off by default. Review these controls if a file has multiple audio tracks or subtitles, and test the output you expect viewers to hear and see.
Test before leaving OBS unattended
- Play the complete playlist at least once and verify every item loads and appears in the intended order.
- Check both picture and sound for each file, including any audio-track or subtitle choices.
- Confirm the final item is followed by the first item when looping is enabled.
- If your stream uses multiple scenes, test hiding and showing the source to confirm its visibility behavior.
- Check the OBS preview and the platform’s own playback. A source working in the preview does not establish that the live stream is reaching viewers as intended.
OBS documents the source controls, but does not promise uninterrupted operation across operating systems, codecs, software updates, power failures, or network interruptions. A playlist configured to loop is not the same as a 24/7 reliability guarantee.
Rank #2
- Office Gaming Mini PC - UPGRADED GMKtec Nucbox M5 Ultra Series is equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, 8 Cores/16 Threads, Base 2.00GHz (Power Saving Quiet Mode) with Turbo Boost up to 4.50GHz (Performance Mode) in BIOS settings, Based on the ZEN 3+ architecture, this small but powerful mini pc delivers satisfying results in productivity, office work, and gaming. 35% Performance increase over AMD Ryzen 5 7430U/ Ryzen 7 5700U, 5600U, 5560U, 5500U.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB PCIe SSD - Installed with DDR4 16GB RAM (1x16GB), the Nucbox M5 Ultra mini pc support expansion to 64GB RAM. Featured with 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD, support dual slot expansion to 4TB SSD. (Upgrades not included)
- DUAL NIC LAN 2.5G RJ45 - Fast Network Speeds: Enjoy up to 2500Mbps data transmission speed without worrying about lagging. Ideal for working, gaming, and surfing the internet. Great for Untangle, Pfsense or as a server office PC.
- Mini Desktop Computer with 4K Triple Screen Display - Nucbox M5 Ultra integrates AMD Radeon Graphics 8 Cores 2000 MHz GPU to deliver powerful graphics processing power to easily handle the demands of complex design software, 4K@60Hz UHD video editing, and playback. It can connect to 3 display screens simultaneously.
- Fast Internet WiFi 6E + BT5.2 Connection - GMKtec Mini PC with WiFi-6E Wireless, have 2.5G/5G/6G triple band, more faster and lower latency. Bluetooth 5.2 allowing you more quickly to connect other wireless devices (headset, mouse, keyboard, etc.) Interface features 2*USB3.2 ports, 2*USB2.0 ports, 1*HDMI 2.0 port(4K@60Hz), 1*USB-C port(PD/DP/DATA), 1*DP Port, 1*Audio 3.5mm (HP&MIC), 1*DC Power Port.
Troubleshooting
VLC Video is missing from the Sources menu
Install VLC on the OBS computer and make sure its architecture matches OBS. In particular, 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. Restart OBS after installing VLC and check the source list again.
The playlist stops after one video
Open the VLC Video source properties and check that all intended files are in the playlist and Loop Playlist is enabled. A standard Media Source loops one file; use VLC Video when you need several items in one playlist.
Rank #3
- 【AMD Ryzen 3 5300U CPU: Outperforms N150 & 3500U】 BOSGAME E5 mini PC is powered by the TSMC 7nm FinFET architecture AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor (4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 3.8GHz boost, 6MB total cache). Compared to low-end Intel N150 or 3500U chips which only have 4 single threads and throttle under load, the 5300U delivers over 30% faster multi-core speed. Run 30+ browser tabs, large Excel sheets, and Zoom meetings simultaneously without system lag.
- 【8GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB NVMe SSD Storage】 Installed with high-speed 8GB DDR4 dual-channel memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, eliminating slow boot times and application loading delays. To accommodate growing data requirements, the upgradeable hardware design features dual SODIMM slots that allow you to expand memory up to 64GB RAM, ensuring smooth operation during heavy multitasking.
- 【High-Capacity Dual M.2 SSD Storage Expansion】 Never worry about running out of space for your business files. In addition to the pre-installed 256GB system drive, the motherboard houses an extra empty internal M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slot. This allows you to easily add a second solid-state drive for up to an additional 2TB of storage capacity (upgrades not included) without needing to remove or reinstall the original operating system.
- 【Radeon 6-Core Graphics & Triple 4K Displays】 Integrated with official AMD Radeon Graphics (6 Graphics Cores, 1500 MHz frequency) for casual gaming, photo editing, and crisp 4K media decoding. Featuring 1x HDMI 2.0 port, 1x DisplayPort, and 1x Full-Function Type-C port, the E5 outputs true 4K@60Hz resolution to three monitors at once. This multi-screen setup eliminates constant window-switching for traders, programmers, and office workers.
- 【Dual 2.5GbE LAN Ports for Advanced Networking】 Experience fast wired network transmission speeds up to 2500Mbps without lagging or buffering. The integration of dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports (powered by Realtek RTL8125 controller) makes this compact computer an exceptional hardware choice for tech enthusiasts. Easily configure it into software routers, hardware firewalls (pfSense, OpnSense), home NAS servers, or local homelabs.
The videos play in an unexpected order
Check Shuffle Playlist. Turn it off for the listed order, or leave it on if randomized playback is intended.
Playback resets or pauses after changing scenes
Check the VLC source’s visibility behavior. Select the stop/restart, pause/resume, or continue-while-hidden option that matches your scene workflow, then test a scene change.
Rank #4
- 12th Intel Alder Lake N95 Processor – The GMKtec G3 S Mini PC is powered by the 12th Gen Intel N95 processor with 4 cores, 4 threads, 6MB cache and a burst frequency up to 3.4GHz. Compared with N100/N5105/N5100/N5095, the N95 delivers up to 36% overall performance improvement. Perfect for routine tasks, office work, and home entertainment, this compact mini desktop is more convenient than traditional bulky PCs.
- 8GB RAM & 256GB SSD Storage – Pre-installed with 8GB DDR4 memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2242 SSD, the G3 S mini desktop offers quicker startup, smoother multitasking, and faster file transfers. Enjoy seamless performance whether you’re working on multiple applications, browsing, or streaming content.
- Rich Interfaces & Connectivity – The G3 S mini computer comes equipped with USB 3.2 (up to 10Gbps), dual HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), and a 3.5mm audio jack. With support for WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 1000MbE), it connects easily with monitors, projectors, printers, office equipment, and other peripherals, making it versatile for both home and business use.
- Dual 4K Display Support – Featuring upgraded Intel UHD Graphics (up to 1000MHz), the G3 S supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding for a smooth viewing experience. With dual HDMI outputs, you can connect two 4K@60Hz displays simultaneously, enabling efficient multitasking for work and entertainment.
- GMKtec WARRANTY - GMKtec offers a 1-year limited GMKtec's warranty for each mini PC, starting from the date of the purchase. All defects due to design and workmanship are covered. With a professional after sales team always ready to attend to your needs, you can simply relax and enjoy your mini PC.
A file appears but has missing audio, subtitles, or video
Check the source’s audio-track and subtitle controls, then test the particular file again. OBS’s listed file types do not establish that every codec or file will work identically on every configuration, so verify each item in the playlist rather than assuming compatibility from its extension.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that stays live without leaving OBS and a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option for uploaded videos and playlists. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays the uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Nothing has to stay powered on at home: StreamNeo loops the stream from the cloud.
- One price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card. One free day is available per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
