For one video that should repeat in OBS, use the built-in Media Source and enable Loop. For a sequence of videos, use VLC Video Source, enable playlist looping, and leave shuffle off if you need a fixed order. VLC must be installed separately, and 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. These settings loop media; they do not guarantee that OBS, your internet connection, encoder, or YouTube ingest will stay online indefinitely.
Choose the right OBS playlist source
| Source | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Media Source | Repeating one local audio or video file | Turn on Loop to restart the file after it finishes. OBS documents formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, WebM, MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. OBS Media Sources |
| VLC Video Source | Playing a playlist of files | Uses VLC libraries, so VLC must be installed. Loop Playlist defaults to On and Shuffle Playlist defaults to Off. A 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC. OBS Media Sources |
| Media Playlist Source plugin | An alternative playlist workflow | The third-party plugin author describes editing playlist items during playback and shuffle behavior. Its resource page also lists limitations, including that folder contents do not refresh automatically. Check compatibility and behavior for your OBS and plugin versions before relying on it unattended. Plugin resource page |
| StreamNeo | Keeping uploaded videos playing on YouTube without leaving a PC running | Runs the stream from the cloud, supports uploaded video and playlists at any quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and offers a free first day. |
For most OBS setups, use Media Source for a single repeating file and VLC Video Source for a multi-file playlist. OBS’s Sources Guide explains how to add sources to a scene.
Set up one repeating video with Media Source
- In OBS, select the scene that should show the video. In the Sources dock, select + and choose Media Source.
- Name the source, then select OK.
- In the source properties, select the local file you want to play and enable Loop.
- Select OK, then check the OBS preview to confirm that the video and audio appear as expected.
- Let the file reach its end and verify that playback starts again. If it does not, reopen the source properties and confirm that Loop is enabled.
OBS lists supported media formats in its Media Sources documentation. If a file does not play correctly, convert it to a supported format or test another suitable file before starting the live stream.
Set up a multi-file playlist with VLC Video Source
- Install VLC before opening OBS. If your OBS installation is 64-bit, install 64-bit VLC; mismatched architecture can prevent the source from appearing.
- In OBS, select the intended scene. In the Sources dock, select + and choose VLC Video Source.
- Name the source and select OK.
- In its properties, add the media files to the playlist in the order you want them played.
- Keep Loop Playlist enabled to restart at the beginning after the final item. Keep Shuffle Playlist disabled for a fixed sequence; it defaults to Off.
- Select OK and check the OBS preview. Test the transition from the last item back to the first, and listen for gaps, unexpected silence, or mismatched audio levels.
VLC Video Source has a visibility setting that matters when scenes change. OBS documents the default behavior as stopping playback when the source is hidden and restarting it when visible. If the item needs to continue across scenes, account for Visibility Behaviour in the source settings and test scene switching before going live. OBS Media Sources
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#1 Best Overall
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- 【3 Streaming & Landscape / Portrait streaming】 This live streaming video switcher can simultaneously stream to 3 platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Zoom, or any RTMP server via the Ethernet port. Alternatively, you can use the USB output to stream through PC software like OBS or vMix. In addition, it supports both landscape and portrait modes to suit your various needs.
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When to consider a playlist plugin
The third-party Media Playlist Source plugin is an alternative if its workflow suits your setup. The author describes editing playlist items while playback continues, but the resource page also documents limitations, including that folder contents do not refresh automatically. It is not an official OBS source, and compatibility or behavior may change across OBS and plugin versions. Review the current resource details and test the exact workflow you plan to use before depending on it for unattended streaming. Media Playlist Source resource
Check the YouTube stream, archive, and rights
Do not treat looping as an uptime guarantee
A loop or playlist setting only describes how OBS plays media. It does not promise uninterrupted OBS operation, network connectivity, encoder availability, or YouTube ingest. YouTube recommends checking the Live Control Room preview, confirming that the event is accessible, monitoring audio and video quality, and verifying that a local archive file is growing. YouTube live streaming tips
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Plan for the archive limit
YouTube says it can automatically archive streams that are less than 12 hours long, but a stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. This is not a guarantee that every shorter stream will be retained. YouTube recommends recording a local archive as a backup. Archive live streams (accessed 2026-10-03)
Clear every item in the playlist
YouTube’s livestream terms say creators represent and warrant that they have all necessary rights for the live content, including music licensing rights. Check that you have permission for every video and audio item in the playlist and for the territories where the stream will be available. YouTube Terms of Service
Rank #3
- Ultra-Compact &Build in Screen: Mixer Plus combines a professional 4-channel HDMI video switcher with a built-in 4inch display, delivering real-time Multi View monitoring in a portable form factor ideal for live streaming and on-the-go production.
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Troubleshoot common playlist problems
- VLC Video Source is missing: Install VLC, then restart OBS. Check that VLC matches OBS’s architecture; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. OBS Media Sources
- The playlist stops at the last file: Open the VLC source properties and check that Loop Playlist is enabled.
- Files play in an unexpected order: Check the playlist order and make sure Shuffle Playlist is off.
- Playback stops when you switch scenes: Review Visibility Behaviour. OBS’s documented default stops a hidden source and restarts it when visible; test your scene-switching setup before going live. OBS Media Sources
- A media file will not play: Confirm that it is in a format supported by the source and test it in OBS before the broadcast. OBS lists documented formats for Media Source in its Media Sources guide.
- The live feed or archive is not behaving as expected: Check the Live Control Room preview, stream accessibility, audio and video quality, and whether the local recording is growing. YouTube live streaming tips
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps uploaded videos playing without keeping OBS or a computer running at home, StreamNeo is the cloud alternative: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed, and streams to YouTube.
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
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- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or its pricing page, then start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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