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For a local folder that should automatically feed a looping YouTube Live playlist, OBS Studio with the community PlayFolder script is the closest documented match. It scans a selected folder, builds a sequential playlist, loops it, and updates the playlist when files are added. It requires OBS’s Media Source—not VLC Source—and should be tested with your own files and YouTube setup before you rely on it for a live event.
Which tool fits automatic folder monitoring?
The options below solve different problems. PlayFolder is the closest fit when new files placed in a local folder should join an OBS playlist automatically. OBS’s built-in VLC Video source supports playlist looping or shuffling but is not documented as a watch folder. CasparCG targets broadcast playout operations, while Castr TV Playout offers hosted scheduling and looping with plan-specific limits.
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| Tool or workflow | Folder updates and playback | Requirements and YouTube handoff | What is documented—and what to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. StreamNeo | Cloud service for uploaded videos and playlists; keeps a YouTube channel live continuously. It is not a local watch-folder monitor. | Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. No computer or home connection needs to remain on. | Choose it when the priority is cloud-based continuous YouTube playout rather than automatically ingesting files from a local folder. StreamNeo says it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. |
| 2. OBS Studio + PlayFolder | Scans a selected folder, plays files sequentially, loops to the first, and updates the playlist when new files are added. | Community script for OBS; requires an OBS Media Source and explicitly says not to use VLC Source. Configure YouTube’s stream URL and key in the encoder. | The resource author describes the intended behavior; this is not independent reliability or compatibility testing. Test file formats, folder updates, and the live preview. |
| 3. OBS VLC Video source | Use a manually populated playlist; loop or shuffle playback. Automatic folder rescanning is not described in the cited OBS documentation. | Requires VLC installed. With 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. YouTube still needs the encoder’s stream URL and key. | Appropriate if manual playlist maintenance is acceptable and VLC-based playback meets your needs. Confirm media behavior in your setup. |
| 4. CasparCG | AMCP can load a clip in the background and start it after the foreground clip ends; automatic queuing is limited to one clip per layer. | Advanced broadcast playout workflow. Nebula documentation describes schedule-aware transfer and transcoding to playout storage. The cited material does not establish direct YouTube output. | Consider for broadcast operations with appropriate output and encoder infrastructure; plan and test the additional YouTube handoff. |
| 5. Castr TV Playout | Hosted uploaded-media schedules and loops, subject to plan limits. Local folder monitoring is not established. | Managed hosted workflow; the cited page does not establish YouTube as a destination. Verify destination compatibility and current plan terms. | Potentially useful for scheduled hosted playout, but not a documented direct substitute for a local watch folder feeding YouTube. |
How YouTube receives the playlist
A playlist tool and a YouTube destination are separate parts of the workflow. YouTube Help explains: “An encoder converts your video into a digital format to stream on YouTube.” In practice, the playout tool must feed an encoder or otherwise provide a compatible stream output, and the encoder must be configured with the stream URL and stream key from YouTube Live Control Room. A tool’s playlist or scheduling feature alone does not prove it can publish directly to YouTube.
For OBS, configure the stream in YouTube Live Control Room, then enter the YouTube stream URL and key in OBS’s streaming settings. Confirm the stream appears in YouTube’s preview before making it public or relying on it for a scheduled event. Never share the stream key; anyone with it may be able to broadcast to your channel.
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Set up OBS with PlayFolder
PlayFolder is the most direct documented match for automatically playing files from a folder. The OBS Forums resource author, Pokoto, describes its objective as a way to “continuously play video files from a folder without manual playlist management.” Treat that as the author’s product description, not as independent validation.
- Install OBS Studio and obtain the PlayFolder script. Use the script and installation instructions on the OBS Forums PlayFolder resource page. Follow the version and installation requirements stated there; compatibility is not independently established here.
- Prepare a dedicated media folder. Put the files you want played in the selected folder. Use media you have the rights to stream and test the exact formats and file names you intend to use.
- Add an OBS Media Source. Create or select an OBS Media Source for the script’s workflow. Do not substitute the VLC Source: the PlayFolder resource explicitly requires Media Source.
- Configure PlayFolder to monitor the folder. Select the folder through the script’s available controls, then confirm the script creates the expected playlist and plays files sequentially. The resource says new files added through OBS events update the playlist; verify that behavior in your installed version before depending on it.
- Configure YouTube Live. In YouTube Live Control Room, create or select the stream and copy its stream URL and key. In OBS, set YouTube as the streaming service or configure the compatible server URL and stream key. Keep the key private.
- Check the actual output. Start with an unlisted test stream. Confirm the correct file plays, transitions occur, the playlist loops, and a newly added file appears as expected. Check YouTube’s preview for audio, picture, and stream status before using a public broadcast.
The cited PlayFolder material does not specify universal resolution, frame-rate, or bitrate settings. Those depend on your source media, encoder, connection, and YouTube stream configuration. Choose settings supported by your files and encoder, then validate the output in YouTube’s preview rather than assuming the playlist script controls the entire streaming pipeline.
When OBS’s VLC playlist is enough
If you do not need automatic file discovery, OBS’s built-in VLC Video source provides a different playlist workflow. Add the media to its playlist and use the source’s loop or shuffle controls. OBS documentation says this source uses VLC libraries and requires VLC to be installed; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. The cited documentation does not describe automatically rescanning a folder when files are added, so expect to manage playlist changes yourself unless your own setup demonstrates otherwise.
When to consider broadcast or hosted playout
CasparCG for broadcast operations
CasparCG’s AMCP protocol supports background loading and automatic start of a queued clip when the foreground clip ends, with one automatically queued clip per layer. Nebula’s CasparCG deployment documentation describes schedule-aware media transfer and transcoding to playout storage. These capabilities point to a more involved broadcast workflow; the cited documentation does not establish a direct YouTube stream output. You will need to account for the output and encoder path to YouTube separately.
Castr for hosted schedules
Castr TV Playout documents uploaded media, schedules, and looping, but does not establish local watch-folder monitoring or direct YouTube destination compatibility. Its help page, dated July 13, 2026, lists one playout across the plans shown and plan-dependent media limits:
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| Plan on the cited help page | Maximum files per playout | Maximum file size | Maximum file duration | Loop mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 5 | 500 MB | 30 minutes | Not supported |
| Standard | 10 | Not stated on the cited page | Not stated on the cited page | Not supported |
| Premium | 30 | Not stated on the cited page | Not stated on the cited page | Maximum advance loop period: 15 days |
| Ultra | 30 | 10 GB | 240 minutes | Maximum advance loop period: 30 days |
| Events | 50 | 10 GB | 240 minutes | Maximum advance loop period: 30 days |
These limits and plan names are from Castr’s help page as dated above and may change. The same page says Trial, Starter, and Standard output includes the Castr logo. Verify current plan details and confirm the YouTube destination before choosing it for this use case.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Copyright, reused content, and channel responsibility
Automation does not grant permission to use a video, music track, or other material. Use content you created, licensed for this use, or otherwise have a valid right to stream. A continuous playlist can also raise channel-policy or monetization questions if it consists of repetitive or reused material; keeping a stream online is not a guarantee of eligibility for monetization or compliance. Review YouTube’s current rules for your channel and content, and test privately before scheduling a public stream. The copyright safety checklist can help organize a rights review.
Troubleshooting common playlist problems
- PlayFolder does not add a new file: Confirm the file is in the monitored folder and the correct OBS Media Source/script setup is active. The resource describes updates through OBS events, so test by adding a file while OBS is running; do not assume an arbitrary filesystem change will be detected in every installation.
- Playback does not advance or loop: Check that the files are in the playlist generated by the script and test sequential playback through the end of the list. Confirm the Media Source requirement is met; the resource says not to use VLC Source with PlayFolder.
- The VLC playlist source is unavailable: Install VLC and match the architecture: OBS 64-bit requires VLC 64-bit. Restart OBS after installing if necessary and verify the source appears.
- YouTube does not receive a stream: Check that the encoder is using the correct YouTube stream URL and current stream key, and that the selected playout workflow actually feeds the encoder. A playlist feature does not itself establish a YouTube connection.
- The YouTube preview is wrong or silent: Test the source file and OBS output separately, then inspect the preview before going public. Check that the intended media is selected and that its audio reaches the stream mix.
- A hosted plan rejects media or stops looping: Compare the file count, file size, duration, and loop period against the current plan terms. Castr’s documented limits vary by plan and should be rechecked before a scheduled run.
Cost and operating trade-offs
OBS Studio with PlayFolder is a local software-and-script workflow, but the reviewed sources do not establish the machine, maintenance, or operating cost for a particular setup. You remain responsible for keeping the local playout and encoder environment running and for testing recovery behavior. Castr plan prices are not stated in the cited page details here, so check its current pricing directly rather than infer a cost from feature limits.
For a continuously running channel, compare the practical cost of keeping a computer and connection available with a hosted workflow. StreamNeo’s flat per-slot pricing is the same for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no quality tiers; the source file is streamed as uploaded without re-encoding. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. UPI and cards are available in India, with card checkout worldwide. Short and long billing choices are available, and five or more slots can be discussed with support.
Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it supports any quality up to 4K 60fps at one price per slot, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, then Monthly is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo plans, or estimate upload time and compare cloud and PC costs. Start your free day on StreamNeo.
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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.
