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To keep music playing between videos in an OBS-powered YouTube live stream, add a looping audio source to the scene used during the gaps. Use a Media Source for one audio file or a VLC Video Source for a playlist. Make sure the source is audible in the stream mix and present in every scene where you want the music to continue.
Choose a playback method
| Method | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Media Source | One track or a single audio file containing a prearranged playlist | Few moving parts; enable Loop to restart the file when it finishes. OBS supports MP3, AAC, OGG and WAV. OBS Media Sources |
| OBS VLC Video Source | A playlist of separate tracks | Supports playlist looping and shuffle, but requires VLC. OBS advises installing 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS. OBS Media Sources |
Set up one looping music file in OBS
- Choose music you are allowed to use. Download an audio file and save it somewhere stable on the streaming computer. YouTube Audio Library tracks can be downloaded as MP3; check each track’s license and attribution instructions.
- Open the scene where the music should play. In OBS, select the scene in the Scenes panel.
- Add the source. In Sources, select +, choose Media Source, and create a new source.
- Select the file and enable looping. In the Media Source properties, choose the local audio file and turn on Loop. OBS restarts the file after it reaches the end. The available controls and supported formats are described in the OBS Media Sources guide.
- Check the audio mix. Confirm that the source appears in the Audio Mixer and that its meter moves during playback. Adjust its level so it sits behind speech or video audio.
- Test the transition. Preview the scene change and listen for the music. If possible, test privately or with an unlisted stream before the live event.
Use a playlist of separate tracks
- Install VLC on the streaming computer. For 64-bit OBS, OBS recommends 64-bit VLC.
- In the desired OBS scene, use Sources + and select VLC Video Source.
- Add the audio tracks to the source’s playlist. Enable Loop Playlist to repeat the list; enable shuffle if you want randomized playback.
- Check the Audio Mixer and listen through a scene transition to confirm the playlist is audible where you need it.
OBS documents VLC Video Source playlist behavior and its dependency on VLC in its Media Sources guide.
Keep music playing across scene changes
A source only helps in scenes where it is included and configured to play. Add it to every relevant scene, or put it in a shared/nested music scene if that fits your scene layout. Decide whether it should keep playing when a scene is hidden: OBS Media Source settings can control restarting or closing media when inactive, and VLC source visibility behavior can also be configured. Check those settings along with your transition design so the track does not unexpectedly restart, stop, or overlap.
Use music with rights that cover your stream
YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. If it identifies a match, it may replace the stream with a placeholder and warn you; if the content remains, YouTube may temporarily interrupt or terminate the live stream. YouTube’s live-stream copyright guidance also says that a license alone may not prevent interruption: ask the rights owner to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist.
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- Consider live and replay rights. YouTube’s livestream terms place responsibility on the creator to have the necessary rights for live content worldwide, including music rights. Check whether the track license also covers an archived replay.
- Start with YouTube Audio Library if it fits. YouTube says Audio Library tracks are the only music it knows to be copyright-safe. Tracks are downloadable as MP3, and some Creative Commons tracks require attribution in the video description. Read the individual track’s license details. YouTube Audio Library guidance
- Do not treat “free” or “royalty-free” as permission by itself. Confirm that a third-party license allows YouTube live streaming, the territories you serve, and any replay or archive. YouTube notes that those labels do not establish copyright safety. YouTube’s tips for finding safe music
- For licensed third-party tracks, check allowlisting. Ask the rights owner whether they can add your channel to their Content ID allowlist before relying on the music in a live stream.
Troubleshoot music that stops or cannot be heard
- The file plays once and stops: Open the Media Source properties and enable Loop. For separate tracks, confirm Loop Playlist is enabled on the VLC Video Source.
- There is no music in the live mix: Check that the source is in the active scene, playback is running, and its Audio Mixer meter responds. Raise the source level if it is too low.
- The music disappears on a transition: Add the source to the destination and transition scenes, or use a shared/nested scene. Review source visibility and inactive-media settings to determine whether playback should continue while hidden.
- The playlist source is unavailable: Install VLC; for 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC as OBS advises.
- YouTube interrupts the stream: Review the track’s permissions and any Content ID notice. A license may not prevent interruption if the rights owner has not allowlisted your channel; contact the owner and resolve the claim before relying on that track again.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that stays live with uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. It plays uploaded videos rather than going live from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay on at home.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #2
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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.

