For one repeating track, add an OBS Media Source and turn on Loop. For a multi-song radio playlist, add a VLC Video source, select the audio files, and leave Loop Playlist enabled. Then confirm the source is visible and audible in your scene, connect OBS to YouTube Live, and test the stream before broadcasting. A looping setting does not grant music rights: make sure your music is cleared for YouTube livestream use.
Choose the right OBS source
| What you want to play | OBS source | Loop control | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| One audio file | Media Source | Loop | No VLC dependency |
| Several audio files as a playlist | VLC Video | Loop Playlist; optional Shuffle Playlist | VLC must be installed. For 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. |
OBS documents Media Source support for local audio and video files, including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Its Loop option is off by default. VLC Video supports playlists; Loop Playlist is on by default and Shuffle Playlist is off by default. See the official OBS Media Sources guide.
Set up a single looping track
- In OBS, select the scene that will carry the radio stream.
- In the Sources dock, click + and choose Media Source.
- Create a new source or select an existing one, then choose the local audio file.
- Enable Loop in the source properties so playback starts again when the file finishes. The documented default is off.
- Click OK. Make sure the source is visible in the active scene and that its audio meter responds during playback.
Build a multi-track playlist
- Install VLC before opening the playlist setup. OBS uses VLC libraries for its VLC Video source, so the source will not appear until VLC is installed. If OBS is 64-bit, use 64-bit VLC.
- In the OBS Sources dock, click + and choose VLC Video.
- Create or select the source, then add the audio files you want in the playlist.
- Leave Loop Playlist enabled to restart playback after the last file. Leave Shuffle Playlist disabled for the listed order, or enable it if you want a randomized order.
- Click OK, then check that the source is visible and its audio reaches the stream mix.
OBS’s Sources guide explains that sources are added using the plus button at the bottom of the Sources dock. A source higher in the list appears above a lower source in the preview; for an audio-only radio scene, verify the source is enabled and audible rather than relying on the preview image.
Check what happens when the source is hidden
OBS documents the VLC Video visibility behavior as Stop when not visible, restart when visible. If you switch scenes or hide the source, playback can stop and restart when it becomes visible again. Keep the source visible in the active scene for continuous playback, and test any planned scene changes before going live.
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- [XLR Mic Input] One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. The XLR mixer is a stepping stone to upgrade your live streaming. Audio mixer offered built-in 48V phantom power which opens up more choices for mics. Directly use it with your condenser microphone but do not solve added peripherals. (NOT available for USB mic)
- [Individual Channel Control] Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure. Four independent channels set on the DJ mixer give audio volume of the MICROPHONE, LINE IN, HEADPHONE, and LINE OUT channels individual control. Configurable on the PC audio mixer instead of just operating on your game or streaming software.
- [Mute and Monitor] The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use. Ability to mute audio, the audio mixer for streaming prevents background noise from damaging your live broadcast. Real-time feedback between speaking and hearing will not distract your attention, which encourage you to speak more confidently. The sturdy-built control button allow you to operate freely and easily during live streaming.
- [Sound Effects] The computer sound mixer supports four pre-recorded customized button that can be recorded and activated at the press of button to post production. 6 kinds of voice changing modes change your output style. 12 auto tune changes the tone of your voice. The podcast mixer being able to add different and fun effects is a huge bonus for your streaming or game voice.
- [Controllable Vibrant RGB] RGB button on the audio mixer DJ meets different live streaming themes. Lights on the video mixer is vibrant but not harsh on your eyes. Flowing or frozen RGB color rotation in a decent pace presents a greatly strong impression as a "light show" to your audience. Even a streaming equipment accessory will not be dull looking when video production.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Enable live streaming on your YouTube channel if it is not already enabled. YouTube says first-time activation may take up to 24 hours.
- In YouTube Studio, create or select a live stream and open its encoder settings.
- Copy the YouTube Live server URL and stream key into OBS’s stream settings. Treat the stream key as a password: do not publish or share it.
- Start streaming from OBS, then follow the stream’s status and controls in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room.
Follow YouTube’s current encoder setup instructions for the interface available to your channel. YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours are automatically archived; that is an archive behavior, not a guarantee that a long broadcast will remain uninterrupted.
Test audio, video, and stream health
Before the public broadcast, run a test that uses audio and movement similar to the planned stream. Listen for clipping, silence between tracks, abrupt restarts, or unexpected gaps, and check YouTube’s stream-health messages.
Rank #2
- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device
- Video encoding: YouTube’s current encoder guidance lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 as video codec choices.
- Rate control: Use CBR, as YouTube recommends.
- Audio: YouTube lists AAC or MP3 audio.
- Keyframes: YouTube recommends a two-second keyframe interval and says it should not exceed four seconds.
- Resolution and bitrate: Choose settings that fit your output and available upload connection. There is no single resolution or bitrate that is right for every connection.
These are YouTube platform recommendations; check its encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions guidance for the latest details. A successful local preview does not replace checking the stream in YouTube Studio.
Confirm music rights before broadcasting
YouTube scans live streams for matches to third-party content, including other live broadcasts. If it detects a match, YouTube may replace the stream with a placeholder and issue a warning; if the content continues, it may temporarily interrupt or terminate the stream.
Rank #3
- Compact, feature-rich livestreaming USB audio mixer provides high-quality sound for desktop audio production
- Plug-and-play connectivity to computer or mobile device (no special drivers required)
- Loopback function makes it easy to mix mic and instrument inputs with background music, game sounds, or other audio input from a computer – and send the stereo mix back to the computer for streaming
- High-performance A/D converter with resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz provides crystal-clear output for voice and instruments
- Equipped with a single mic input (XLR or ¼"), two LINE inputs for guitar and keyboard, and USB-C input for connecting to a computer
A license alone may not prevent an interruption: YouTube warns that licensed third-party content can still be affected if the rights holder has not added your channel to its Content ID allowlist. Confirm that your permission specifically covers YouTube livestream use, and ask the rights holder whether your channel needs allowlisting. Buying a track, subscribing to a music service, or having permission for another use does not by itself establish livestream rights. If you archive the live stream, YouTube says Content ID claims on the archive are made after the stream ends. Read YouTube’s live-stream copyright guidance.
Troubleshoot common problems
- VLC Video is missing: Install VLC, then reopen OBS and check the Sources add menu. Match VLC’s architecture to OBS; the OBS documentation specifies 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS.
- The file plays once and stops: For a Media Source, open its properties and enable Loop. For a playlist, check Loop Playlist on the VLC Video source.
- Tracks play in an unexpected order: Turn off Shuffle Playlist for the listed sequence; with shuffle enabled, playback order is randomized.
- Audio is missing from the stream: Confirm the source is in the active scene and visible, then check that its audio meter moves. Monitor a test broadcast in YouTube Studio as well as the local OBS preview.
- Playback stops after switching scenes: The VLC Video source’s documented default is to stop when hidden and restart when visible. Keep it visible in the streaming scene, or test the planned visibility behavior before broadcast.
- YouTube interrupts or warns on the stream: Review YouTube’s notice and the rights for the detected material. Confirm livestream authorization and any required Content ID allowlisting with the rights holder; changing OBS loop settings does not resolve a rights issue.
- The stream will not connect or stream health is poor: Recheck the server URL and stream key in OBS against the selected YouTube Studio stream, then review YouTube’s stream-health messages. Test with settings suited to the available upload connection.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps playing uploaded videos without leaving OBS or a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera or to platforms other than YouTube.
Rank #4
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
- Nothing needs to stay on at home: the stream runs in the cloud.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo pricing or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
- Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
- 1 knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
- MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
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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