OBS can loop a video or playlist, and you can configure it to start streaming when OBS launches. But that does not guarantee a crash restart will resume the same YouTube live event without interruption. Set up looping, automate only OBS’s relaunch, and test the complete failure path before relying on it unattended.
What OBS can—and cannot—recover
There are several separate parts to a live playlist: the media source plays files, OBS encodes and sends the feed, and YouTube receives that feed for a live event. A loop setting handles playback; OBS’s --startstreaming launch parameter can start streaming when OBS opens. Neither is documented as a complete process-supervision system or a guarantee that YouTube will retain the same event after OBS exits. The official documentation does not establish that reopening OBS resumes the event without viewer interruption.
That limitation is not proof that a restart can never reconnect. It means you should verify the behavior with your OBS version, YouTube setup, and restart method rather than treating it as guaranteed.
Configure the playlist to loop
For one video: OBS Media Source
- In OBS, add a Media Source to the scene.
- Select the video file and enable Loop in the source settings.
- Confirm the file is stored at a location that will still be available when OBS restarts.
OBS documents the Media Source loop option in its Media Sources guide. If you use portable mode, do not assume the media file moves with OBS: scene collection media paths are not made portable simply by enabling that mode.
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For multiple videos: VLC Video
- Install VLC and make sure its bitness matches OBS. For example, 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC.
- Add a VLC Video source in OBS and add the files to its playlist.
- Leave Loop Playlist enabled; OBS documents it as on by default.
- Check that every playlist file remains available at its configured path after a restart.
Use the built-in Media Source for a single repeating file; use VLC Video when you need a multi-file playlist. The settings are described in the same OBS guide.
Configure OBS to start streaming when it launches
OBS documents the --startstreaming launch parameter as a way to begin streaming automatically when OBS launches. It only addresses the launch action: it does not supply a process monitor, retry policy, crash detection rules, or a guarantee that YouTube will keep the intended live event available.
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- Set up the encoder connection in YouTube Live Control Room and OBS using the stream URL and stream key. Treat the key like a password.
- When creating or reusing a YouTube stream, check the selected event and its settings. Reused settings can copy earlier metadata and a key; YouTube also allows keys to be reset in Live Control Room.
- Preview the received encoder feed in Live Control Room before going live, as described in YouTube’s encoder setup guide.
- Launch OBS with
--startstreaming. On Windows, if you automate the launch, set the working directory to the folder containingobs64.exe, as OBS advises in its Launch Parameters documentation. - If you add an operating-system task or process monitor to reopen OBS after a crash, treat it as your own implementation choice. Confirm that it detects the failure, launches the intended OBS profile and scene, and does not create an unwanted second stream.
Test the crash-recovery path before relying on it
Test in a controlled event, not during a broadcast where a drop would matter. YouTube recommends testing encoder failover by stopping the primary encoder or disconnecting Ethernet and checking backup rollover. That tests failover; it does not certify that OBS crash recovery works.
- Start the intended YouTube event and confirm the playlist appears in Live Control Room preview.
- Stop or terminate OBS in a controlled way, then use your planned restart method.
- Verify whether the playlist resumes, OBS reconnects, the intended YouTube event remains available, and viewers can receive the feed. Check whether a manual Go live action is required for that event.
- Inspect stream health and local recording or archive integrity. Repeat the test if you change the OBS profile, scene, launch method, stream key, or event setup.
Use YouTube’s live streaming tips for testing and monitoring guidance, and its live metrics guide to check stream health and real-time analytics.
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Troubleshoot in this order
OBS opens, but the stream does not start
- Confirm the launch command includes
--startstreaming. - Check that OBS opened the intended profile and scene.
- Verify the YouTube server URL and stream key, and check whether the event requires a manual Go live action.
YouTube’s live stream settings guide covers stream keys, URLs, and reused settings; the encoder guide covers connecting and previewing the feed.
YouTube reports an encoder error
- Check the stream key and encoder connection.
- Review encoder health and CPU load, then check outbound internet connectivity.
- Update the encoder if appropriate and read the specific error shown in Live Control Room.
Follow YouTube’s live stream troubleshooting steps and monitor the health information in Live Control Room.
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The playlist is blank or stops
- Confirm the media paths still resolve and the files are supported.
- For VLC Video, check that VLC is installed and its bitness matches OBS.
- For a single file, confirm the Media Source’s Loop option is enabled; for a playlist, check Loop Playlist.
The playlist does not resume where it stopped
Do not assume a restart restores the prior playback position. Verify where playback begins during your test. A community plugin called Media Playlist Source says it can save the current file for playback after OBS restarts; that is a plugin capability claim, not an OBS or YouTube guarantee. Check current compatibility and test it with your setup before relying on it.
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