If you replace a video without changing its filename or location, the playlist entry still points to that path. OBS’s documentation does not promise that a VLC Video source will reread a file after an external replacement, so reload or recreate the source and check playback in preview before going live. If files are added or changed frequently, use a folder-aware method whose refresh behavior and source requirements match your setup.
Why a replaced video may not appear in the playlist
An OBS playlist entry refers to a media file. Keeping the file at the same path preserves that entry, but it does not guarantee that an already-open source will detect a change to the file or reload it. OBS documents playlist support for its VLC Video source, but does not describe an automatic directory watcher or promise hot-reloading after an external file replacement. OBS’s VLC Video Source guide
OBS’s built-in Media Source and VLC Video source are different: Media Source plays a media file, while VLC Video supports a playlist and depends on VLC libraries being installed. For 64-bit OBS, the OBS guide specifies 64-bit VLC.
Refresh an existing VLC Video playlist
- Replace the file at the same path. Keep both its folder location and filename where practical. If you move or rename it, the playlist entry must be changed to the new path.
- Reload or recreate the VLC Video source. This is a cautious way to have the source reopen the media after an external replacement; exact refresh behavior is not guaranteed by OBS’s documentation. Recreating a source can require restoring its settings, so note them first if needed.
- Check playback in OBS preview. Confirm the replacement appears and plays as expected before starting or resuming a live session.
- Check VLC installation and architecture. Install VLC if needed, and match its bitness to OBS; the OBS guide calls for 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS.
The VLC playlist also has loop and shuffle controls. OBS’s guide lists looping as on by default and shuffle as off by default. Those settings govern playback order, not whether OBS watches a folder for changes.
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Choose a folder refresh method if files change often
| Approach | Refresh behavior described | Source and requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Reload the built-in VLC Video source | Reload or recreate it after replacing a file; automatic rereading after external replacement is not promised in the OBS guide. | VLC Video playlist; 64-bit VLC is required for 64-bit OBS. OBS guide |
| Media Playlist Source 0.1.3 | Supports files and folders. Its resource page says changing settings refreshes folder entries; saving settings again is the stated manual workaround. Automatic refresh is not implemented in the described version. | From version 0.1.0 onward, OBS 31 is required according to the listing. The 0.1.3 update is dated 2025-04-13. Check current compatibility and installation instructions on the resource page. |
| PlayFolder 1.3 | The author describes event-driven folder scanning and dynamic playlist updates on OBS events. | Uses an OBS Media Source, not VLC Video. The author says not to enable OBS’s internal looping because the script manages playback. The listing’s update date is 2026-09-24. Review the resource page and verify behavior in your setup. |
| NowPlaylisting | The resource describes editable playlists with file and folder entries; automatic folder refresh is not established by the available listing. | Windows and OBS 30+ are listed. Check the current resource documentation before relying on folder updates. |
How to decide between the options
- Few replacements, stable paths: keep the filenames and locations, then reload the VLC source and verify playback.
- Folder changes occasionally: Media Playlist Source offers a manual refresh by saving settings again, subject to its listed OBS version requirements.
- Event-driven updates needed: PlayFolder describes dynamic scanning, but only for an OBS Media Source; follow its loop-setting guidance and test it before relying on it live.
- Considering another plugin: confirm that its current documentation explicitly supports the refresh behavior you need. A folder entry alone does not prove that newly added files will be detected automatically.
In any approach, verify that paths are valid, replacements are complete before refreshing, the source is visible, and the expected clip plays in preview. Plugin or script behavior can vary with OBS version, platform, and configuration.
Troubleshooting playlist sync
The old video still plays
The source may still be using the already-open media rather than reopening the replaced file. Reload or recreate the source, then check the preview. The filename and folder must also match the playlist path exactly.
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The playlist entry no longer works
If the video was moved or renamed, edit the playlist entry to point to its new path. Confirm that the file exists at that location and that OBS can access it.
A newly added file does not appear
The built-in VLC playlist guide does not document continuous folder watching. For Media Playlist Source, save settings again to refresh folder entries as its resource page advises. For PlayFolder, confirm that you selected an OBS Media Source and followed its instructions not to enable OBS internal looping.
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VLC Video source is unavailable or will not play
Check that VLC is installed and that its bitness matches OBS. In particular, OBS specifies 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS.
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