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To keep prerecorded videos looping in an OBS stream, add them to an OBS VLC Video source, enable Loop Playlist, and connect OBS to YouTube Live with your stream URL and key. This keeps the local OBS playlist repeating; it does not automatically sync it with a playlist on YouTube. For a 24/7 stream, OBS must keep running on your computer, and you should monitor the broadcast rather than assume looping guarantees uninterrupted service.

What “in sync” means in OBS

An OBS VLC Video source can play a list of local media files and loop back to the beginning when it reaches the end. That is different from automatically importing or mirroring changes to a YouTube playlist: OBS’s documented VLC playlist controls do not establish that kind of connection. OBS’s Media Sources guide describes the local source and its playback options.

Think of the setup as two separate parts: the VLC Video source chooses what viewers see, while the stream URL and key connect OBS to YouTube. Editing one does not automatically update the other.

Set up a looping playlist in OBS

  1. Install VLC. OBS requires VLC to be installed for its VLC Video source to work. If the source is unavailable or does not play media, check that VLC is installed before troubleshooting the playlist.
  2. Add the source. In the OBS scene where the video should appear, use the Sources panel’s add control and choose VLC Video. Add the local media files to the source’s playlist in the order you want them to play.
  3. Set playlist behavior. In the source properties, leave Loop Playlist enabled to restart at the first item after the final item. Turn off Shuffle Playlist if you want the files to play in list order. OBS documents loop enabled and shuffle disabled as the defaults, but check the settings rather than relying on defaults.
  4. Choose what happens when the source is hidden. OBS’s VLC source options include whether playback continues, pauses, or stops while the source is not visible. The documented default is to stop when hidden and restart when visible. If a scene switch hides the source, that setting can interrupt or restart playback; choose the behavior that fits your scene setup. The OBS Sources Guide explains source visibility behavior.
  5. Check playback before going live. Confirm that the playlist starts, advances through files, and returns to the beginning. If you rely on multiple scenes, switch between them and verify the VLC source behaves as intended when hidden.

Connect OBS to YouTube Live

  1. In YouTube Live Control Room, create or select the live stream and obtain its server URL and stream key. YouTube describes the stream key as the credential that tells the encoder where to send the feed so YouTube can accept it; see Manage live stream settings.
  2. In OBS, open the stream settings and enter the YouTube server URL and stream key. Keep the key private: anyone who obtains it may be able to send a feed to your stream. If it is compromised, reset it in Live Control Room and update OBS.
  3. Start with a test rather than treating a successful connection as proof of a reliable 24/7 operation. Use YouTube’s Live Control Room preview, check that the event is accessible to its intended audience, and monitor picture and sound. YouTube’s streaming tips also recommend testing encoder failover if you use a backup encoder.

Keep the OBS playlist current

OBS’s documented playlist is the list inside the VLC Video source. If you change the lineup, maintain that OBS list yourself; the documentation reviewed does not establish automatic synchronization with a YouTube playlist. Keep the distinction clear when planning updates: changing the YouTube playlist does not, on this evidence, change the files OBS sends to the encoder.

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For a local OBS setup, the computer running OBS and VLC must remain available for the stream to continue. Loop Playlist handles what happens at the end of the file list; it is not a guarantee of continuous operation, computer availability, or a working internet connection.

What YouTube’s 12-hour archive note does—and does not—mean

YouTube’s encoder guide says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That statement is about archiving streams under that duration. It does not establish that one stream can run indefinitely or guarantee uninterrupted 24/7 playback. Plan and monitor a continuous operation accordingly.

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Troubleshoot common playlist and stream problems

What you see Likely area to check What to do
VLC Video is missing or media will not play VLC dependency Install VLC, then reopen or check OBS and the source again.
The list stops after its final item Playlist properties Open the VLC Video source properties and enable Loop Playlist.
Files play in an unexpected order Shuffle setting or list order Disable Shuffle Playlist for listed order, then verify the order of the files in the source.
Playback stops or starts over after a scene change Source visibility behavior Review the VLC source’s behavior while not visible; OBS’s documented default stops playback when hidden and restarts it when visible.
YouTube does not receive the OBS feed Server URL or stream key Confirm the current YouTube server URL and key are entered in OBS. If the key may have been exposed, reset it in Live Control Room and replace it in OBS.
Viewers cannot see the event, or audio/video has a problem Live Control Room and stream monitoring Check the preview, verify the event’s accessibility, and monitor audio and video. If a backup encoder is part of the setup, test failover.

Or let it run in the cloud

If your goal is a prerecorded YouTube stream that continues without leaving a home computer on, StreamNeo is the #1 option to consider: it runs from the cloud, plays uploaded videos at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and gives you the first day free.

  1. Upload your recording or build a playlist.
  2. Add your YouTube stream key once.
  3. Go live; StreamNeo loops the video from the cloud.

Nothing has to stay on at home. Your video streams as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, and the monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start the free day.

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Other cloud option noted by YouTube

YouTube’s encoder list describes Gyre as a cloud-based tool for 24/7 live streaming of prerecorded videos: YouTube’s encoder list. That listing does not establish that Gyre automatically syncs a YouTube playlist or document its current feature set in detail, so confirm those points with the provider if they matter to your workflow.

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