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To run a lofi playlist as a 24/7 YouTube livestream with OBS, install VLC, add your playlist as an OBS VLC Video source, enable Loop Playlist, then send OBS’s video and audio to YouTube using the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio. Looping repeats the playlist; it does not keep your computer, OBS, or internet connection running. Before you start, make sure you have rights to stream every track and its recording.
What you need—and what the loop does not do
- OBS Studio and VLC installed on a computer that can remain powered on and connected.
- Artwork or animation for the visual, plus audio and video files you are authorized to stream.
- A YouTube channel with livestreaming enabled, and its stream URL and key.
OBS’s VLC Video source requires VLC to be installed; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. OBS Media Sources documentation describes the source and its playlist controls. Enabling Loop Playlist makes the media repeat when it reaches the end. It does not restart OBS after a crash or restore power, internet, or YouTube ingestion after an interruption.
Set up the playlist and OBS scene
- Install OBS and VLC. Match their 64-bit or 32-bit architecture; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Create a scene. In OBS, add your artwork or animation as a visual source. Add a VLC Video source and select the media files in the order you want them to play.
- Configure playback. In the VLC Video source properties, enable Loop Playlist. Choose whether to shuffle if you want a different order on each pass. Keep the source visible in the scene while streaming; check its visibility behavior if you use scene changes, because a hidden source may stop playing.
- Check sound. Watch the OBS audio mixer while the playlist plays. Confirm the VLC source is audible and that the intended audio track is included in the stream. Listen to the scene preview before proceeding.
Connect OBS to YouTube and start the stream
- Enable livestreaming early. YouTube says first-time activation may take up to 24 hours. See YouTube’s encoder setup guide.
- Create or open a stream in YouTube Studio. In the Live Control Room, select the encoder workflow and copy the server URL and stream key shown for that stream.
- Enter the connection details in OBS. Open Settings > Stream, choose the YouTube service or current YouTube preset, and enter the server URL and stream key. Treat the key as a password: do not share it or show it in a recording.
- Use the current YouTube preset. YouTube supports encrypted RTMPS ingestion; use the current YouTube option provided by OBS where available rather than copying unrelated protocol settings. See YouTube’s RTMPS guidance. YouTube also documents HLS ingestion, which has higher latency and additional segment and playlist requirements; use HLS only if you specifically need its capabilities and have an encoder configured for it: YouTube HLS setup.
- Test before announcing. Start streaming from OBS and inspect the incoming preview in YouTube Studio. Verify the picture, sound, and a playlist transition. A private or unlisted test is a prudent way to check the full path before a public broadcast. Review the stream dashboard for ingest warnings or dropped frames, then go live in the Live Control Room when the preview is correct.
Protect the stream from copyright problems
Only stream music for which you have the necessary rights. YouTube’s livestream terms put responsibility on the provider to secure rights for the live content, including music rights, and cover any archive as well. The terms state: “You represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights for the exploitation of the Live Content on the Google Services throughout the world, including, without limitation, music licensing rights from artists, record labels, publishers (including public performance licenses) and any other royalty participants.” Read the YouTube Livestream terms and conditions.
Clear both the sound recording and the underlying musical composition for the uses you plan: live broadcast, any replay or archive, territories, and monetization if applicable. A download page or attribution line alone does not establish those permissions. If you have a license, ask the rights holder whether your channel must be allowlisted in Content ID. YouTube scans live streams for third-party matches; it may replace the stream with a placeholder, interrupt it, or terminate it. Even licensed music can be interrupted if the rights holder has not allowlisted the channel. See YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Understand archives and monetization before choosing 24/7
YouTube’s encoder guide says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. A continuous 24/7 broadcast exceeds that stated duration, so do not rely on one uninterrupted stream producing a complete archived video. Check the current Live Control Room behavior and, if retaining the content matters, plan separate recordings or shorter broadcasts. YouTube’s encoder guide.
Having permission to use music does not guarantee YouTube Partner Program monetization. YouTube’s channel monetization policies apply to livestreams and require original, authentic content; repetitive or mass-produced content may be ineligible. The policy specifically gives collections of songs from different artists as an example that can fail monetization even when the creator has permission. Copyright compliance and monetization eligibility are separate questions. See YouTube channel monetization policies.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- 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
Keep a long-running local stream recoverable
A loop only governs playlist playback. The computer must stay on, OBS must keep running, and the network and YouTube ingest must remain available for the broadcast to continue. No single hardware or internet minimum fits every setup: the right configuration depends on your resolution, encoder settings, media formats, operating system, and reliability needs.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Arrange a human monitoring plan for the stream and a clear recovery procedure for a stopped encoder or failed connection.
- When the stream drops, check OBS and YouTube Studio before restarting; confirm the preview and audio return before treating the broadcast as restored.
- If you need to retain the content, make separate local recordings or schedule shorter broadcasts rather than assuming a 24/7 stream will archive in full.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want a home computer and connection to be responsible for a continuous stream, StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service for looping uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer can be off; StreamNeo runs the playback in the cloud and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed.
Rank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
Each slot streams at the quality uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot with no re-encoding or quality tiers. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly: $9.99 per month. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide. Plans are also available for a day, a week, six months, or a year, and can be canceled any time. Start the free day at StreamNeo registration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Rank #4
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
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