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To shuffle multiple videos in an OBS YouTube Live stream and keep them repeating, add a VLC Video Source in OBS, load your files into its playlist, then enable both Shuffle Playlist and Loop Playlist. Shuffle changes playback order; loop restarts the playlist when it reaches the end. You need VLC installed, with the same architecture as OBS.

Use the right OBS source

Source Best for Repeat setting Shuffle setting
Media Source One video file Loop No documented multi-file shuffle control
VLC Video Source Multiple files in a playlist Loop Playlist Shuffle Playlist

OBS documents the VLC Video Source playlist controls separately: Shuffle Playlist randomizes the media-file order, while Loop Playlist repeats the list. Turn on both for shuffled playback that continues after the last item. The source uses VLC libraries, so install VLC before adding it. If you use 64-bit OBS, OBS specifies 64-bit VLC. See OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation.

Set up a shuffled, repeating playlist

  1. Install VLC. Match its architecture to OBS; for 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC. If VLC Video Source is missing from OBS, check that VLC is installed and correctly matched.
  2. Open the scene for the stream. In OBS, select the scene where the video should appear.
  3. Add the source. In the Sources panel, select + and choose VLC Video Source. Give the source a recognizable name.
  4. Add your files. In the source’s properties, add the local video files to its playlist.
  5. Enable shuffle. Turn on Shuffle Playlist to randomize the order.
  6. Enable repeat. Turn on Loop Playlist so the source starts the list again when it reaches the end. Do not assume shuffle is already enabled: OBS lists Loop Playlist as on by default and Shuffle Playlist as off.
  7. Check the scene and audio. Confirm the source is visible in the active scene, the intended files play, and their sound reaches the OBS stream mix. Preview the scene before streaming.

Connect OBS to YouTube Live

  1. In YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, create or select the stream and get its stream URL and stream key.
  2. In OBS, open Settings > Stream, select YouTube as the service, and enter or connect the stream details. Use the stream URL and stream key provided for the selected stream.
  3. Start streaming from OBS. Check that the feed and playlist appear in the Live Control Room preview, then use YouTube’s on-screen go-live step for that stream.

YouTube describes stream keys as credentials that tell the encoder where to send the feed and allow YouTube to accept it. Keep the key private; anyone who obtains it may be able to send a feed to your stream. For current interface steps, see YouTube’s guide to creating a live stream with an encoder.

Know what this playlist does—and does not do

OBS playlist versus a YouTube watch-page playlist

The VLC Video Source playlist is part of the feed OBS sends to YouTube. It is not the same as looping a playlist while watching videos on YouTube. Changing a watch-page playlist setting will not shuffle the local files in your OBS scene.

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Shuffle and loop are separate

Shuffle changes the order of the playlist items; Loop Playlist repeats the set. If you want random order and continuous repetition, enable both controls.

Optional third-party plugin

The OBS Project Forum listing for Media Playlist Source describes an alternative to VLC Video Source. The listing says it requires OBS Studio 30.0.0 or newer and advertises saved playback position and reshuffling after the last file plays. It is an optional third-party plugin, not a requirement for the built-in VLC playlist controls. Check its listing for current compatibility and availability before installing it.

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Check YouTube eligibility and content rights

  • Channel eligibility: YouTube says a channel must be verified and have no live-streaming restrictions in the past 90 days to live stream. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility guidance.
  • Permission to use the videos: A functioning OBS playlist does not grant the right to stream its contents. YouTube’s livestream terms and conditions require the provider to have the necessary rights, including relevant music licensing rights. Use media you are authorized to stream and archive.

Troubleshoot common problems

VLC Video Source is not available

Install VLC and restart OBS if needed. Confirm the architectures match; OBS specifically calls for 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS.

The playlist repeats but plays in the same order

Looping does not shuffle by itself. Open the VLC Video Source properties and turn on Shuffle Playlist as well as Loop Playlist.

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The playlist stops after the last file

Check that Loop Playlist is enabled on the VLC Video Source. The single-file Media Source has its own Loop control, but it is not the multi-file playlist source.

The video plays in OBS but does not appear on YouTube

Verify that the VLC Video Source is visible in the scene being sent, that OBS is streaming to the intended YouTube stream, and that the Live Control Room preview shows the feed. Start the encoder in OBS and complete YouTube’s go-live step for the selected stream.

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The picture appears but the sound does not

Check the source’s audio output in OBS’s stream mix and confirm the expected audio is present in the preview before going live.

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