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To run a 24/7 YouTube music stream with VLC and OBS, use OBS Studio to send the broadcast to YouTube and use OBS’s VLC Video source to play and loop a local playlist. VLC playlist playback and YouTube streaming are separate jobs: the playlist alone does not connect to YouTube. Before going live, confirm your channel is eligible, clear the music for livestreaming, and test the feed. A loop does not guarantee uninterrupted uptime.
What you need before you start
- A computer that can run OBS continuously, with a stable internet connection and the music and visual files stored where OBS can access them.
- OBS Studio and VLC installed. OBS’s VLC Video source requires VLC; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. See OBS’s media sources documentation.
- A YouTube channel eligible for livestreaming. YouTube says the channel must be verified, must not have had a live-stream restriction in the previous 90 days, and the streamer must be at least 16. First-time live-stream enablement can take up to 24 hours, so activate it well before the planned launch. Check YouTube’s eligibility requirements and encoder setup instructions.
- Music and artwork you have permission to broadcast publicly on YouTube. Permission to listen privately, or simply buying a track, does not establish livestream rights.
Prepare music and visuals you can broadcast
Use audio files whose license or rights holder explicitly permits public livestreaming on YouTube. For licensed third-party music, confirm that the license covers this use and ask the rights holder whether your channel must be allowlisted through Content ID. YouTube warns that even licensed content can be interrupted if the channel has not been allowlisted.
YouTube scans live streams for third-party content and may replace the stream image, interrupt the broadcast, or terminate it. A label such as “copyright free” is not a substitute for checking the license terms. Read YouTube’s copyright guidance for live streams.
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Prepare a scene in OBS with a visual, such as artwork or a video background, and ensure you have rights to use it too. Keep the media files available on the streaming computer; moving or renaming them can break the source paths.
#1 Best Overall
- [XLR Mic Input] One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. The XLR mixer is a stepping stone to upgrade your live streaming. Audio mixer offered built-in 48V phantom power which opens up more choices for mics. Directly use it with your condenser microphone but do not solve added peripherals. (NOT available for USB mic)
- [Individual Channel Control] Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure. Four independent channels set on the DJ mixer give audio volume of the MICROPHONE, LINE IN, HEADPHONE, and LINE OUT channels individual control. Configurable on the PC audio mixer instead of just operating on your game or streaming software.
- [Mute and Monitor] The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use. Ability to mute audio, the audio mixer for streaming prevents background noise from damaging your live broadcast. Real-time feedback between speaking and hearing will not distract your attention, which encourage you to speak more confidently. The sturdy-built control button allow you to operate freely and easily during live streaming.
- [Sound Effects] The computer sound mixer supports four pre-recorded customized button that can be recorded and activated at the press of button to post production. 6 kinds of voice changing modes change your output style. 12 auto tune changes the tone of your voice. The podcast mixer being able to add different and fun effects is a huge bonus for your streaming or game voice.
- [Controllable Vibrant RGB] RGB button on the audio mixer DJ meets different live streaming themes. Lights on the video mixer is vibrant but not harsh on your eyes. Flowing or frozen RGB color rotation in a decent pace presents a greatly strong impression as a "light show" to your audience. Even a streaming equipment accessory will not be dull looking when video production.
Add a looping playlist in OBS
- Install compatible VLC. Match the VLC architecture to OBS: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Create a scene. In OBS, add a scene for the broadcast, then add your visual elements, such as an image or video background.
- Add the playlist source. Add a VLC Video source, open its properties, and add the local audio or video files in the order you want them to play.
- Check playlist behavior. Leave Loop Playlist enabled for repeat playback; OBS documents it as on by default, but inspect the setting. Enable Shuffle Playlist only if you want the order randomized. OBS’s visibility behavior can stop playback while the source is hidden and restart it when visible, so keep the source visible or review that behavior if you change scene visibility settings.
- Preview the scene. Confirm the visual appears and the playlist plays as expected before connecting to YouTube.
For a single local file rather than a multi-file playlist, OBS’s built-in Media Source has a Loop property, which is off by default. OBS lists MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV among its built-in audio formats; listed video formats include MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. VLC is therefore useful when you want a playlist; a single file can use Media Source instead. See the OBS media sources reference.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Open YouTube Studio. Use Create → Go Live to open the Live Control Room, then select an existing stream or create one.
- Copy the connection details. In the Live Control Room, get the server URL and stream key for the selected stream. Keep the stream key private; anyone who has it may be able to broadcast to your channel.
- Enter the details in OBS. Open OBS streaming settings, choose the YouTube service or custom RTMP configuration as appropriate, and enter the server URL and stream key. YouTube’s workflow uses an encoder connected with these details; VLC’s playlist source does not itself send the stream to YouTube.
- Start the encoder and verify the preview. Start streaming in OBS and check that the feed appears in the Live Control Room. For a scheduled broadcast, wait for YouTube’s preview and select Go live when it is ready.
Follow YouTube’s current encoder setup guidance for the Live Control Room and connection workflow.
Rank #2
- Upgrade Mic Clarity with XLR Power-Unlock studio-quality voice capture: The 48V phantom power XLR port supports high-sensitivity mics up to -50dB gain, while the Dynamic/Condenser toggle adapts to any microphone type. With <0.2% distortion and 75dB SNR, your comms cut through explosions crisply. Adjust mic monitoring via output knob on the gaming mixer keeping you aware of voice levels—perfect for intense FPS callouts.
- Seamless Multi-Platform Audio Control-Command all your gear: Optical AUX connects PS4/TV, 3.5mm AUX-In mixes commentary audio, and USB-C PnP works instantly across PC/PS5/Switch/mobile. The 3 smart knobs include push-mute volume controls—adjust mic, game, or background audio without tabbing out.
- Game/Chat Balance Dial & 7.1 Immersion-Dominate squad coordination: Twist the dedicated Game/Chat knob to prioritize enemy footsteps or teammate comms. Coupled with virtual 7.1 surround and 3 EQ presets (Game/Music/Movie), hear Valorant spike defuses from any directions while Discord chats stay crystal-clear.
- 8-Voice Changer & Customizable Sound Profiles-Troll with tactical flair: One-tap voice morphing (Demon/Robot/Megaphone etc.) spices up Among Us lobbies. 4 customizable buttons save audio pieces—store your Warzone gunshot with EQ tweaked or chatting stream presets for instant reply.
- RGB-Infused Streaming Ready Hub-Broadcast in style: Synchronized RGB lighting reacts to audio peaks for visual flair. Drive 32Ω headphones with 93dB SNR fidelity, while the aux chain lets you overlay music onto streams. Everything stays cool during 8-hour Fortnite marathons.
Choose encoder settings, then test the full feed
Use settings that suit your computer and, especially, your sustained upload connection. YouTube’s RTMP/RTMPS guidance recommends H.264 video, CBR (constant bitrate), a two-second keyframe interval (no more than four seconds), and AAC or MP3 audio. YouTube recommends RTMPS for encrypted delivery. Its advanced guidance lists 44.1 kHz and 128 Kbps for stereo audio; these are recommendations, not guarantees that a particular machine or connection can sustain a broadcast.
Bitrate depends on codec, resolution, and frame rate. YouTube’s current settings page recommends 14 Mbps and gives 5 Mbps as the minimum for H.264 at 1080p30. Do not apply that figure to other resolutions or frame rates; consult YouTube’s current table for the exact mode you choose. These are YouTube settings recommendations, not measured performance for your setup. See YouTube’s encoder settings.
Rank #3
- This sound card is not compatible with 48V dynamic microphones or USB microphones. It only supports XLR microphones. (Note: Connecting an XLR microphone requires a 1/4" TRS to XLR cable, which is available as part of a promotional offer and must be added separately.)
- All-in-One Audio Interface for Streaming – This mixer works as a complete audio hub for live streaming, podcasting, and gaming. It features a 1/4" TRS dynamic microphone input, built-in reverb, 4 custom sound effects pads, and a voice changer, so you can enhance your voice and engage your audience with creative audio in real time.
- Effective Noise Cancellation – Equipped with advanced noise reduction technology, the PUPGSIS mixer filters out background hum, fan noise, and other unwanted sounds. Your viewers will hear only your clear, professional voice – ideal for noisy gaming rooms or home studios.
- Customizable Sound Effects & Voice Changer – Personalize your stream with 4 programmable sound effect buttons. Load your own audio clips (laugh tracks, claps, alarms, etc.) and activate them instantly. The built‑in voice changer lets you alter your pitch for fun character voices or anonymous commentary.
- Adjustable Reverb for Professional Vocals – The mixer features a fully adjustable reverb effect, allowing you to dial in exactly the right amount of room ambience for your voice. Whether you want a subtle studio echo or a dramatic live‑stage sound, the dedicated reverb control lets you fine‑tune it on the fly – no software needed.
Before the public launch, run a private or otherwise controlled test where appropriate. Use representative music and visuals. Listen for gaps, clipping, unexpected desktop audio, or abrupt playlist transitions; check that the visual is present and that YouTube reports a healthy preview. YouTube recommends testing with audio and motion similar to the intended broadcast, then monitoring stream health and review messages during the stream.
What “24/7” means in practice
A playlist set to loop repeats its media; it does not keep the whole broadcast online if OBS closes, the computer loses power, a file goes missing, or the network connection drops. In this setup the computer runs OBS and supplies the files while sending the feed over the internet, so those local components need to remain available. Treat “24/7” as the intended schedule, not a guarantee of uninterrupted service, and have a plan to notice and recover from an interruption.
Rank #4
- [4-Channel Design] Featured four individual control channels, the gaming mixer can be individually adjusted different devices. You will gain a improved using experience via push the volume fader.
- [XLR Microphone Interface] Supporting XLR microphone input, the mixer improve audio performance of your microphone. Built-in 48V phantom power, the streaming mixer do not need the additional power to your condenser microphone.
- [All-In-One Function] With the basic usage functions, including mute button, volume adjustment and real-time monitoring, the podcast mixer gives you an quick attention on using the mixer inter to solve the problem of audio adjustment.
- [Easy and Use] The back of the gaming audio interface is set up multiple audio port. You set up dual PCs for live streaming or plug in different audio devices for audio mixing. Multiple selections meet your needs in different scenarios.
- [Entertainment Uses] Brilliant cool RGB lighting promotes gaming atmosphere when in live gaming or game voice. Voice change, customized sound button, or electronic button add up interaction between you and your audience during live entertainment streaming.
Also distinguish a continuous live broadcast from its replay. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Do not assume that one broadcast lasting 12 hours or longer will produce a complete automatic replay. See YouTube’s encoder setup and archive guidance.
Common problems and fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| OBS does not show the VLC Video source or playback fails | VLC is missing or its architecture does not match OBS. | Install VLC; if OBS is 64-bit, install 64-bit VLC. Reopen OBS and inspect the source. |
| The playlist ends instead of repeating | Loop Playlist is off, or the source is not the playlist source you intended. | Open the VLC Video source properties and check Loop Playlist. For a single Media Source file, check its separate Loop property. |
| Music plays locally but YouTube shows no feed | The source is only playing inside OBS, or OBS is not connected with the correct server URL and stream key. | Check OBS streaming settings, the selected stream in Live Control Room, and the stream preview. Do not treat VLC playlist playback as the YouTube connection. |
| YouTube interrupts or replaces the stream | A third-party content match or rights issue may be involved. | Review YouTube’s stream notices and the music license. If you have a license, ask the rights holder about Content ID allowlisting for your channel. |
| The stream starts but drops or becomes unhealthy | The encoder, computer, files, or network may have stopped supplying a stable feed. | Check OBS status and YouTube stream health; verify the computer remains on, source files remain accessible, and upload capacity can sustain the chosen settings. |
| The broadcast is live, but there is no complete replay | The stream may have lasted 12 hours or longer. | YouTube says automatic archiving applies to streams under 12 hours; plan separately if you need a complete replay of a longer broadcast. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want a computer and home connection running continuously, StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos on YouTube. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos; it does not broadcast a camera feed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- One flat price per slot for any quality up to 4K 60fps, streaming the upload as made without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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