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To play podcast episodes in a chosen order on a scheduled YouTube livestream, build the playlist in OBS Studio—not in YouTube. Add the files to an OBS VLC Video source in sequence, turn off Shuffle Playlist, then schedule the YouTube event, connect OBS with that event’s stream key, preview the feed, and click Go live in YouTube Studio.

Before you begin

  • Install OBS Studio and VLC. The VLC Video source requires VLC; if you use 64-bit OBS, OBS documents that you need 64-bit VLC.
  • Make the episode files accessible to the computer running OBS. OBS’s VLC source guide lists formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV.
  • Choose the episode order and play the files beforehand to check that they open and have usable audio. YouTube scheduling does not organize the files; the sequence is set in the encoder’s playlist.

See the OBS VLC Video source guide for the source’s supported settings and media formats.

1. Build the episode playlist in OBS

  1. Open OBS and select the scene you want to use for the stream.
  2. In the Sources panel, select + and add VLC Video. If that source is missing, confirm VLC is installed and that its 32-bit or 64-bit architecture matches OBS.
  3. In the source properties, add the podcast episode files in the order you want them to play. Review the list before proceeding; the playlist order determines playback order.
  4. Leave Shuffle Playlist off. With shuffle off, OBS plays the files in the listed order.
  5. Choose whether to leave Loop Playlist on. It is enabled by default in the documented VLC source settings. Leave it on if you want the sequence to repeat after the final episode; disable it if you want playback to stop after one pass.
  6. Select OK, then check the scene preview and audio. If you use a separate audio source or additional visual elements, verify those as well.

2. Schedule the YouTube livestream

  1. In YouTube Studio, select Create → Go live → Manage → Schedule stream.
  2. Create a new stream or reuse settings, then set the event details and schedule. YouTube’s scheduled livestream instructions cover the scheduling workflow.
  3. Open the scheduled event in Live Control Room. Copy its stream URL and stream key for OBS. Keep the key private: anyone with access to it may be able to send a feed to your stream.
  4. Share the scheduled event link if you want viewers to find it in advance. Scheduled streams may appear as upcoming to subscribers, who can select Notify me.

3. Connect OBS, preview, and go live

  1. In OBS, open Settings → Stream. Choose YouTube as the service, then enter the stream key for the scheduled event. If you need a custom server URL, use the event’s stream URL from Live Control Room.
  2. Select Start Streaming in OBS. This connects the encoder; it does not by itself start the public YouTube event.
  3. Return to YouTube Live Control Room and wait for the incoming preview. Confirm that the intended scene appears and the episode audio is audible. YouTube recommends testing and previewing before going live; its encoder setup tips also advise monitoring audio and video quality.
  4. When the preview is correct, select Go live in Live Control Room. Monitor playback and stream quality while the episodes run.
  5. When finished, end the event in YouTube and stop sending the feed from OBS, following YouTube’s encoder livestream workflow.

What happens at the end of the playlist?

With Loop Playlist enabled, OBS repeats the sequence after the last file. Turn it off for a single pass. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived and can be found in the Live tab in Studio; see its livestream archive guidance. Do not assume a longer stream will be archived automatically.

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Common problems and fixes

Problem Likely cause What to do
VLC Video is not available in OBS VLC is missing, or its architecture does not match OBS. Install VLC and match its architecture to OBS; OBS specifically calls for 64-bit VLC with a 64-bit OBS installation.
Episodes play in the wrong order Files were added in a different sequence, or shuffle is on. Reorder the playlist in the VLC Video source properties and turn off Shuffle Playlist.
The first episode repeats instead of advancing The playlist may contain only that file, or the next file may not be available or playable. Check the playlist contents and confirm each file opens on the streaming computer.
The playlist stops after the final episode Loop Playlist is off. Enable it if the sequence should repeat. Leave it off if a single pass is intended.
OBS is streaming but YouTube has not started the event The encoder connection and public event start are separate actions. Wait for the preview in Live Control Room, verify the feed, then select Go live.
Viewers cannot hear an episode The file may have no usable audio, or the scene’s audio routing or levels may be wrong. Preview the file locally, check OBS’s audio meters, and listen to the Live Control Room preview before going live.

Copyright and episode rights

Only livestream audio and video that you have the rights or permissions to use. Having a podcast file does not necessarily grant permission to rebroadcast its music, clips, guest contributions, or other third-party material. Review YouTube’s copyright safety checklist before scheduling; copyright claims or other policy action can affect a livestream.

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