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To play local videos in a random order in OBS, add them to a VLC Video Source and enable Shuffle Playlist in its properties. Enable Loop Playlist separately if the playlist should start over after the final video. This sets playback behavior in OBS; it does not configure YouTube Live or your stream destination.
What you need before setting up the playlist
- OBS Studio and the video files you want to play, available on the computer running OBS.
- VLC installed. OBS’s VLC Video Source depends on VLC; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. OBS Project’s Media Sources guide explains the dependency.
- An OBS scene for the broadcast. OBS sources are added to a scene from the Sources dock; see the OBS Sources Guide.
Add your videos to a VLC Video Source
- Open the scene you intend to use for the broadcast.
- In the Sources dock, click + and choose VLC Video Source. If the option is missing, check that VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS. After installing VLC, close and reopen OBS if the source still does not appear.
- Create a new source or select an existing one. In the source properties, add the local video files to its playlist. The exact labels for adding files can vary by OBS version; use the playlist controls shown in your installed version.
- Turn on Shuffle Playlist. OBS documents this option as off by default. When enabled, it randomizes the media files instead of following the file-list order. See the OBS Media Sources documentation.
- Choose whether to turn on Loop Playlist. This is a separate setting: it controls whether playback starts again after the source runs out of files. OBS documents it as on by default. Shuffle changes the order; loop controls whether playback repeats.
Check what happens when the source is hidden
The VLC Video Source has a visibility behavior setting that affects playback when the source is not visible in the scene. OBS documents the default as stopping when not visible and restarting when visible. Check the setting in the source properties if your scenes hide and show the source and you need playback to continue or pause instead.
Test the scene before going live
- Start playback in OBS and confirm the video fits the canvas and is visible in the scene.
- Check that audio is audible and that any scene transitions behave as intended.
- Run a short test stream and verify the output reaches the intended destination. OBS’s Quick Start Guide recommends testing for a few minutes before a first stream.
Shuffle only controls how the VLC Video Source chooses files. It does not create or configure a YouTube Live broadcast, connect a YouTube stream key, or verify that your account is ready to stream. Set up and check the YouTube destination separately in OBS and YouTube.
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Optional alternative: a third-party playlist plugin
The OBS forum resource Media Playlist Source is an optional third-party alternative. Its listing describes shuffled playback and additional playlist and folder management features. The listing states that plugin version 0.1.0 and later requires OBS 31; it lists version 0.1.3, updated April 13, 2025. Check the resource page for the current version, compatibility, and installation directions before installing it. Unlike the built-in VLC Video Source, this option requires a separately maintained plugin.
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Troubleshooting
- VLC Video Source is not listed: Install VLC and match its architecture to OBS (64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC). Reopen OBS and check the Sources menu again.
- Videos play in file-list order: Open the VLC Video Source properties and explicitly enable Shuffle Playlist; its documented default is off.
- Playback ends after the last file: Check Loop Playlist. Shuffle and looping are independent options.
- The video stops after switching scenes: Check the source’s visibility behavior setting. The documented default stops the source when hidden and restarts it when visible.
- The OBS preview works but YouTube receives no stream: The playlist settings do not establish the YouTube connection. Check the separate OBS and YouTube Live destination setup, then run another short test.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want uploaded videos to keep a YouTube channel live without leaving a computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud service that loops uploaded videos or playlists. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The three steps are upload, add the stream key, and go live.
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Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
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Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
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- Nothing has to stay on at home; playback runs from the cloud.
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- The first day is free, with no card required.
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See StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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