Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

To restart a sequence of recorded lessons after the final video, add the files to OBS’s VLC Video Source and enable Loop Playlist. OBS will restart the source when it runs out of media files, taking playback back to the beginning of the playlist. Keep shuffle off if the lessons need to play in a fixed order.

Set up a looping lesson playlist in OBS

  1. Install VLC if needed. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video Source. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. The OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation, dated January 11, 2022, lists VLC as a requirement on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  2. Add the source. In OBS, go to the Sources dock, click +, and select VLC Video Source. OBS’s Sources Guide describes adding sources from this plus button.
  3. Add and order the lessons. Open the VLC Video Source properties and add the recorded videos to its playlist in the sequence you want them to play.
  4. Enable the loop. In the same properties, turn on Loop Playlist. OBS defines the option as controlling whether the source restarts after it runs out of media files; with the videos in order, playback returns to the first lesson after the last.
  5. Keep shuffle off for a fixed sequence. OBS documents Shuffle Playlist as a separate setting, with shuffle off by default. Leave it off when lesson order matters.

The OBS documentation cited here dates from 2022, so interface labels may differ in a newer release. The setting to look for is Loop Playlist.

Choose the source that matches what should repeat

OBS source Best for What repeats Requirement
Media Source One local media file The individual file, using its Loop option No VLC requirement is stated for this source in OBS’s Media Sources documentation.
VLC Video Source A playlist of multiple media files The playlist restarts when it runs out of media files, using Loop Playlist VLC must be installed; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.

For several lessons that should play one after another and then start over, use VLC Video Source. A Media Source’s Loop setting repeats a single file; it is not the control for restarting a multi-video playlist.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Optional alternative: a third-party playlist plugin

Media Playlist Source by CodeYan is an OBS Forums plugin resource describing another playlist-source option. Its listed features include editing a playlist without restarting the video, along with shuffle and restart options. The resource page lists version 0.1.3, Windows, macOS, and Linux, and says versions beginning at 0.1.0 require OBS Studio 31 or later. Plugin details and compatibility can change; check the current resource page before installing. For simply restarting a lesson sequence after the last file, OBS’s built-in VLC Video Source and Loop Playlist setting are the direct route.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver
  • USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
  • Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
  • Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
  • Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
  • Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty

Keep OBS running or move playback to the cloud

OBS’s VLC playlist is a local setup: the computer running OBS must remain available for playback and streaming. If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps uploaded lessons live 24/7 without leaving a home computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud option. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud.

Best Value
IMEASON Swivel Design 16GB USB Flash Drive with Keychain, USB 2.0 Portable Thumb Drive Memory Stick, FAT32 Format Flashdrive for Data Storage, Photos, Music, Files (Black, 16 GB)
  • 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
  • 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
  • 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
  • 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
  • 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Rank #4
SIMMAX 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives Swivel Thumb Drive Pen Drive (32GB Purple)
  • GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
  • BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
  • EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
  • TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
  • WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Rank #3
2 Pack 64GB USB Flash Drive USB 2.0 Thumb Drives Jump Drive Fold Storage Memory Stick Swivel Design - Black
  • What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
  • Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
  • Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
  • Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
  • Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
Rank #2
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Flair, USB-A Flash Drive, Up to 150MB/s Read Speeds
  • High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
  • Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
  • Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
  • Sleek, durable metal casing
  • Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
  • Nothing has to stay on at home.
  • Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot.
  • Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
  • The first day is free, with no card required.
  • Monthly pricing: $9.99 per month.

Try StreamNeo free for your 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.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi