To play videos in random order and repeat them in OBS, add the files you want from your folder to a VLC Video source, then enable Shuffle Playlist and Loop Playlist in that source’s properties. VLC must be installed—and its architecture must match OBS—for VLC Video to appear.
What you need before setting up the playlist
- OBS Studio and the video files you want to play. OBS’s VLC Video source supports playlists; its standard Media Source is intended for an individual media file. OBS Project: Media Sources.
- VLC media player. OBS says VLC must be installed for VLC Video to show up as an available source. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
- A scene in OBS where the video should appear. OBS lists VLC Video as available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, subject to the VLC prerequisite.
The folder is a convenient place to keep your clips, but the documented setup is to add the desired files to the VLC Video playlist. Do not assume that OBS will automatically monitor a folder and add new files when you put them there.
Add the folder’s videos to a VLC Video source
- Install VLC, if needed. Match its architecture to OBS; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. Restart OBS after installing VLC if the source is not listed.
- Choose the scene. Select the scene that should show the playlist. In the Sources dock, click the + button to add a source. See the OBS Sources Guide.
- Add VLC Video. Choose VLC Video from the source list and create or select the source.
- Populate its playlist. Open the source’s properties and add the local video files you want from your folder to its playlist. Add individual files; the documented instructions do not describe an automatically watched folder.
- Enable the two playlist options. Check Shuffle Playlist to randomize the media files’ order, and check Loop Playlist to restart the source after it runs out of playlist items.
- Check the scene and test output. Confirm VLC Video is visible in the active scene and that the video appears as intended in OBS’s output before starting a broadcast. OBS recommends testing a stream setup, but these instructions do not establish a particular playback or live-broadcast result.
What shuffle and loop do—and do not do
Shuffle changes playlist order
OBS describes the shuffle option as randomizing the media files being played rather than keeping the file-list order. That means a shuffled playlist; it is not a documented promise that OBS makes a fresh, independent random choice at every clip transition. The OBS implementation describes shuffle behavior in playlist terms as well: VLC source implementation.
Loop restarts the playlist after it runs out
Loop Playlist restarts the source after it has played the playlist items. OBS’s documentation does not claim that this produces gapless transitions or guarantees uninterrupted delivery to YouTube Live. A playlist looping in OBS and a viewer choosing to loop a YouTube video or playlist are separate behaviors.
#1 Best Overall
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
Supported media formats
The OBS Media Sources page lists these video formats for VLC Video: .mp4, .ts, .mov, .flv, .mkv, .avi, .gif, and .webm. It also lists audio formats: .mp3, .aac, .ogg, and .wav. See OBS Media Sources for the source details.
Troubleshooting a missing or misbehaving playlist
VLC Video is missing from the source list
- Install VLC; OBS requires it for VLC Video to appear.
- If OBS is 64-bit, use 64-bit VLC.
- Restart OBS after installing VLC, then check the Sources dock again.
The playlist plays in file-list order
Open the VLC Video source properties and verify that Shuffle Playlist is checked. Shuffle is a playlist-order option, not a setting on the ordinary single-file Media Source.
Rank #2
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
The playlist stops at the end
Check Loop Playlist in the VLC Video source properties. This setting restarts playback after the playlist runs out; it does not establish that transitions will be gapless.
A file will not play as expected
Confirm it is in a format listed for VLC Video and that the correct local file was added to the playlist. The supported-format list is on the OBS Media Sources page.
Rank #3
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube stream, StreamNeo can play uploaded videos in the cloud instead of relying on OBS to stay running on a home computer. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; uploaded quality is streamed as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
See StreamNeo or start your free 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.
