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To stream a playlist of local video files on YouTube with OBS, install VLC Media Player, add OBS’s VLC Video source to a scene, load your files into its playlist, and connect OBS to YouTube with a stream key. You can choose sequence or shuffle playback and whether the playlist loops. If your playlist is on YouTube rather than stored locally, use OBS window or display capture to show the browser; OBS’s VLC playlist source is documented for media files, not YouTube playlist URLs.
Choose the right OBS workflow
| What you want to play | OBS source | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| A playlist of local video files | VLC Video | Supports a playlist with loop and shuffle controls. VLC must be installed, and its architecture must match OBS. OBS Media Sources |
| One local video file | Media Source | OBS documents Media Source for individual media files; playlist playback is described under VLC Video. OBS Media Sources |
| A YouTube playlist or another application playing in a browser | Window Capture or Display Capture | This captures the browser or display; it does not import a YouTube playlist into VLC Video. Picture and audio capture depend on your operating system and configuration. OBS Sources Guide |
Decide where the videos live, whether they should play in order or shuffle, whether playback should repeat, and what should happen if the scene becomes hidden. Also confirm that you have the rights to rebroadcast every video and its audio.
Set up a local video playlist in OBS
1. Install OBS and VLC
Install OBS Studio and VLC Media Player. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC; OBS’s VLC Video source requires VLC and matching architecture for 64-bit OBS. OBS Media Sources
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →2. Add VLC Video to a scene
- Open OBS and select an existing scene, or create one in the Scenes dock.
- In the Sources dock, click + and add VLC Video.
- Give the source a name if prompted, then confirm to open its properties.
OBS scenes combine sources. Position and resize the source in the preview as needed. The source list determines layer order: sources higher in the list appear above sources beneath them. OBS Sources Guide
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
3. Load files and choose playback behavior
In the VLC Video source properties, add the local video files to the playlist. Arrange them in the intended order. Leave shuffle off to play that order, or turn it on for random playback. Choose whether to loop the playlist. OBS documents loop on and shuffle off as the defaults for VLC Video. OBS Media Sources
Check the source’s visibility behavior, too. The documented default is to stop playback when the source is not visible and restart when it becomes visible. That matters if you switch scenes: playback may stop while the source is hidden and restart when you return. Change the behavior if that does not suit your stream. OBS Media Sources
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
4. Connect OBS to YouTube
- In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create or select an encoder stream.
- Copy the stream key from the stream settings and enter it in OBS’s streaming settings. Treat the key like a password: anyone who has it may be able to send a stream to your channel.
- Set the stream’s visibility to Public, Private, or Unlisted, depending on who should be able to watch. Confirm the setting before you start. Manage live stream settings
5. Preview and test before the event
Start the encoder and check the Live Control Room preview before making the event public. YouTube recommends setting up an encoder in advance, testing the stream, checking that viewers can access it, and monitoring audio and video quality during the broadcast. Confirm your account’s current eligibility and interface in YouTube Studio. YouTube live streaming tips
Show a YouTube playlist playing in a browser
If the videos are in a YouTube playlist and you want viewers to see that playlist play in a browser, open it in the browser and add a Window Capture or Display Capture source in OBS. Fit the captured browser or display to your scene. This is a capture workflow, not direct playlist import into VLC Video. OBS Sources Guide
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Check the OBS preview for both picture and sound before going live. Audio routing and capture can vary by operating system and setup; if the preview is silent, inspect OBS’s audio mixer and the capture source’s audio configuration, then test again.
Check YouTube eligibility, policy, and content rights
Channel eligibility
YouTube’s live-stream tips state that a channel must be verified and must not have had live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days to live stream. Check YouTube Studio for your account’s current status, since eligibility and interface details should be confirmed there. YouTube live streaming tips
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Policy and rebroadcast rights
Live streams must follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. YouTube may age-restrict or remove a stream, or restrict a creator’s ability to stream; a warning, strike, or restriction can affect streaming access. Get started with live streaming
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Separately, make sure you have permission to rebroadcast every video and its audio. YouTube’s policy guidance does not establish that you own or have licensed any particular playlist item. A video being publicly available on YouTube does not, by itself, give you rebroadcast rights.
Best Value
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Troubleshoot common problems
- VLC Video is missing from the Sources menu: Install VLC Media Player, then restart OBS. If you use 64-bit OBS, ensure VLC is also 64-bit. OBS Media Sources
- Files play in the wrong order or repeat unexpectedly: Recheck the playlist order, shuffle setting, and loop setting in VLC Video’s properties.
- Playback stops when you switch scenes: Check the source’s visibility behavior. OBS documents stopping when hidden and restarting when visible as the default. OBS Media Sources
- The browser appears but has no sound: Check OBS’s audio mixer and the capture source’s audio configuration. Audio capture varies by operating system and setup, so verify it in the preview before streaming.
- YouTube does not show the incoming stream: Confirm that OBS is using the stream key for the selected YouTube encoder stream, then check the Live Control Room preview and account eligibility.
- Viewers cannot watch the stream: Confirm the intended Public, Private, or Unlisted visibility setting in YouTube Studio. Manage live stream settings
Or let it run in the cloud
For a prerecorded playlist that should keep a YouTube channel live around the clock, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps it running, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. It supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for uploaded videos streamed to YouTube, not live camera input. See StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
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