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To loop a music playlist on a continuous YouTube livestream, install VLC, add its VLC Video source to an OBS scene, load the tracks in order, and leave Loop Playlist enabled. Connect OBS to YouTube with an encoder stream, check the audio meters, and run a short test before going live. The computer running OBS must remain on and connected while it streams.

Choose the right OBS source

OBS has two relevant ways to play files. Its built-in Media Source can play and loop one file; for a playlist of multiple tracks, use the VLC Video source. VLC must be installed for that source to appear, and OBS specifies that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. See the OBS media sources documentation.

Source Best for Playlist behavior Requirement
Media Source One local audio or video file Can loop the individual file; it is not the documented multi-file playlist option OBS; documented audio formats include MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV
VLC Video A sequence of multiple local files Can loop the playlist; shuffle is optional VLC installed, with architecture matching OBS

Supported-format listings do not guarantee that every codec variant or damaged file will play. Test your actual files in OBS before relying on a long broadcast.

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Prepare the playlist and confirm you can go live

Check files and permissions

  • Keep the audio files accessible to the computer running OBS. If files are moved, renamed, or stored on a drive that disconnects, OBS may no longer be able to play them.
  • Use music you have permission to broadcast on YouTube. A track playing locally or appearing in a music service does not establish permission for a livestream or for monetization. YouTube requires livestream content to comply with its Community Guidelines and Terms of Service; rights for any particular track depend on its license.

Check channel eligibility

YouTube says a channel must be verified and must not have had a live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days to live stream. Check the channel’s current status and access in YouTube Studio and consult YouTube’s live-streaming help, since eligibility and interface details can change.

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Build a looping playlist in OBS

  1. Open or create a scene. In OBS, select a scene in the Scenes dock, or click the plus button there to create one.
  2. Add the playlist source. In the Sources dock, click the plus button and choose VLC Video. If the option is missing, install VLC and make sure its architecture matches OBS; for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
  3. Add tracks in playback order. In the VLC Video source properties, add the local music files in the order you want them to play. Confirm that each file is available at its listed location.
  4. Set repeat and shuffle. Leave Loop Playlist enabled so playback starts again after the final item. Leave Shuffle Playlist off for a fixed sequence; enable it only if you want randomized playback. OBS documents loop as on and shuffle as off by default, but verify both settings in the source properties.
  5. Keep the source visible. OBS’s documented visibility behavior stops playback when the source is not visible and restarts it when visible. Keep the VLC source visible in the live scene, and avoid switching to a scene without it if music must continue across scene changes.
  6. Check playback inside OBS. Start or preview the source and confirm that the expected track plays. Watch the Audio Mixer meters while it plays; moving meters indicate OBS is receiving audio.

Connect OBS to YouTube and test the stream

  1. Create or open a live stream in YouTube Studio. Choose encoder streaming for an OBS production. YouTube describes encoders as a way to stream with overlays and production equipment; use YouTube’s current on-screen instructions for the stream key and encoder setup because labels and requirements can change. Do not share the stream key: anyone with it may be able to broadcast to your channel.
  2. Connect OBS using the YouTube stream details. In OBS, open Settings → Stream, select YouTube if available, and follow the current connection flow. If YouTube Studio provides a stream key for encoder setup, enter it only in OBS’s stream settings. Keep the key private.
  3. Review audio and output settings. Confirm the correct source is audible and the Audio Mixer meters respond. If they do not, open Settings → Audio and select the intended audio device. Review Settings → Output and YouTube’s current encoder guidance for settings appropriate to your channel and connection; exact resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and keyframe values are not established here, so do not rely on a guessed recipe.
  4. Run a short test before the long broadcast. Start a brief test stream and check both OBS and YouTube for audio, playback order, and continuity. OBS’s Quick Start Guide, published August 25, 2021, encourages testing for a few minutes before a first stream rather than jumping straight in.
  5. Start the intended broadcast. Once the test is satisfactory, start streaming from OBS and confirm the live feed in YouTube Studio. For continuous playback, leave OBS and the computer running with a stable connection.

Troubleshoot common playlist and audio problems

Problem Likely cause What to check
VLC Video does not appear in the source menu VLC is not installed, or its architecture does not match OBS Install VLC; OBS specifically requires 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS.
The playlist stops at the last track Looping is disabled Open VLC Video source properties and enable Loop Playlist.
Tracks play in an unexpected order Shuffle is enabled or files were added in another order Disable Shuffle Playlist for a fixed sequence and check the playlist order.
The expected audio is missing The source is not playing, OBS is not receiving audio, or the wrong device is selected Check the source playback and Audio Mixer meters; select the intended device under Settings → Audio.
Playback stops after changing scenes The VLC source is no longer visible and its visibility behavior stops playback Keep the source visible in the live scene, or arrange scenes so the playlist source remains visible while audio is needed.
YouTube does not accept the broadcast or flags music Channel eligibility, stream setup, or music rights may be involved Check YouTube Studio’s channel status and current encoder instructions. Confirm that your license covers YouTube livestream use and, if relevant, monetization; do not assume local playback grants broadcast rights.
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Quick Recap

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