You usually don’t need an OBS plugin to stream a prerecorded video to YouTube Live. Start with OBS’s built-in Media Source for one video or VLC Video for a playlist. Add an automation client only if you need external scene/source controls or custom logic; schedule the YouTube event separately in YouTube Studio.
Choose the playback method first
The right setup depends on what should play. For one local file, use Media Source. For several files in sequence, use VLC Video. Both are OBS sources; a plugin is not required for these playback jobs.
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One prerecorded file: Media Source
Add a Media Source to the scene and select the local file. OBS documents support for video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, and audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. The source has a Loop option. Its playback-end setting can also be configured to show nothing when playback ends, which hides the source rather than repeating it.
The Tool Desk
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Multiple files: VLC Video
Use OBS’s VLC Video source when you want a playlist. It supports playlist looping and shuffle options. VLC must be installed; OBS specifies that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. This is the native playlist option, not a third-party automation plugin.
Choose whether the playlist should loop or shuffle, then verify the order and transitions in OBS before using it in a scheduled stream. If the goal is to play three files one after another, put them in the VLC Video playlist rather than trying to chain separate Media Sources.
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Pick an automation control only for a specific gap
Playback, starting OBS, controlling scenes and sources, and creating a YouTube event are separate jobs. OBS offers several control paths, but none should be mistaken for a complete YouTube event scheduler.
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|---|---|---|
| OBS launch parameters | Starting OBS streaming from an external launch routine or scheduled task | OBS documents the --startstreaming parameter. Launch parameters can also select a scene, profile, or scene collection. For scheduled-task use, set the working directory to the OBS executable folder. |
| WebSocket client | External control or automation of OBS scenes and sources | WebSocket is built into OBS Studio 28 and later, so it is not a plugin to install. OBS lists clients such as Macro Deck, Touch Portal, Streamer.bot, Deckboard, OBS Blade, Aitum, Kruiz Control, and the Bitfocus Companion Module. The list indicates compatibility, not a ranking or endorsement for prerecorded YouTube streams. Protect remote control with authentication. |
| OBS scripts | Custom logic that a launch parameter or existing control client does not cover | OBS documents Python and Lua scripting. The required logic and setup depend on the task; scripting is more involved than using a built-in source or launch parameter. |
OBS’s Remote Control Guide says, “WebSocket integration is now included by default with OBS Studio 28 and above.” Use an external client only when you can name the control you need—for example, changing scenes—not simply because the word “plugin” appears in a how-to search.
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Schedule and configure the YouTube Live event separately
Create or schedule the event in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, then connect OBS as the encoder using the event’s stream setup. OBS automation can start streaming or control OBS, but it does not set every YouTube event option.
For a scheduled stream, check the event’s Auto-start and Auto-stop controls in the current YouTube Studio interface. An older OBS community guide discusses these settings, but exact controls can change; verify them on the event you intend to use rather than relying on an unattended workflow by assumption.
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Preflight the stream before leaving it unattended
- Confirm the intended Media Source file or VLC playlist is in the active scene, and check the playlist order, loop/shuffle choice, and playback-end behavior.
- Listen to the source audio and preview the full start and ending behavior.
- Confirm you scheduled the correct YouTube event and connected OBS to its encoder setup.
- Review Auto-start and Auto-stop in that event’s current settings, and check that the intended OBS start method is configured.
- If an external tool uses OBS WebSocket, enable authentication and protect its password.
These checks reduce setup mistakes; they do not guarantee that an unattended stream will remain live. OBS and YouTube event controls still need to be configured correctly, and a connection can fail.
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Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube channel to keep playing uploaded recordings without leaving a computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay running at home; StreamNeo loops uploaded videos, supports any quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free first day.
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