Yes. OBS lists MKV, MOV, and MP4 as supported file types for its built-in Media Source, but that source is for individual media files. To play a playlist, add OBS’s VLC Video source, install VLC with the same 32-bit or 64-bit architecture as OBS, and test your actual files before going live. The file extension alone cannot guarantee playback: the codecs inside the container matter.
Which OBS source should you use?
| Source | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Media Source | A single local video file | OBS lists .mkv, .mov, and .mp4 among its supported video file types. It is built into OBS. |
| VLC Video | A playlist of local video files | OBS says this source supports playlists. VLC must be installed, and its architecture must match OBS; for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. |
These source descriptions come from the OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation, published January 11, 2022. Availability and playback for a particular file can still depend on its codecs and your operating-system and software setup.
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How to add a playlist to OBS
- Install VLC. Get a VLC build that matches your OBS architecture. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. If VLC Video does not appear in OBS, check that VLC is installed and that the architectures match.
- Add the playlist source. In your scene, use the Sources panel’s add control and select VLC Video. OBS’s Media Sources guide describes VLC Video as the playlist-capable option.
- Choose the files and playback behavior. Add the intended media files in the order you want them to play. In the source properties, review loop and shuffle behavior. OBS documents loop playlist as on by default and shuffle playlist as off by default; change either if that is not the behavior you want.
- Preview the scene. Confirm that the picture appears and that audio is audible in OBS. Check the whole playlist, not just its first item, since one file with different encoding may behave differently from the others.
- Test the YouTube broadcast before the real one. Start a test stream and check YouTube’s stream health. YouTube recommends testing with audio and video movement representative of the planned stream.
Why MKV, MOV, or MP4 may still fail
MKV, MOV, and MP4 are container formats: they package encoded audio and video, but do not by themselves identify exactly how those tracks were encoded. Two files with the same extension can use different codecs or profiles. OBS’s supported-extension list is therefore not a promise that every file with that suffix will decode on every computer.
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If one item fails while the others play, inspect that file’s video and audio codecs and profile rather than relying on its extension. The OBS Project’s Audio/Video Formats Guide explains that compatibility depends on the formats inside the container. It does not establish whether a particular file will work on your installation, so test that file in the OBS and VLC setup you intend to use.
#1 Best Overall
- MAKE YOUR TV SMARTER - Enhance any TV with the ability to play videos, music, and photo slideshows from a USB drive or MicroSD Card! It’s so simple and intuitive - anyone can use it. The Micca 4K is amazingly compact and affordable, get one for each TV in the house!
- PLAYS 4K ULTRA-HD VIDEOS - Works with TVs old and new! Smoothly plays videos up to 4096x2304@30fps over UHD 4K/60Hz HDMI output. Sharp and clear video and audio in pure digital format, compatible with 4K and 1080p TVs, projectors, and monitor displays. Composite AV output for use with analog TVs or for sending sound to a stereo system.
- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 4096x2304, 30fps, 200mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
Local playlist format is separate from YouTube ingest settings
OBS plays and decodes the local playlist into your scene, then its encoder sends a live stream to YouTube. YouTube does not receive the playlist files directly. That means the playlist items do not have to be MP4 just because you are streaming to YouTube; local file playback and the encoded stream’s ingest settings are separate compatibility questions.
Configure OBS for the protocol and settings selected for your YouTube stream. YouTube’s current live encoder settings guidance covers RTMP/RTMPS and lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 video codecs, along with frame-rate, keyframe, audio, and bitrate guidance. YouTube recommends RTMPS. Its guidance includes up to 60 fps and recommends a two-second keyframe frequency, not exceeding four seconds; confirm the current requirements for your chosen ingest path and stream goals before broadcasting. YouTube transcodes the incoming live stream into formats for viewers.
Rank #2
- 【Mini Portable Media player】-- Fits into the palm of your hand, It is a perfect travel partner for those short on space and sockets. Also compact and easy multifunction HD media player for office work and home entertainment;Aluminum alloy material, not easy to damage during carrying
- 【1080P MP4 Player】-- Full HD 1080p@60Hz supports most video decoding formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, DIVX, MKV, MOV, HD MOV, MP4, M4V, PMP, AVC, FLV, VOB, MPG, DAT, MPEG, TS, TP, M2TS, WMV, (H.264,H.263,WMV9/VC-1,MPEG1/2/4),Not support VPR files. Note: Please use our 4K player to play some videos taken with smart phones, ASIN: B07WPY8VKL
- 【HDMI or AV Output】-- Supports 1080p HDMI output, allowing you to transmit crisp, clear video and audio in a pure digital format to an HDTV; it also supports composite AV output for use with analog TVs. An analog AV cable is included. While using HDMI video output, you can also connect external speakers via the AV output. However, video cannot be output via both AV and HDMI at the same time.
- 【USB 2.0/3.0 Compability】-- Drive external USB 2.0/3.0 storage devices such as USB flash(up to 512G)/SD card(up to 128G) and hard drive(partition should be MBR, up to 8TB), you can also delete or copy files in the USB drive(FAT or FA32) directly, Also plays subtitle files as well as loop videos
- 【Support Multiple Formats of Files and Playback Modes&Multi-functional Remote Control】-- Supports most video, audio, and image formats on the market, supports random playback of video and image modes, and supports loop playback. Supports repeat, zoom, fast forward, fast rewind, rotation, breakpoint playback method, start from scratch playback method and time selection playback method. It is also equipped with a convenient remote control for easy navigation of menu screens (ASIN: B0C9PZPFL8)
YouTube also documents HLS ingestion separately. Its HLS setup guidance specifies TS segments lasting between one and four seconds, a rolling playlist with no more than five outstanding segments, HTTPS POST/PUT, and no encryption other than HTTPS. An HLS transport playlist is not the same thing as the VLC Video playlist of local movie files in OBS.
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Troubleshooting a playlist before going live
- VLC Video is missing: Install VLC and make sure its 32-bit or 64-bit architecture matches OBS. Restart OBS after installation if needed.
- A file shows a black screen or will not play: Test that item by itself and inspect its actual video codec and profile. The extension alone cannot diagnose decoding compatibility; compare the file’s formats with the OBS format guide.
- Video plays but there is no sound: Check whether the file has an audio track and whether OBS’s audio meter responds during preview. Review the VLC Video source’s audio-track settings and the file’s audio codec.
- The playlist order or repeat behavior is wrong: Reorder the entries and check loop and shuffle settings in VLC Video properties. Loop is documented as enabled by default and shuffle as disabled.
- OBS preview works but YouTube reports a stream problem: Check YouTube’s stream health and compare OBS’s outgoing protocol, codec, keyframe interval, frame rate, and bitrate with the current YouTube encoder guidance. A working local file does not confirm that the encoded stream is configured correctly.
Or let it run in the cloud
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【SIMPLE, POWERFUL, COMPACT】- Easily play videos, photos, and music files from USB drives, hard drives, and SD cards. Simple and intuitive to use with no complicated settings. Takes up very little space - it’s smaller than a deck of playing cards!
- 【FULL-HD VIDEO PLAYBACK】- Stunning HDMI video quality up to 1080p/60Hz with support for the latest video formats such as H.265/HEVC. Feeds digital surround sound to home theater receivers for a cinema-like movie experience. Includes analog AV output for connecting to an older TV or for sending audio to a stereo system.
- 【READS USB DRIVES AND SD CARDS】- Reads USB flash drives and hard drives up to 8TB and SD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file systems. Automatic playback, continuous looping and repeat, and the ability to resume video playback from the last stop point.
- 【TRIGGER SENSOR INPUT】- Ability to loop one video continuously and play a different video when triggered by an optional push-button or motion sensor. Build an interactive digital signage display, art gallery or museum on-demand video player, or a Halloween special effect in just a few steps. Push-button and motion sensors sold separately.
- 【MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT】 - Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, TS/TP, MOV, VOB, and M2TS files using H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, VC1, or MPEG2/4 codecs, up to 1920x1080p@60fps, 10-bit color, and 100mbps. Photos: JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF (non-animated), PNG. Music: MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC
Rank #4
- 【SIMPLE, POWERFUL, COMPACT】- Easily play videos, photos, and music files from USB drives, hard drives, and SD cards. Simple and intuitive to use with no complicated settings. Takes up very little space - it’s smaller than a deck of playing cards!
- 【4K/UHD VIDEO PLAYBACK】- Stunning HDMI video quality up to 2160p/60Hz with support for the latest video formats such as H.265/HEVC. Feeds digital surround sound to home theater receivers for a cinema-like movie experience. Includes analog AV output for connecting to an older TV or for sending audio to a stereo system.
- 【READS USB DRIVES AND SD CARDS】- Reads USB flash drives and hard drives up to 8TB and SD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file systems. Automatic playback, continuous looping and repeat, and the ability to resume video playback from the last stop point.
- 【TRIGGER SENSOR INPUT】- Ability to loop one video continuously and play a different video when triggered by an optional push-button or motion sensor. Build an interactive digital signage display, art gallery or museum on-demand video player, or a Halloween special effect in just a few steps. Push-button and motion sensors sold separately.
- 【MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT】 - Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, TS/TP, MOV, VOB, and M2TS files using H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, VC1, or MPEG2/4 codecs, up to 4096x2304p@30fps, 10-bit color, and 200mbps. Photos: JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF (non-animated), PNG. Music: MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC
Rank #3
- MAKE YOUR TV SMARTER - Enhance any TV with the ability to play videos, music, and photo slideshows from a USB drive or MicroSD Card! It’s so simple and intuitive - anyone can use it. The Micca G3 is amazingly compact and affordable, get one for each TV in the house!
- PLAYS 2K QUAD-HD VIDEOS - Works with TVs old and new! Smoothly plays videos up to 2560x1440@60fps, upscaled to UHD 4K/60Hz HDMI output. Sharp and clear video and audio in pure digital format, compatible with 4K and 1080p TVs, projectors, and monitor displays. Composite AV output for use with analog TVs or for sending sound to a stereo system.
- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 2560x1440, 60fps, 100mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
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