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If your OBS playlist video is visible on YouTube Live but silent, trace the audio path in order: confirm the video source is playing and sending audio into OBS, check the mixer and stream-track assignment, then inspect the encoder output and YouTube Live’s stream health. The first place the sound disappears points to the layer to fix.
1. Confirm the playlist source is playing audio
Check which OBS source is playing the playlist. OBS’s Media Sources documentation distinguishes the Media Source, intended for individual media files, from VLC Video, which supports playlists. Media Source properties include loop and restart behavior; supported examples include MP4, MOV, MKV and WebM video, and MP3, AAC, OGG and WAV audio.
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For a playlist made with VLC Video, confirm the intended item is active and playback has started. VLC Video relies on VLC libraries, so VLC must be installed; match its architecture to OBS (for example, 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS). Check the source’s Audio Track setting and select the track that contains the video’s sound. The source also provides playlist settings such as Loop Playlist and Shuffle Playlist.
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Play the video and watch the meter for the playlist source in the OBS Audio Mixer. A moving meter means audio is reaching OBS from that source. If the meter stays empty, work upstream before changing YouTube settings: verify playback has begun, the media file actually contains usable audio, and the selected VLC audio track is correct. If playback depends on an audio device, check that it is connected.
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OBS’s audio mixer guide explains how to read source meters and control audio in the mixer. An absent input indicator points to audio not reaching OBS; it does not, by itself, identify the exact cause.
3. If the meter moves, inspect mute and stream-track routing
A moving meter confirms input to OBS, not that the sound is included in the YouTube output. Check that the source is not muted and its fader is not turned down. Then open Advanced Audio Properties from the mixer and check the track boxes for the playlist source. Make sure the track OBS sends to the stream includes that source.
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You can also use OBS Audio Monitoring to listen through the configured monitoring device. If you hear the source there, OBS can deliver a monitor signal to that device, but monitoring alone does not prove the audio is routed to the outgoing stream. Keep the track assignment and encoder output as separate checks.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches4. Check OBS’s encoded output and YouTube Live health
Look at the YouTube Live Control Room’s stream health for an audio warning. YouTube’s live-stream troubleshooting guidance includes the error “Your encoder is sending no audio.” If it appears, confirm OBS has audio enabled and is sending one audio stream on the intended track. YouTube warns that multiple audio streams can cause ingestion problems.
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YouTube’s encoder settings guidance lists AAC or MP3 as audio codecs. For stereo, it recommends 128 Kbps and lists 44.1 kHz. These are useful checks when YouTube reports a format problem; they are not the first fix when the OBS source meter is empty.
Listen to the sound directly in the encoder output if possible. YouTube advises that poor sound may originate in the audio source routed to the encoder. If the encoder output already sounds wrong, return to OBS source and routing settings. If it sounds healthy but YouTube reports a problem, investigate stream health and the outbound connection.
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5. Test before an important broadcast
Run a private or otherwise appropriate test with representative video and audio before relying on the playlist in a live broadcast. YouTube recommends testing with audio and movement similar to the planned stream and monitoring stream health. Confirm the sound in the encoder output as well as checking YouTube’s incoming-stream status.
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| What you observe | Inspect next | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Video plays, but the playlist source meter stays empty | File playback, source audio track or required audio device | Confirm the file has audio, playback has started, the correct VLC audio track is selected and any needed device is connected. |
| The playlist meter moves, but the monitoring device is silent | OBS monitoring setup or selected monitor device | Check Audio Monitoring settings and listen through the configured device. |
| The meter moves and monitoring works, but the stream is silent | Mute, stream-track assignment or encoded output | Check mute and track routing, then listen to the encoder output and inspect YouTube Live stream health. |
| YouTube reports no audio or multiple audio streams | Encoder audio configuration | Make sure audio is enabled, one audio stream is sent on the intended track, and the codec is supported. |
| Encoder output sounds healthy, but YouTube delivery does not | YouTube stream health or outbound connection | Use YouTube’s stream-health and connection troubleshooting guidance. |
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
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- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
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- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
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