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For several videos in sequence, add OBS’s VLC Video Source, put the files in the desired order, and enable Loop Playlist to restart after the final clip. This makes a playlist repeat, but OBS does not document gapless transitions between separate files—so it cannot guarantee that black intervals will disappear. For one video on repeat, use Media Source with Loop enabled instead.
Choose the right OBS source
| What you want to play | OBS source | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| One local video repeatedly | Media Source, with Loop enabled | Loop repeats that file; it is not a multi-file playlist. |
| Several local videos in order | VLC Video Source | VLC must be installed. Loop Playlist repeats the list after it ends, but OBS does not promise gapless handoffs. |
OBS’s Media Sources documentation describes VLC Video Source as allowing “a playlist of items, similar to an Image Slideshow.” Its documented options include playlist looping, shuffle, visibility behavior, audio-track selection and subtitles. Interface labels and behavior can vary by OBS version.
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Add and configure a video playlist
- Select the scene. In OBS, choose the scene that should show the playlist.
- Add the source. In the Sources dock, click + and choose VLC Video Source. If the option is missing, confirm that VLC is installed. OBS notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add and order the files. Add the local video files to the VLC source playlist and arrange them in the intended sequence. Leave Shuffle off for fixed-order playback; OBS documents shuffle as off by default.
- Set looping. Enable Loop Playlist if the list should start again after its last item. This controls what happens at the end of the list; it is not a transition, crossfade or documented fix for gaps between files.
- Check visibility and layering. Make sure the source is enabled and visible, and frame it correctly in the scene. OBS renders sources higher in the Sources list above those below them, so a foreground source can cover the video. Put any intended background below the playlist source.
- Review visibility behavior. VLC Video Source documents options to stop playback when the source is not visible and restart when it becomes visible. Consider these settings if you switch scenes; switching away may affect playback according to the selected behavior.
- Preview the whole sequence. Play through each file boundary and the final-to-first loop in the actual scene before going live. Check that every file plays and that the framing, visibility and audio are as intended.
Why black gaps can remain
Loop Playlist tells OBS to restart the list after it runs out. The official OBS documentation does not guarantee a seamless transition between different files or identify a single setting that eliminates black frames at clip boundaries. Increasing network caching is not established as a fix for local-file gaps, and choosing a particular container alone is not documented as a solution.
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First distinguish a boundary gap from a source that is hidden, covered, or unable to play a file. If every file plays on its own but a black interval appears only between clips, the transition itself may be the issue; there is no documented universal VLC Video Source setting that ensures a gapless handoff.
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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS | Capture Card for Streaming, Compatible with iPad Mac OS Windows, Quest 3, OBS, PS5/4, Switch2/1, Xbox, Camera (Silver)
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
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- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
Troubleshoot what viewers see
| Symptom | What to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The source is entirely black or missing | Source visibility, scene selection and the Sources list order | Enable the VLC source, select the scene containing it, and move it above any source that should not cover it. |
| VLC Video Source is unavailable or does not play | Whether VLC is installed and whether its architecture matches OBS | Install VLC; when using 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC. Then reopen OBS and check the source again. |
| One particular clip fails | Whether that file plays in the VLC source on its own | Test each file individually in OBS. Check the actual media rather than assuming a file extension guarantees compatibility. |
| Playback changes after switching scenes | The source’s stop-when-not-visible and restart-when-visible behavior | Review those VLC source options and test the scene-switching sequence you plan to use. |
| Black appears only between otherwise playable clips | The file-to-file handoff | OBS does not document a setting that guarantees gapless playlist transitions. If uninterrupted imagery is essential, a practical workaround is to edit or encode the clips into one continuous file and loop it as a Media Source; this is a workaround, not an OBS guarantee. |
File formats and optional playlist tools
OBS’s formats guide calls MP4 the de facto standard for internet video and says MKV is compatible with every audio and video encoder supported in OBS. These are general format notes, not a promise that a particular file will play smoothly on your system or that changing containers will remove playlist gaps. Test the files you intend to stream in your scene.
An optional alternative listed on the OBS Forums is Media Playlist Source 0.1.3, by CodeYan. Its listing describes it as an alternative to VLC Video Source that uses Media Source internally and offers playlist editing features; it lists OBS Studio 30.0.0 as the minimum version and Windows, macOS and Linux support. Plugin versions and compatibility can change, so verify the listing and current compatibility before installing it. The listing does not establish that this plugin guarantees gapless playback.
Rank #2
Capture Card, USB Video Capture Card Device, Audio Video Converter Grabber for RCA to USB-Convert VHS Mini DV VCR Hi8 DVD to Digital, for PC TV Tape Player Camcorder, MAC Windows Vista Compatible
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- Note: The Video Converter is used with acquisition software. We recommend OBS Studio or PotPlayer for Windows, and QuickTime Player for Mac. They can be downloaded for free online. Please operate according to the steps in User Manual or contact us if you have any questions
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos playing on YouTube without leaving a computer and OBS running, StreamNeo is a cloud option for YouTube streams. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud. It does not stream from a camera.
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Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
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Rank #4
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Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
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- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
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