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For one audio file, add an OBS Media Source and turn on Loop. For a playlist of multiple tracks, add a VLC Video source, load the files, and leave Loop Playlist enabled. Then check that the source is active and audible in your scene, connect OBS to YouTube with the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio, and test before going live. A looping setting does not grant music rights: confirm that your tracks are cleared for YouTube livestream use.
Choose the right OBS source
| What you want to play | OBS source | Loop setting | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| One local audio or video file | Media Source | Enable Loop | OBS supports common file formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Loop is off by default. OBS Media Sources |
| Several tracks in sequence or shuffled order | VLC Video | Keep Loop Playlist enabled | Requires VLC installed; OBS documents that 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC. Loop Playlist is on by default and Shuffle Playlist is off by default. OBS Media Sources |
For a radio-style playlist, VLC Video is the relevant option because it accepts multiple files and provides playlist order and shuffle controls. It is not the same as adding several separate Media Sources: use one playlist source when you want OBS to advance through a collection as a unit.
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Set up a single track to repeat
- Add the source. In OBS, select the scene that should carry the audio. In the Sources dock, click + and choose Media Source. OBS’s source guide describes adding sources through the plus button at the bottom of the dock. OBS Sources Guide
- Choose the file. In the Media Source properties, select the local audio file. OBS documents support for common formats such as MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. OBS Media Sources
- Enable repeat. Turn on Loop in the source properties. The file will start again when playback finishes; the documented default is off. OBS Media Sources
- Check the scene and mix. Make sure the source is visible in the active scene and that its audio meter responds during playback. If you cannot hear it in your monitoring setup or see activity in the OBS audio mix, do not assume viewers will receive it; check the source, scene, and audio routing before broadcasting.
Build a multi-track playlist in OBS
- Install VLC first. OBS says the VLC Video source uses VLC libraries and will not appear among available source types until VLC is installed. Match the architecture: with 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. OBS Media Sources
- Add VLC Video. In the selected scene’s Sources dock, click +, choose VLC Video, and create or select the source. OBS Sources Guide
- Load the files. In the VLC Video properties, add the audio files you want in the playlist. Confirm the list contains the intended tracks and order.
- Choose playback behavior. Keep Loop Playlist enabled to restart the source when it reaches the end. Leave Shuffle Playlist off for predictable sequence, or turn it on for randomized playback. OBS documents Loop Playlist as on by default and Shuffle Playlist as off by default. OBS Media Sources
- Check what happens when the source is hidden. OBS documents the VLC source’s default visibility behavior as Stop when not visible, restart when visible. Keep the source visible in the scene used for the broadcast; if you switch scenes, verify the audio continues as intended. OBS Media Sources
- Listen through the full chain. Start playback in OBS and confirm the source is audible and the mixer responds. A playlist can be configured correctly but still be silent to viewers if the wrong scene is live or the audio is not reaching the stream mix.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Enable live streaming on the channel. YouTube requires live streaming to be enabled. First-time activation may take up to 24 hours, so do not leave setup until the moment you plan to broadcast. YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder
- Create or select a stream in YouTube Studio. Open the stream’s encoder setup and retrieve the YouTube Live server URL and stream key for that broadcast. Treat the key as a credential: do not publish or share it.
- Enter the connection details in OBS. Open Settings > Stream, select the YouTube service if available, and enter the server information and stream key from YouTube Studio. Follow YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room workflow for the selected stream. Exact interface labels can change.
- Start with a private or otherwise suitable test. Start the encoder and confirm that YouTube receives the signal before the intended public broadcast. YouTube recommends testing with audio and movement similar to the planned stream, then monitoring stream health and any messages. YouTube Help: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions
Set encoder options without guessing
There is no single bitrate or resolution that suits every channel: choose them for the picture you are sending and the sustained upload capacity available to the encoder. YouTube’s current encoder guidance specifies the following general recommendations, not a guarantee that any particular connection can support them. YouTube Help: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions
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- Rate control: Use CBR (constant bitrate), as YouTube recommends.
- Keyframes: Set a two-second interval; YouTube recommends two seconds and says not to exceed four seconds.
- Audio codec: YouTube lists AAC or MP3.
- Video codec: YouTube lists H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1. Select a supported option that your encoder and workflow handle reliably.
- Resolution and bitrate: Match the output to your content and the upload connection; check YouTube’s encoder settings guidance for the appropriate values rather than treating one bitrate as universal.
For an audio-led radio stream, avoid choosing a high video setting merely because it is available. A static visual or simple scene still uses video encoding; test the output and connection under conditions close to the real stream.
#1 Best Overall
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FIFINE Ampligame SC3 Gaming Audio Mixer with Indi-Fader and Volume Control | USB PnP for PC,Mute Button,XLR Preamp,RGB,VoiceChanger,48V Phantom Power,Monitoring,Podcast,Recording,Vocal,Streaming
- [XLR Mic Input] One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. The XLR mixer is a stepping stone to upgrade your live streaming. Audio mixer offered built-in 48V phantom power which opens up more choices for mics. Directly use it with your condenser microphone but do not solve added peripherals. (NOT available for USB mic)
- [Individual Channel Control] Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure. Four independent channels set on the DJ mixer give audio volume of the MICROPHONE, LINE IN, HEADPHONE, and LINE OUT channels individual control. Configurable on the PC audio mixer instead of just operating on your game or streaming software.
- [Mute and Monitor] The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use. Ability to mute audio, the audio mixer for streaming prevents background noise from damaging your live broadcast. Real-time feedback between speaking and hearing will not distract your attention, which encourage you to speak more confidently. The sturdy-built control button allow you to operate freely and easily during live streaming.
- [Sound Effects] The computer sound mixer supports four pre-recorded customized button that can be recorded and activated at the press of button to post production. 6 kinds of voice changing modes change your output style. 12 auto tune changes the tone of your voice. The podcast mixer being able to add different and fun effects is a huge bonus for your streaming or game voice.
- [Controllable Vibrant RGB] RGB button on the audio mixer DJ meets different live streaming themes. Lights on the video mixer is vibrant but not harsh on your eyes. Flowing or frozen RGB color rotation in a decent pace presents a greatly strong impression as a "light show" to your audience. Even a streaming equipment accessory will not be dull looking when video production.
Clear music rights before broadcasting
YouTube scans live streams for matches to third-party content, including other live broadcasts. If it identifies such content, YouTube may replace the stream with a placeholder and warn you; if the content remains, the stream may be temporarily interrupted or terminated. YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams
- Confirm that your license specifically covers use in a YouTube livestream. Permission to listen to, download, or use music in another context does not by itself establish livestream rights.
- Ask the rights holder whether your channel must be added to a Content ID allowlist. YouTube warns that even licensed third-party content may be interrupted if the channel has not been allowlisted when required. YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams
- Do not treat a successful test or an absence of an immediate warning as proof that the music is cleared. YouTube says Content ID claims on an archived live stream are made after the stream ends if the creator archives it. YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams
Test and troubleshoot before the public stream
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| VLC Video is missing from the source menu | VLC is not installed, or its architecture does not match OBS. | Install VLC; for 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC, then reopen or refresh OBS as needed. OBS Media Sources |
| A track plays once and stops | Loop is off for a Media Source, or Loop Playlist is off for VLC Video. | Open the relevant source properties and enable the matching loop option. OBS Media Sources |
| Playlist order is unexpected | Shuffle is enabled or the files are ordered differently than intended. | Turn off Shuffle Playlist for sequential playback and review the file list. |
| Audio disappears after changing scenes | The VLC source may stop when it becomes hidden; OBS documents this as its default visibility behavior. | Keep the playlist source visible in the live scene and test any scene transitions before broadcasting. OBS Media Sources |
| OBS meters move, but YouTube receives no audio | The wrong scene or stream mix may be active, or the encoder may not be sending the expected audio. | Run an end-to-end test in YouTube Live Control Room with representative audio and check stream health and messages. YouTube Help: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions |
| Live stream is interrupted or replaced | YouTube may have detected third-party content, or there may be an encoder or connection issue. | Read YouTube’s Live Control Room warning and stream-health messages. For music matches, verify livestream permission and any required Content ID allowlisting with the rights holder. YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams |
| YouTube does not show the incoming encoder stream | Live streaming may not be enabled yet, or the server URL/key may be missing or incorrect. | Confirm activation, allow for first-time activation that may take up to 24 hours, and recheck the current stream’s server URL and key in YouTube Studio. YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder |
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That archive behavior is not a promise of uninterrupted operation for longer broadcasts. YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder
Rank #2
Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface
- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device
Or let it run in the cloud
OBS is a do-it-yourself route when you want to manage playback and encoding on your own computer. StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service for uploaded recordings and playlists: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, plays uploads as made up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and includes the first day free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or plans and pricing, then start your free first day.
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Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects
- 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
- Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
- 1 knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
- MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
Rank #4
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface | 1 XLR Mic Preamp, 1 Hi-Z Instrument Input, 24-Bit/192kHz, 56dB Gain Range, Air Mode, macOS/Windows/iPadOS Compatible
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Rank #3
Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 USB Desktop Audio Mixer
- Compact, feature-rich livestreaming USB audio mixer provides high-quality sound for desktop audio production
- Plug-and-play connectivity to computer or mobile device (no special drivers required)
- Loopback function makes it easy to mix mic and instrument inputs with background music, game sounds, or other audio input from a computer – and send the stereo mix back to the computer for streaming
- High-performance A/D converter with resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz provides crystal-clear output for voice and instruments
- Equipped with a single mic input (XLR or ¼"), two LINE inputs for guitar and keyboard, and USB-C input for connecting to a computer
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