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To keep an existing OBS VLC playlist pointed at a replaced video, keep the replacement at the same path and filename, then reload or recreate the VLC Video source and check playback in OBS preview. OBS documents playlist support but does not promise that it automatically rereads a file changed outside OBS. If you add or remove files regularly, use a folder-aware plugin or script whose refresh behavior and source requirements match your setup.
Why replacing a file may not update playback
An OBS playlist entry points to a media file. Keeping the same filename and location preserves that entry, but it does not guarantee that an already-open source will notice an external file replacement. OBS’s VLC Video documentation describes playlists and their settings; it does not specify automatic reloading after a file is replaced. Treat a source reload as a practical precaution, not a guaranteed hot-reload feature. OBS VLC Video Source documentation
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OBS’s built-in Media Source and VLC Video source are different: Media Source plays a media file, while VLC Video supports playlists and requires VLC libraries. For 64-bit OBS, the official guide calls for 64-bit VLC. The built-in VLC playlist has looping enabled by default and shuffle disabled by default; the guide does not describe a continuous folder watcher. OBS VLC Video Source documentation
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Refresh an existing VLC Video playlist
- Replace the file in place where possible. Preserve its folder path and filename so the playlist entry still points to it. If either changes, edit the playlist entry to use the new path.
- Reload or recreate the source after replacing the file. In OBS, select the VLC Video source in the Sources list and use its source controls to reopen it; if it does not reopen the replacement, remove and add the source again, then configure the playlist. The exact external-file replacement behavior is not specified by OBS, so confirm the result rather than assuming it refreshed.
- Check playback before going live. Watch the replacement in the OBS preview and confirm the playlist advances as intended.
- Check VLC installation and architecture. If the VLC Video source is unavailable or will not play, verify that VLC is installed and its bitness matches OBS; the OBS guide specifies 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS.
Choose a folder-refresh method if files change often
Manual refresh with Media Playlist Source
Media Playlist Source supports file and folder entries. Its resource description says folder entries refresh when a setting changes and gives saving the settings again as the manual workaround; automatic refresh is not implemented in the described version. The listing says version 0.1.0 and later require OBS 31, and its 0.1.3 update is dated 2025-04-13. Check the resource page for current compatibility and installation instructions before deploying it. Media Playlist Source resource
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Event-driven folder scanning with PlayFolder
PlayFolder 1.3 describes scanning a selected folder and dynamically updating its playlist on OBS events. Its instructions specify an OBS Media Source, not VLC Video, and say not to enable OBS’s internal looping because the script manages playback. The resource lists an update date of 2026-09-24. These are the author’s stated features; verify the behavior with your own OBS version and project before relying on it during a live session. PlayFolder resource
Other Windows option: NowPlaylisting
NowPlaylisting’s resource listing describes a Windows plugin for OBS 30+ with file and folder entries and editable playlists. The listing does not establish that it automatically refreshes folder contents, so check its current documentation before choosing it for that specific need. NowPlaylisting resource
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Compare the approaches before relying on them
| Approach | Refresh model | Source or platform requirement | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing VLC Video playlist | Reload or recreate the source after replacing a file; automatic external-file reload is not promised in OBS documentation. | VLC Video source; 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS. | Path, filename, source reload, and preview playback. |
| Media Playlist Source | Save settings again to refresh folder entries; automatic refresh is not implemented in the described version. | Folder entries; OBS 31 required for versions 0.1.0 and later. | Current resource instructions, version compatibility, and refresh after saving. |
| PlayFolder 1.3 | Resource describes dynamic folder scanning on OBS events. | OBS Media Source, not VLC Video; leave OBS internal looping off. | Script behavior, source configuration, and playback in your setup. |
| NowPlaylisting | Folder and file playlist management is described; automatic folder refresh is not established by the listing. | Windows and OBS 30+ per the resource listing. | Current documentation and whether its refresh behavior meets your needs. |
These approaches differ in refresh model, source type, version, and platform. A plugin or script’s published feature description is not proof it will behave the same way in every OBS project. Test the workflow with your file paths, replacement timing, source visibility, and playlist order before using it on a live broadcast.
Troubleshoot a playlist that still shows the old video
- The playlist entry points to a missing file: Check the path and filename. Restore the replacement at the original location or edit the entry to its new path.
- The source keeps playing the old media after replacement: Reopen or recreate the VLC Video source, then check the replacement in preview. OBS does not document guaranteed external-file hot reload.
- The VLC Video source is missing or fails to play: Confirm VLC is installed and its architecture matches OBS; use 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS.
- A folder entry does not include a newly added file: With Media Playlist Source, change and save the settings again to trigger the manual refresh described by its resource page. Do not expect automatic refresh in the described version.
- PlayFolder does not work with the selected source: Its instructions call for an OBS Media Source, not VLC Video. Also leave OBS internal looping disabled as directed by the script author.
- A third-party plugin fails after an OBS update: Recheck the resource’s current version and platform requirements, then test in preview before using it live.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos playing on a YouTube channel around the clock, StreamNeo is a separate option from an OBS playlist: upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps it running, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month.
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StreamNeo is for uploaded video and YouTube only; it does not stream from a camera. See StreamNeo or start the free first day.
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- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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