To keep a local playlist in a predictable order, use OBS’s VLC Video Source, arrange the files in the intended sequence, and leave Shuffle Playlist off. Turn on Loop Playlist only if you want playback to return to the first item after the last one. This preserves the sequence; it does not guarantee that OBS will resume the same file or exact timestamp after a full restart.
Set up an ordered playlist in OBS
- Add the right source. In the scene that feeds your YouTube stream, add a VLC Video Source. OBS documents this source for playlists; its ordinary Media Source is for an individual file. See OBS’s media sources documentation.
- Arrange the files. Add the media files to the VLC source and verify their displayed order in its properties. Playback follows the file-list order when shuffle is off.
- Disable shuffle. Leave Shuffle Playlist unchecked. OBS describes this control as determining whether files play in random order or in file-list order.
- Choose whether to repeat. Enable Loop Playlist if the list should start over after its final item. Loop affects what happens when the list ends; it does not save or restore playback state when OBS restarts.
- Check VLC installation. The VLC Video Source requires VLC to be installed. OBS specifies that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
After arranging the files, test the scene by playing through several transitions and checking the order in the stream output. If you add or reorder files while broadcasting, confirm the updated list in OBS and check what reaches YouTube; the available documentation does not establish a universal rule for whether edits take effect immediately in every setup.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Playlist order and restart recovery are different
Keeping the same sequence
With VLC Video Source and shuffle off, OBS’s documented behavior is to play files in the order shown in the list. That answers which item follows another during normal playlist playback.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Returning to the current file after reopening OBS
OBS’s official VLC source documentation covers playlist order, shuffle, looping, and visibility behavior, but does not establish that the built-in source restores the exact file and timestamp after OBS has been closed and reopened. Do not assume that the playback position will persist: test the specific OBS version and scene you use.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Using the Media Playlist Source plugin
The OBS community listing for Media Playlist Source says it saves the currently playing file so that it will be played when OBS restarts. That is a plugin listing’s feature claim, not a guarantee about the exact playback timestamp: the listing does not promise to restore the precise position within the file. It lists OBS Studio 30.0.0 as the minimum version and Windows, macOS, and Linux as supported platforms.
Choose between Media Source, VLC Video Source, and the plugin
| Option | Best fit | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Media Source | One media file | OBS documents it as a source for an individual file, not a multi-file playlist. OBS documentation |
| VLC Video Source | A multi-file playlist in a chosen order | With shuffle off, files play in file-list order. Official documentation reviewed here does not establish exact item-and-timestamp recovery after a full OBS restart. OBS documentation |
| Media Playlist Source | Users who want the current file saved across an OBS restart | The community listing claims it saves the currently playing file; exact timestamp restoration is not stated. Minimum OBS Studio version listed: 30.0.0. Plugin listing |
YouTube is the destination in this workflow; OBS supplies the playlist. A forum question posted May 2, 2023, illustrates the practical concern of adding files to an OBS VLC playlist sent to YouTube Live, but it does not establish what happens in every configuration. YouTube does not control the order of files in the local OBS playlist.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded videos running on YouTube without leaving a computer at home, StreamNeo runs the playlist from the cloud. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not a camera feed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Rank #4
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream continues from the cloud with your computer off.
- Any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps streams as made, at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required, one free day per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Troubleshooting playlist behavior
- Files play in a different order than expected: Open the VLC Video Source properties, verify the displayed list order, and make sure Shuffle Playlist is off.
- The list stops after the final item: Enable Loop Playlist if you want it to restart from the beginning. This setting does not restore playback after an OBS restart.
- VLC Video Source is unavailable or does not work: Install VLC and check that its architecture matches OBS. OBS says 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- OBS restarts on a different file or position: The reviewed built-in-source documentation does not promise exact restart recovery. Test your setup; if restoring the current file matters, evaluate the Media Playlist Source plugin, bearing in mind its listing claims file recovery but does not state timestamp recovery.
- New files do not appear in the YouTube stream as expected: Check that the files were added to the active OBS VLC source and that the scene containing that source is the one being sent. The available forum example raises this question but does not establish a universal live-update behavior; verify the result in your own setup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
