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In OBS Studio, add your ordered files as a VLC Video source, enable Loop Playlist, and keep the source active while you stream. That repeats the playlist, but OBS does not document a guarantee of gapless transitions between separate files or an inaudible restart. If continuity matters, assemble the show as one continuous program file, listen through its track boundaries and loop point, then use OBS’s Media Source loop control.
Choose the right playback setup
| Approach | Use it when | What to configure and verify |
|---|---|---|
| OBS VLC Video playlist | You have separate files and want to preserve or change their order. | Install VLC, add the files to a VLC Video source, enable Loop Playlist, and leave shuffle off for a fixed sequence. Audition transitions and the playlist restart; OBS does not promise gapless playback. |
| OBS Media Source | Your program is already prepared as one continuous file. | Enable the source’s single-file Loop option. The option repeats the file, but OBS does not promise that its restart will be inaudible. |
For 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. VLC must be installed for the VLC Video source to appear. OBS documents playlist repetition for VLC Video and looping for a single file in Media Source. OBS media sources.
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Set up and test a repeating playlist in OBS
- Install VLC with matching architecture. If the VLC Video source is missing from OBS, confirm VLC is installed and that its 64-bit or 32-bit architecture matches OBS.
- Add a VLC Video source. In the scene you will use, add a VLC Video source and add the local audio or video files in the order you want them played.
- Set playlist behavior. Turn on Loop Playlist. Leave shuffle off if the station needs a predictable sequence.
- Check source visibility behavior. OBS offers behavior choices for when a source is not visible, including continuing, pausing, or stopping playback. Select the behavior that fits your scenes; if the source must keep playing across scene changes, verify that the selected option does so.
- Run a local audition before going live. Listen through the whole playlist, including each track boundary and the final-to-first transition. Confirm audio levels, ordering, and that playback continues as intended after a scene change.
- Start the YouTube broadcast from OBS. Connect OBS to the YouTube live event using the stream key for that event, then monitor the outgoing stream and audio. Keep the OBS computer and network connection running for the broadcast.
What “without gaps” can mean
Loop Playlist means OBS restarts the playlist after it runs out of media; it is not a crossfade or a documented sample-accurate transition guarantee. Separate files may have a pause, silence, or other discontinuity at their boundaries. If the listening experience must be continuous, prepare and audition the entire program as one file in suitable editing or playout software, then loop that file in OBS. This is an operational approach, not a guarantee from OBS: listen to the end-to-start loop point as well as the internal edits before broadcasting. OBS media sources.
Do not use HLS settings to fix song gaps
HLS is an encoder-to-YouTube delivery method, not a track-editing setting. YouTube describes HLS as higher latency than RTMP because it sends media in segments. Its HLS setup specifies segment durations of 1–4 seconds, TS segment format, and a rolling playlist with no more than five outstanding segments. Those requirements govern stream ingestion; they do not create crossfades or remove silence between songs. OBS is listed among encoders that support HLS output. YouTube Help: Use HLS ingest for live streaming · YouTube HLS ingestion guide.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
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- 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
Clear music rights before going live
You are responsible for having the rights needed to broadcast every track, including the relevant rights from artists, labels, publishers, and other rights holders. YouTube scans live streams for third-party content; identified material can lead to interruption or termination if it remains in the stream. A music license does not necessarily prevent an interruption by itself: the rights owner may need to allowlist your channel through Content ID. YouTube Terms of Service · YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams.
- A track being available online or labeled “free” does not by itself establish that it is cleared for your live radio use. Check the license terms for the exact intended use and territory.
- YouTube says Creator Music does not support licensing for live content. Do not treat a Creator Music license as permission to use a track in a live radio stream.
- YouTube’s general guidance identifies public-domain works and works used with permission as safer options, while advising creators to check the applicable terms. YouTube Help: Use music and sound effects from the Audio Library · YouTube Help: Creator Music.
Keep the YouTube stream running if your computer cannot stay on
The OBS method depends on the playback computer, OBS, and its network connection staying available. If you want uploaded recordings or a playlist to keep a YouTube channel live without leaving a computer on at home, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live.
Rank #2
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- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
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Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and StreamNeo team support. The same features apply on every plan; only the billing duration changes. Uploads play as provided, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot rather than quality tiers. StreamNeo plays uploaded video to YouTube; it does not stream from a camera.
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- Any quality up to 4K 60fps is included at one flat price per slot.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; it is one free day per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Other available billing periods are Daily $0.99 per day, Weekly $2.99 per week, 6 months $49.99 for 6 months, and Yearly $89.99 a year. Billing can be canceled any time. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support. Try StreamNeo’s free day by creating an account.
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
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- 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
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- 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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- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
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Rank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
Troubleshoot common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| VLC Video is not available as a source | VLC is not installed or its architecture does not match OBS. | Install VLC; use 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS. |
| The playlist ends instead of repeating | Loop Playlist is not enabled or the wrong source is playing. | Check the VLC Video source’s Loop Playlist setting and confirm the scene is using that source. |
| Tracks play in an unexpected order | Shuffle is enabled or the playlist order differs from the intended sequence. | Turn shuffle off and review the file order in the source. |
| Playback pauses or stops after changing scenes | The source’s visibility behavior is set to pause or stop when hidden. | Review the source behavior for when it is not visible and test the scene change locally. |
| A short gap occurs between songs or at the loop point | Looping repeats media; it does not guarantee gapless transitions. | Audition the files and restart point. For continuity, prepare one continuous program file and test its restart. |
| The YouTube live stream is interrupted after a song plays | The track may have triggered a third-party-content match, or the channel may not be allowlisted for licensed use. | Confirm live-broadcast rights for the track and ask the rights owner about Content ID allowlisting. |
| The broadcast stops when the computer or connection fails | OBS is running on the affected computer and depends on that machine and its connection. | Restore the computer, OBS, and network, then check the YouTube live event. OBS documentation does not establish automatic recovery from a machine or connection failure. |
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