To make a continuous YouTube music stream from files in several folders, add the files you want to a playlist in OBS Studio’s VLC Video source, then send OBS’s scene to a YouTube Live broadcast. VLC must be installed, and the computer running OBS must stay on and connected while you stream. This creates one playlist from selected files; OBS’s documentation does not establish automatic nested-folder scanning or monitoring for new files.
Before you build the playlist
Check your music rights and YouTube access
Use recordings and compositions you have permission to broadcast. A consumer purchase or personal listening access does not by itself establish permission to stream music publicly. YouTube says live streams are scanned for matches to third-party content; a match can result in a placeholder, a warning, or interruption or termination if the content continues. Even licensed music can be interrupted if the rights owner has not added your channel to its Content ID allowlist. Confirm rights and, where applicable, allowlisting with the rights owner before relying on a track in a long broadcast. YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams.
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If you choose to archive the live stream, YouTube says Content ID claims can be made after the stream ends. That is separate from live matching and interruption.
Check YouTube Studio for your channel’s current live-stream access and restrictions before preparing a long broadcast; the eligibility steps and interface can change.
#1 Best Overall
- [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.
Gather files from every folder
Make a list of the specific audio files you want in the stream. OBS’s Media Sources documentation lists formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Its documented VLC source supports a playlist, but does not promise to recursively import nested directories or watch folders for new files. Add and verify the files you want rather than assuming that choosing a parent folder will include everything. OBS Project: Media Sources.
Build a playlist from multiple folders in OBS
- Install OBS Studio and VLC. OBS’s VLC Video source requires VLC to be installed. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC as well. Restart OBS after installation if the source is not available.
- Create a scene. In OBS, use the Scenes panel to create or select a scene for the radio stream.
- Add a VLC Video source. In the Sources panel, select the add control and choose VLC Video. Name the source and confirm.
- Add files from each folder to its playlist. In the source properties, use the playlist controls to add the files you selected from the different folders. Check that every intended file appears; do not assume OBS will scan subfolders for you.
- Choose playback behavior. Leave Shuffle Playlist off for the listed sequence, or turn it on for randomized playback. Turn on Loop Playlist so playback starts again after the playlist reaches its end. These are distinct controls in the VLC source.
- Add a visual source. Add a still image or another visual source to the scene and arrange it in the preview. OBS scenes combine sources in the output. The sources cited here do not establish YouTube’s current acceptance of an audio-only stream, so use a visual element and consult current YouTube guidance for any specific presentation requirements. OBS Project: Sources Guide.
Send the scene to YouTube Live
- Create or select a live broadcast in YouTube Studio. Verify that live streaming is available to your channel and follow the current Studio prompts for a broadcast.
- Connect OBS to the broadcast. In OBS, configure the stream service and the stream key or connection details provided for the YouTube broadcast. Treat the stream key like a password: do not publish it or share it. The exact labels and connection flow may change, so follow the current YouTube Studio and OBS screens.
- Start the stream and inspect YouTube’s preview. Confirm the intended visual is present and the music is audible before leaving the stream unattended.
At the feed level, YouTube’s Live Streaming API documentation says an ingested feed containing multiple audio streams must contain only one audio stream. That is not the same as a playlist with many songs: the playlist plays tracks one after another, while the encoded feed should carry one audio stream. See Google for Developers: LiveStreams.
Rank #2
- 6 channel standalone mixer (No USB)
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Test the stream before leaving it unattended
- Play through a file from each source folder and verify the expected tracks are present.
- Listen to the YouTube preview to confirm the audio is audible and the visual source remains in the scene.
- Let the playlist reach its end once, if practical, and verify that Loop Playlist starts it again.
- If using shuffle, confirm that randomized playback is the behavior you want; use shuffle off for the listed sequence.
- Keep in mind that 24/7 describes the intended schedule, not guaranteed uptime. Google documents a 24/7 broadcast as a use case, but that is not an uptime promise. Google for Developers: Understanding Broadcasts and Streams.
Common problems and fixes
VLC Video is missing from the source menu
Install VLC, matching the architecture of OBS; for 64-bit OBS, OBS specifies 64-bit VLC. Reopen OBS and check the source menu again.
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Open the VLC source properties and inspect the playlist. Add the missing files directly from their folders; do not rely on undocumented recursive folder import.
Rank #3
- 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
The playlist stops after one pass
Open the VLC source properties and enable Loop Playlist. Check that the playlist contains the intended files.
The wrong playback order plays
Turn Shuffle Playlist off to follow the listed sequence. If shuffle is on, playback is randomized rather than fixed order.
Rank #4
- Upgrade Mic Clarity with XLR Power-Unlock studio-quality voice capture: The 48V phantom power XLR port supports high-sensitivity mics up to -50dB gain, while the Dynamic/Condenser toggle adapts to any microphone type. With <0.2% distortion and 75dB SNR, your comms cut through explosions crisply. Adjust mic monitoring via output knob on the gaming mixer keeping you aware of voice levels—perfect for intense FPS callouts.
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- Game/Chat Balance Dial & 7.1 Immersion-Dominate squad coordination: Twist the dedicated Game/Chat knob to prioritize enemy footsteps or teammate comms. Coupled with virtual 7.1 surround and 3 EQ presets (Game/Music/Movie), hear Valorant spike defuses from any directions while Discord chats stay crystal-clear.
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- RGB-Infused Streaming Ready Hub-Broadcast in style: Synchronized RGB lighting reacts to audio peaks for visual flair. Drive 32Ω headphones with 93dB SNR fidelity, while the aux chain lets you overlay music onto streams. Everything stays cool during 8-hour Fortnite marathons.
YouTube warns about or interrupts the stream
Review the affected content and the rights for each recording and composition. YouTube scans live streams for third-party material, and permission alone may not prevent a live interruption if the rights owner has not allowlisted your channel in Content ID. Resolve the issue with the rights owner and follow YouTube’s guidance before restarting with that material.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
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Check that the VLC source is in the active scene, that its playlist is playing, and that the scene includes the intended visual source. Check the broadcast preview before leaving OBS running.
Best Value
- 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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Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want a computer at home to stay on, StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to remain on. It streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo, then start the free first day.
Quick Recap
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