OBS can be set up to reopen and play an event replay playlist after power returns, but its documented settings do not promise to resume at the exact item and timestamp interrupted by the outage. Use OBS’s VLC Video source for a multi-file playlist, configure the playlist loop and visibility behavior, and arrange for the computer and OBS to start again. Then test the whole sequence before relying on it at an event.
What happens to an OBS playlist after power returns?
A power outage is different from hiding a source in OBS. VLC Video’s visibility options determine what playback does when a source becomes hidden or visible; OBS’s documentation does not say that the playlist’s previous item and timestamp are saved across a full loss of power. Setting up automatic startup can restore operation, but do not treat that as exact position recovery.
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OBS describes VLC Video as a way to create a playlist of items, unlike the regular Media Source, which handles a single media file. See the OBS Project’s Media Sources documentation and Launch Parameters documentation.
Set up an OBS playlist to play again
- Install VLC. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video source to appear. Match architectures: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add a VLC Video source. In the intended OBS scene, add a source of type VLC Video. Use this for multiple playlist entries; the regular Media Source is for a single file.
- Load and order the files. Open the VLC source properties and add the media files in the order you want them played. Confirm the paths point to files that will still be available after the computer restarts.
- Choose looping and shuffle behavior. Enable Loop Playlist if the list should start over after its final item. Shuffle is optional and off by default; leave it off if the event needs a fixed sequence.
- Set the visibility behavior for your scene. The documented default is Stop when not visible, restart when visible. The other choices are to pause while hidden and resume when visible, or to keep playing while hidden. These affect scene visibility, not restoration after power loss.
- Save the scene collection and test playback. Check that the intended scene is selected, every file loads, and both video and audio behave as expected.
Make the computer and OBS start after an outage
Use your operating system’s startup settings to have the computer start when power returns, if its hardware and firmware support that behavior, and arrange for OBS to launch at sign-in or through an appropriate automated startup mechanism. The exact controls vary by computer and operating system, so confirm them on the machine used for the event.
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OBS supports launch parameters for actions such as starting streaming, recording, the virtual camera, or Replay Buffer. Its launch-parameter documentation also advises Windows users setting up scheduled or other automated launches to set the working directory to the folder containing obs64.exe. These launch options do not claim to restore a VLC playlist’s former position.
Rehearse the complete recovery path
Before an event, test a controlled restart under conditions that are safe for your equipment and files. OBS recommends testing settings before streaming or recording. Verify each part in sequence:
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- The computer starts as expected after power is restored.
- OBS launches and opens the intended scene collection and scene.
- The VLC source can find every media file and begins playback.
- Audio starts at the expected level and output.
- The playlist’s restart point is acceptable for the event. A restart from the beginning is not the same as continuing from the interrupted position.
Rehearse again after changing OBS, VLC, the operating system, media paths, or scene/source settings. The actual behavior on reopening can depend on that setup.
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If you need the exact interrupted position
Do not assume that OBS’s loop, visibility, or startup options save the playlist’s last timestamp. The OBS documentation cited above describes playlist playback and application launch, but does not document resuming a VLC playlist at its prior item and position after full power loss. If exact continuation is essential, the documented setup here does not establish that OBS will provide it; choose an approach that explicitly supports position persistence and verify it in a rehearsal.
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Single video file instead of a playlist
For one file, use OBS’s regular Media Source. Its properties include Loop and Restart playback when source becomes active; the latter is on by default. These controls govern that source’s playback and activation, not guaranteed recovery of an interrupted timestamp after a power outage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded videos looping as a YouTube live stream without leaving an event computer running, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option rather than an OBS playlist recovery setting. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It supports the uploaded quality 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 pricing is $9.99 per month. This is for uploaded video streamed to YouTube, not a camera feed. See StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
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