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To make several local videos play over and over in OBS, add them to a VLC Video Source and leave Loop Playlist enabled. The setting restarts playback when the playlist runs out; it does not keep OBS, your computer, or your internet connection online. For a single video, use a Media Source and its separate Loop setting.
Set up a playlist that loops in OBS
- Install VLC. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video Source. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
- Add the playlist source. In the scene you want to stream, add a VLC Video Source, open its properties, and add the media files to the playlist.
- Keep Loop Playlist enabled. OBS documents this option as on by default. It restarts the source after it runs out of media files.
- Choose whether to shuffle. Enable Shuffle Playlist only if you want the files played in randomized order; its documented default is off.
- Check source visibility. With OBS’s default visibility behavior, playback stops when the source is not visible and restarts when it becomes visible. Keep the VLC source visible in the active scene if you want it to play.
The names and behavior of these controls are documented on the OBS Project Media Sources page (documentation dated January 11, 2022; retrieved settings reflect the current page).
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Choose the right source for one video or several
| What you want to play | OBS source | Loop control |
|---|---|---|
| One repeating file | Media Source | Loop repeats that file. |
| A list of local files | VLC Video Source | Loop Playlist restarts the source after the list ends. |
Looping, shuffling, and visibility are separate controls: looping repeats the list, shuffling changes its order, and visibility determines whether playback runs while the source is hidden.
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Connect OBS to YouTube Live
The playlist controls playback inside OBS. You must configure YouTube as the destination separately: enter YouTube’s server URL and stream key in OBS, then start sending output from the encoder. Follow YouTube’s current encoder setup instructions. Treat the stream key as a credential—do not share it or show it on stream.
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What Loop Playlist does not guarantee
Loop Playlist only restarts media when the playlist reaches its end. It does not restart a crashed OBS session, restore a dropped internet connection, or prove that YouTube is receiving the stream continuously. The broadcast still depends on the computer, OBS, the network connection, and delivery to YouTube remaining active.
Plan for YouTube archives and viewer rewind
YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived, but a stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. If preserving the broadcast matters, make a separate local recording; YouTube recommends keeping a local archive backup. See YouTube’s archive live streams guidance, checked October 3, 2026.
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Do not promise viewers that they can rewind the full duration of an uninterrupted 24/7 stream. YouTube says DVR rewind and pause capability may be limited or unavailable on streams longer than 12 hours. Details are in YouTube’s DVR help, checked October 3, 2026.
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- VLC Video Source is missing: Install VLC and make sure its bitness matches OBS. For 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC.
- The source plays only one file: Confirm that all intended files were added to the VLC Video Source playlist, rather than creating a single-file Media Source.
- Playback stops after the last file: Open the source properties and check that Loop Playlist is enabled.
- Playback stops when you change scenes: Check whether the source is hidden in the active scene. OBS’s default behavior stops playback while hidden and restarts it when visible.
- The stream ends or disconnects even though the playlist loops: Looping does not recover OBS, the computer, or the network. Check that OBS is still running and sending output, and verify the YouTube destination and connection.
- The broadcast is missing from archives: YouTube may not capture streams exceeding 12 hours. Keep a local recording when an archive is important.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a YouTube stream built from uploaded videos, StreamNeo is an alternative to keeping OBS and a computer running at home: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The cloud keeps the videos looping, so nothing has to stay on at home. Your upload streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; StreamNeo also automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or pricing and plan details. This is for uploaded video playback to YouTube, not a camera-based live stream. Start your free first day on StreamNeo.
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