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How to Make OBS Shuffle Videos in a YouTube Live Loop Playlist

Use OBS’s VLC Video Source for multiple local videos, then enable Shuffle Playlist and Loop Playlist to randomize playback and repeat it on YouTube Live.
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To shuffle multiple videos in an OBS YouTube Live stream and keep them playing, add them to a VLC Video Source, then enable both Shuffle Playlist and Loop Playlist. You need VLC installed with the same architecture as OBS; a single video can instead use OBS’s simpler Media Source with its Loop option.

Set up a shuffled, repeating playlist in OBS

  1. Install VLC. The VLC Video Source uses VLC libraries, so VLC must be installed before the source is available. Match its architecture to OBS; for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. OBS Project: Media Sources
  2. Add the playlist source. In the OBS scene you plan to stream, add a VLC Video Source and add your local video files to its playlist.
  3. Turn on both controls. Enable Shuffle Playlist to randomize playback order and Loop Playlist to restart playback after the list reaches its end. OBS treats these as separate settings. Its documented defaults have Loop Playlist on and Shuffle Playlist off, so check both.
  4. Check the scene and audio. Confirm the source is visible in the active scene, the intended files play, and their audio reaches the OBS stream mix.
  5. Connect OBS to YouTube. In YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, create or select a stream, then copy its stream URL and stream key into OBS’s streaming settings. Start the OBS encoder and confirm the preview appears in Live Control Room; use YouTube’s on-screen go-live step for that stream. See YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.

Choose the right OBS source

Source Best for Repeat control Shuffle
Media Source One video file Loop Not documented for a multi-file playlist
VLC Video Source Multiple local playlist files Loop Playlist Shuffle Playlist
Media Playlist Source plugin An optional third-party playlist workflow Plugin listing advertises playback-position saving Plugin listing advertises reshuffling after the last file plays

The built-in Media Source is the simpler choice for one file. For multiple files, VLC Video Source provides the documented playlist controls. The optional OBS forum plugin listing says Media Playlist Source requires OBS Studio 30.0.0 or newer; it also advertises saved playback position and reshuffling after the last file plays. It is not required for the built-in VLC workflow. OBS Project: Media Sources · OBS Project Forum: Media Playlist Source

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Keep the YouTube stream safe and eligible

  • Check channel eligibility. YouTube says channels must be verified and must have had no live-streaming restrictions in the past 90 days to live stream. See YouTube Help: Get started with live streaming.
  • Use content you have rights to stream. YouTube’s livestream terms require the provider to have the necessary rights for the content, including relevant music licensing rights. A file playing correctly in OBS does not establish that you may stream or archive it. See YouTube: Livestream terms and conditions.
  • Protect your stream key. YouTube uses the key as an encoder credential to identify where the feed is sent and allow YouTube to accept it. Do not share or expose it.
  • Keep the two kinds of playlists separate. Looping a playlist while watching YouTube is different from using an OBS VLC Video Source playlist to compose an encoder feed.

Troubleshooting

VLC Video Source is missing

Install VLC, then check that its architecture matches OBS. OBS specifically calls for 64-bit VLC when using 64-bit OBS.

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The files play in order instead of shuffling

Open the VLC Video Source settings and enable Shuffle Playlist. Looping does not shuffle by itself; the settings control different behaviors.

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The playlist stops after its last video

Enable Loop Playlist. Shuffle randomizes order, but does not make the playlist repeat.

The source plays, but the YouTube preview is missing

Confirm OBS is using the intended scene and that the source is visible, then check that OBS is configured with the stream URL and stream key for the selected YouTube stream. Start the encoder and check Live Control Room’s preview before using its go-live step.

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There is no sound in the stream mix

Check that the video’s audio is reaching the OBS stream mix. A visible video source alone does not confirm its audio is included.

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