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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Use OBS Studio’s VLC Video source to play a playlist of local music-video files on YouTube Live. Install VLC with the same system architecture as OBS, add the files you want to the source playlist, choose whether to loop or shuffle, then connect OBS to a YouTube Live event and test the picture and sound before going public. You need the rights to stream every video and its audio; having a file on your computer is not permission to rebroadcast it.
Before you start
This method is for video files stored on your computer. OBS’s VLC Video source plays local media in a playlist; it does not import a playlist of videos hosted on YouTube. You will need:
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- OBS Studio and VLC installed on the same computer.
- Video files you are authorized to stream, gathered from the folders you want to use.
- A YouTube channel eligible to live stream, plus a live event or stream setup in YouTube Studio.
- An internet connection with enough upload capacity for the output settings you choose.
YouTube’s current eligibility guidance says the channel must be verified, have no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days, and the person streaming must be at least 16. Check live access before scheduling: YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility guidance.
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Add videos from multiple folders to OBS
Install compatible versions of OBS and VLC
Install VLC for your operating system and match its architecture to OBS. OBS specifically notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. VLC must be installed for the VLC Video source to appear in OBS. See the OBS media sources guide.
#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.
Build the playlist
- In OBS, open the scene that should display the music videos.
- In the Sources panel, select + and add VLC Video.
- Open the source properties and add the media files you want to play. Select files from each folder as needed; do not assume OBS will recursively find every file in multiple folders for you.
- Arrange the playlist in the order you want. Enable Loop Playlist if playback should restart at the beginning after the last item. Enable Shuffle Playlist if you want randomized order rather than the listed sequence. OBS documents loop as on and shuffle as off by default.
- Position and size the VLC Video source in the preview so it fits the scene canvas. Check the OBS audio mixer while a file is playing, and preview more than one playlist item.
Previewing multiple files helps catch missing-file paths, incompatible media, silent audio tracks, or a source that does not fit the scene. If you move or rename a file later, check the playlist and update its path.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- In YouTube Studio, create or select the live event and open its stream setup.
- In OBS, open Settings > Stream. Choose YouTube if the service is available and enter the event’s stream key as prompted. If using a custom setup, use the server URL supplied by YouTube and the matching stream key.
- Set the video and audio output in OBS to values YouTube supports and your connection can sustain. YouTube recommends RTMPS for secure ingestion, CBR bitrate encoding, and a keyframe interval of two seconds. Its encoder guidance covers supported codecs and resolution/bitrate combinations: YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
- Start streaming from OBS, then check the incoming preview, audio, and stream-health messages in YouTube Studio before relying on the broadcast. YouTube recommends testing with audio and movement similar to the planned stream and monitoring stream health: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
- Once the test is sound, start or confirm the public event in YouTube Studio according to the event’s setup.
Clear the music-video rights before going live
A locally stored file does not establish permission to stream it. The necessary rights may involve separate interests in the sound recording, composition, music video, territories, live transmission, and any archived replay. YouTube’s livestream terms require providers to have the necessary rights for live content, including music licensing rights from artists, labels, publishers, and other royalty participants: YouTube livestream terms and conditions.
Rank #2
- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device
YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. A warning or placeholder may appear, and a stream can be interrupted or terminated if the material remains. If you have licensed third-party content, YouTube says to ask the rights owner to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist; a license alone may not prevent interruption if the channel has not been allowlisted. Read YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams. A platform match check or successful test does not replace permission or guarantee that a later stream is cleared.
Troubleshoot common problems
- VLC Video is missing: Install VLC, then confirm its architecture matches OBS. Restart OBS after installation if the source still does not appear.
- A playlist item will not play: Check that the file still exists at the saved path and that the intended item was added to the VLC Video playlist. Re-add it after moving or renaming files, then test it in the preview.
- Video appears but has no sound: Check the file’s audio track and OBS’s audio mixer while it plays. Preview another item to determine whether the problem is limited to one file.
- The source is cropped or off-screen: Select the VLC Video source in the preview and adjust its position and size to fit the scene canvas.
- YouTube does not receive the stream: Verify the event’s stream key and server URL against the YouTube Studio setup, confirm OBS is using the intended service, and inspect YouTube Studio’s incoming preview and stream-health messages.
- YouTube flags or interrupts the broadcast: Treat this as a rights issue, not an OBS setting. Stop using the disputed material unless you have the necessary rights, and contact the rights owner about Content ID allowlisting if the content is licensed.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube channel rather than operating OBS on your computer, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; videos stream as uploaded up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. It streams to YouTube and plays uploaded videos, not live camera footage. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- 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
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- 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
Rank #3
- Compact, feature-rich livestreaming USB audio mixer provides high-quality sound for desktop audio production
- Plug-and-play connectivity to computer or mobile device (no special drivers required)
- Loopback function makes it easy to mix mic and instrument inputs with background music, game sounds, or other audio input from a computer – and send the stereo mix back to the computer for streaming
- High-performance A/D converter with resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz provides crystal-clear output for voice and instruments
- Equipped with a single mic input (XLR or ¼"), two LINE inputs for guitar and keyboard, and USB-C input for connecting to a computer
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