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Connect the external SSD to the computer running OBS, then add the episode as a Media Source for one repeating file or as a VLC Video playlist for several episodes. Turn on the appropriate loop setting and test playback before going live. These settings repeat the media; they do not guarantee that a computer or broadcast will stay online unattended.
Choose how the episodes should play
| What you want to play | OBS source | Setting | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| One episode repeatedly | Media Source | Select the local file and enable Loop. | Built into OBS; this workflow selects one file at a time. |
| Several episodes in sequence | VLC Video | Add files in order, leave Shuffle Playlist off for a fixed sequence, and enable Loop Playlist if the sequence should repeat. | Requires VLC to be installed. The documented VLC source settings have Loop Playlist on by default and Shuffle Playlist off by default. |
OBS documents both local media sources and their playback controls in its Media Sources guide. VLC Video will not appear unless VLC is installed; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
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Set up the SSD and OBS sources
- Connect the SSD to the computer that will run OBS. Confirm that the computer has mounted the drive and that you can open the episode files from it. The SSD is simply the local storage location; it is not a special OBS feature.
- Open OBS and choose a scene for the stream. Add a source using the plus button in the Sources panel. For a single episode, choose Media Source, select the file on the SSD, and enable Loop if it should repeat.
- For multiple episodes, add a VLC Video source. Add the local files to its playlist in the intended order. Keep Shuffle Playlist off if order matters, and set Loop Playlist to match whether the sequence should start over after its last file.
- Play the source in OBS and check that the video, artwork or other scene content is appropriate and that audio is audible. Make sure the selected files remain accessible at their SSD paths.
- When the source behaves as intended, start your YouTube live broadcast using your normal YouTube and OBS streaming setup. The source controls described here cover media playback, not YouTube event scheduling or stream-key configuration.
Check file compatibility and drive access
OBS lists MP3, AAC, OGG and WAV as audio extensions for Media Source, and MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF and WebM as video extensions. A listed extension does not guarantee that every codec or individual file will play on every system. Test the actual episode in the source you plan to use before relying on it during a live stream.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If OBS cannot find a file, check that the SSD is connected and mounted on the OBS computer, then confirm the file path and open the file again. The OBS guide describes local media playback but does not specify SSD models, filesystem formats or operating-system mount troubleshooting.
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Protect the stream from copyright interruptions
Before broadcasting, make sure you have the rights to all episode audio and video, music, artwork and other included material. YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. A detected match may cause YouTube to replace the stream with a placeholder, interrupt it temporarily or terminate it. Even when you have a license, a rights holder may need to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist for the live stream to avoid interruption. See YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams.
What looping does—and does not—keep running
Media Source Loop and VLC Video Loop Playlist tell OBS how to repeat files. They are playback controls, not a 24/7 uptime guarantee. A continuous broadcast also depends on the computer, OBS, the SSD and the internet connection continuing to work; the loop setting alone does not provide unattended-stream recovery.
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Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuous YouTube stream without keeping the SSD-connected computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud option for uploaded videos. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo plays the uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not broadcast from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream runs from the cloud.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than separate quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.
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- The available storage capacity may vary.
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Troubleshooting
- The VLC Video source is missing: Install VLC and check that its architecture matches OBS. OBS’s 64-bit build requires 64-bit VLC.
- The episode does not repeat: For a single file, check Loop in Media Source. For a playlist, check Loop Playlist in VLC Video.
- Episodes play in an unexpected order: Arrange the VLC playlist deliberately and turn off Shuffle Playlist.
- A source shows no media or stops finding the file: Confirm the SSD is connected and mounted, then check that the file still opens from the selected path on the OBS computer.
- The live broadcast is interrupted after playback starts: Check YouTube’s notice for a third-party content match. Confirm rights for all included material; if it is licensed, ask the rights holder whether your channel needs to be added to its Content ID allowlist.
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