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To rotate several prerecorded files during a YouTube livestream, add them to OBS’s VLC Video Source, choose their order, and enable Loop Playlist if you want the sequence to repeat. For a single file, use Media Source and turn on Loop. OBS sends the scene’s output to YouTube; this is a local playback playlist, not a playlist hosted on your YouTube watch page.
Choose the right OBS source
| What you want to play | OBS source | Setting | Dependency |
|---|---|---|---|
| One file repeatedly | Media Source | Loop | No VLC dependency is listed for this source. |
| Several files in a fixed order | VLC Video Source | Loop Playlist on; Shuffle Playlist off | VLC must be installed. |
| Several files in randomized order | VLC Video Source | Shuffle Playlist on; enable Loop Playlist if the sequence should repeat | VLC must be installed. |
Looping and shuffling are separate controls: looping starts the list again after its last item, while shuffling randomizes item order. OBS documentation lists playlist looping as on by default and shuffle as off by default, but inspect the settings in your own source. Interface placement can change between versions.
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Set up a rotating playlist in OBS
- Prepare your files. Put the prerecorded video or audio files in a local folder OBS can access. Confirm that you have the rights to stream each item. A playlist control does not grant permission to rebroadcast music, video, or other material.
- Install VLC if necessary. The VLC Video Source depends on VLC. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. If VLC Video Source does not appear in the Sources add menu, check that VLC is installed and that its architecture matches OBS. OBS’s Media Sources guide documents the source and its dependency.
- Add the source to the scene. In OBS, select the scene you plan to stream. In the Sources dock, use the add control and choose VLC Video Source. Add the media files to the source’s playlist and arrange them in the order you want. Scenes contain the sources that make up the output OBS sends to the stream; see the OBS Sources Guide.
- Set rotation. In the VLC Video Source properties, leave Shuffle Playlist off for a fixed sequence or turn it on for randomized order. Enable Loop Playlist to restart the list after the final file. Check both controls rather than relying on defaults.
- Choose hidden-source behavior. Set what happens when the source is hidden: stop and restart, pause and resume, or keep playing while hidden. Stop/restart can cause the playlist to begin again when you return to the scene instead of resuming at its previous position. Choose the behavior that fits your scene changes.
- Fit the source in the scene. Select the source in the preview and position or resize it as needed so the video is visible in the stream layout. If the playlist includes audio, check the OBS audio mixer for activity while playback runs.
- Test the playlist locally. Start playback and confirm that the first item appears, audio is audible, and the next item advances as expected. If you enabled looping, let the list reach its end at least once before relying on it for a broadcast.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and create or schedule a stream. Use YouTube’s Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder instructions for the current workflow.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key shown for the stream into OBS’s stream settings. Treat the key as a credential: YouTube Help describes it as “like your YouTube stream’s password and address.” Do not share it publicly or include it in a screen recording.
- Start streaming from OBS. Check the Live Control Room preview to verify the picture and sound are reaching YouTube. For a scheduled broadcast, you must also click Go live in Live Control Room when you are ready to begin the public stream.
- Before inviting viewers, confirm that the playlist advances and monitor both audio and video. YouTube recommends setting up in advance, checking the preview, and monitoring the stream; see YouTube live streaming tips – Computer.
If you think the key has been exposed, reset it in Live Control Room and update the key in OBS. YouTube’s Manage live stream settings page explains stream-key management.
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Common problems and fixes
- VLC Video Source is missing: Install VLC and match its architecture to OBS; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC for this source.
- The list plays once and stops: Open the VLC Video Source properties and enable Loop Playlist. This is distinct from Media Source’s single-file Loop setting.
- Items play in an unexpected order: Turn off Shuffle Playlist for a fixed sequence, then check the order of files in the source playlist.
- The list starts over after a scene change: Review the source’s visibility behavior. Stop/restart can restart playback on return; pause/resume or always play while hidden may better fit the scene workflow.
- You see no video or hear no audio in YouTube’s preview: Verify that the source is in the scene being streamed, that playback is active, and that the OBS audio mixer shows the expected signal. Then check the Live Control Room preview and the stream connection.
- OBS is sending, but the scheduled event is not live: Starting output in OBS does not replace the scheduled-stream start action. Open Live Control Room and select Go live when the preview is ready.
- The stream key no longer works or may be compromised: Check that OBS has the key for the intended stream. If it was exposed, reset it in Live Control Room and replace it in OBS.
Keep the playlist running without leaving your computer on
StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. To use it, upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the upload from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a live camera.
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- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
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- The first day is free with no card; one free day is available per account.
- Choose a day, week, month, six months, or year, and cancel any time. UPI and cards are supported in India; card checkout is available worldwide.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Copyright and YouTube policy checks
Before streaming, make sure you have the necessary rights for every recording, including music and any third-party footage. YouTube’s stream key and OBS playlist settings only connect and play the content; they do not establish that the content is licensed or policy-compliant. YouTube’s rules and the circumstances of your account and media determine what you may stream. Use the copyright safety checklist as a preparation aid, not a substitute for confirming your rights.
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