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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →OBS can repeat a playlist when it reaches the end, but that is not the same as changing content every six hours. For a scheduled rotation, put each content block in its own scene and use Advanced Scene Switcher to trigger scene changes on a timer. The exact timer setup depends on your OBS and plugin versions, so test the full sequence before relying on it during a live broadcast.
First decide what “rotate” means
There are two different workflows that can sound like rotating a playlist. Choose based on the result you want; neither requires ending and restarting the YouTube broadcast by default.
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| Workflow | What triggers it | Use it when | Main setup point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop one VLC playlist | The playlist reaches its end | You want the same list to play again | Enable Loop Playlist; choose whether to shuffle. |
| Rotate between playlist scenes | A timer or macro changes scenes | You want a different content block at six-hour intervals | Configure and test the timer, source visibility, and scene transition. |
OBS’s Media Sources documentation describes Loop Playlist as restarting the source after it has run out of media files. It is an end-of-list setting, not a six-hour clock.
Set up a playlist that repeats
- Install VLC. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video source. Match the architecture: 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add the source. In OBS, select the scene where the videos should appear, use the Sources panel’s add control, and choose VLC Video. If that option is unavailable, check that VLC is installed and that its 32-bit or 64-bit architecture matches OBS.
- Add media files. Add the local video files to the source playlist in the order you want them played. Leave shuffle off for sequential playback.
- Set looping and visibility. Enable Loop Playlist if you want the list to start over after its last file. Review Visibility Behaviour to decide whether playback continues, pauses, or stops when the source is hidden; the available behavior affects what happens when you switch scenes.
- Check the output. Confirm the video fits the canvas and that its audio is audible in the stream mix. Preview the source before going live.
Schedule a change every six hours
To switch between different blocks, create a separate OBS scene for each block and place the appropriate VLC playlist source in each scene. Then configure a timer-driven scene change with the Advanced Scene Switcher plugin. Its macro and media-condition features support scene automation, but the documented materials do not establish one universal six-hour recipe that applies to every OBS and plugin version.
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- Create the block scenes. Make one scene per playlist or content block, and give each a distinct, recognizable name.
- Add the relevant playlist source to each scene. Set each VLC Video source’s playlist and Visibility Behaviour deliberately. A source that continues while hidden may be at a different point when its scene returns; one that pauses or stops will behave differently.
- Configure Advanced Scene Switcher. Use its macro automation to trigger the required scene changes at the intended six-hour intervals. Follow the controls and syntax for the installed plugin version; do not assume settings or instructions for another version apply unchanged.
- Choose the transition. Set and preview the scene transition you want. Check that the change does not create an unwanted visual gap or an unexpected audio overlap.
- Test the sequence before a real broadcast. Verify the timer, playlist order, playback while hidden, audio, transitions, and that the YouTube broadcast remains in the state you intend. OBS’s Quick Start Guide recommends running a test before streaming.
Do not treat “six hours” as a guarantee that a particular scene-switcher configuration will work identically on every system. Confirm the schedule and broadcast behavior in your own OBS and plugin versions before leaving the setup unattended.
Can OBS automatically switch scenes after a set time?
Yes, scene automation is possible with Advanced Scene Switcher macros, but the exact configuration depends on the installed versions and the behavior you want for hidden media sources. The VLC playlist’s Loop Playlist option alone does not schedule a scene change.
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The community plugin Media Playlist Source is another software option listed for OBS. Check its listing for supported systems and version requirements before installing it. You do not need it for the basic VLC Video workflow described above.
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