To rotate videos without restarting a YouTube broadcast, keep the OBS-to-YouTube connection running and let an OBS VLC Video Source play a prepared playlist. Enable Loop Playlist if you want the list to repeat after its last video. YouTube continues receiving the encoder feed while OBS changes which file is playing.
How the rotation works
YouTube receives a live feed from OBS; OBS supplies the video content. With a playlist in OBS, the source advances from one item to the next while the encoder connection remains active. You do not need to end the YouTube broadcast just to move to the next queued video.
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OBS’s VLC Video Source supports playlists and a loop option. Its documentation describes it as letting you “create a playlist of items, similar to an Image Slideshow.” The workflow establishes playlist playback and looping, but does not guarantee gapless transitions or uninterrupted playback for every file, codec, computer, or network.
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Prepare OBS and the playlist
- Install VLC. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video Source. Match the architecture: OBS specifically notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- Add the source. Open the scene you want to stream in OBS, select Sources, choose +, and add VLC Video Source. Name it so you can identify it in the scene.
- Build the playlist. In the source properties, add the video files in the order you want them to play. The default is ordered playback; use the shuffle option only if you want the sequence randomized. Prepare the list before going live rather than relying on untested edits during playback.
- Choose whether to repeat. Turn on Loop Playlist to start again at the first item when the source runs out of files. Leave it off if the playlist should play once.
- Check the scene. Confirm that the source is visible in the intended scene and fits the layout. Preview the scene and listen for audio before connecting to YouTube.
Connect OBS to YouTube and go live
- In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and create or select the live stream setup.
- Copy the stream’s server URL and stream key from Live Control Room into OBS’s stream settings. The stream key is a credential that tells the encoder where to send the feed and lets YouTube accept it; do not show it in screenshots or share it publicly.
- Start streaming from OBS, then check the YouTube preview before making the broadcast public or otherwise proceeding with your planned live setup.
- While the stream runs, monitor both audio and video quality. Confirm that the VLC source advances to the next file and, if looping is enabled, returns to the beginning after the final item.
YouTube’s encoder instructions describe ending a broadcast by stopping content from the encoder or clicking End Stream in Live Control Room. That is different from normal playlist rotation: queued items can advance inside OBS without ending the broadcast. YouTube also says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; that archiving guidance is not a guarantee or permission for a 24/7 event.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Changing the playlist while already live
The documented playlist workflow does not establish that edits to a VLC playlist during playback are seamless or risk-free. If you need to change the list mid-broadcast, test the exact edit—including adding, removing, or reordering files—in a controlled stream before relying on it for a live channel. For routine rotation, prepare and verify the playlist before going live.
Common problems and fixes
- VLC Video Source is missing: Install VLC and restart OBS if needed. Make sure VLC’s architecture matches OBS; 64-bit OBS needs 64-bit VLC.
- The playlist stops after the last file: Enable Loop Playlist in the VLC Video Source properties if it should repeat.
- The videos play in an unexpected order: Check the playlist order and whether shuffle is enabled. Disable shuffle for a fixed sequence.
- YouTube does not receive the OBS feed: Recheck the server URL and stream key in OBS against Live Control Room. Treat the key as secret and replace it if it has been exposed.
- There is a blank, frozen, or poor-quality picture or missing audio: Verify the file plays locally, confirm the correct scene and source are active, and preview the output. Check the audio routing and continue monitoring the YouTube stream. Media-format compatibility, system resources, and network conditions can affect results; the cited guidance does not promise universal reliability.
- A live playlist edit causes unexpected playback: The behavior is not guaranteed by the documented workflow. Restore a known-good playlist or test changes outside the live broadcast before using them again.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want uploaded videos to rotate on YouTube without keeping OBS or a home computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It keeps the uploaded videos looping from the cloud, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. Each slot supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers. The first day is free with no card; the Monthly option is $9.99 per month. UPI and cards are supported in India; card checkout is available worldwide. Try it at StreamNeo’s free trial.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Sources
- OBS Project: Media Sources
- OBS Project: Sources Guide
- YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder
- YouTube Help: Manage live stream settings
- YouTube Help: YouTube live streaming tips – Computer
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