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Freedom251 › Blog › 24/7 Livestream

How to Set Up a 24-Hour Podcast Stream in OBS Without Restarting It

By Freedom251 Team · · 5 min read

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To keep a prerecorded podcast playing continuously in OBS, enable Loop on a Media Source for one episode, or enable Loop Playlist on a VLC Video source for multiple episodes. Then configure OBS’s automatic reconnect, prevent the computer from sleeping, and test playback and streaming before leaving it unattended. Looping keeps the media playing; it does not guarantee an uninterrupted connection to your streaming platform.

Choose the right playback source

Use a Media Source when you want one recording to repeat. For a sequence of episodes, use a VLC Video source and add the episodes to its playlist. OBS documents these settings in its Media Sources guide.

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Setup OBS source Loop setting Dependency
One episode repeating Media Source Loop: On The recording must be accessible as a local file.
Multiple episodes VLC Video Loop Playlist: On VLC must be installed; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.

Set up one episode to repeat

  1. Create a scene: In OBS, create or select the scene you want to use for the podcast stream.
  2. Add the recording: In the Sources panel, select + → Media Source. Create a new source, choose the podcast file, and confirm.
  3. Enable looping: In the source properties, turn on Loop. OBS describes this option as making the file play again once playback completes; its documented default is Off.
  4. Check activation behavior: Review Restart playback when source becomes active. This controls what happens when the source becomes active, not whether it loops at the end. Avoid scene or visibility changes that unintentionally restart or interrupt playback.
  5. Confirm the output: Check that the recording’s picture and sound appear as expected in the OBS preview. If it is audio-only, add any title card or visual elements you want viewers to see.

Set up an episode playlist

  1. Install VLC: Install the VLC version that matches OBS. The OBS guide specifies that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
  2. Add the source: In the Sources panel, select + → VLC Video, create a source, and add the podcast files to its playlist.
  3. Set the order: Arrange episodes in the order you want them to play. Check any shuffle option if you want a different sequence rather than a fixed episode order.
  4. Loop the playlist: In the source properties, leave Loop Playlist enabled. OBS documents this option as restarting the source after it runs out of media files; the guide lists its default as On.
  5. Check hidden-source behavior: If scenes hide and show the VLC source, choose its visibility behavior deliberately. OBS provides options for whether it continues playing while not visible. Test the scene changes to confirm they do not cause an unwanted pause or restart.

Configure OBS and the destination platform

Set the destination in Settings → Stream using that service’s current official instructions. Select the service and follow its current process for connecting an account or entering a stream key. Keep the key private: anyone with access to it may be able to broadcast to your channel. OBS’s Overview Guide covers stream setup and output configuration.

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Set OBS’s Automatic Reconnect option in Advanced settings so OBS can attempt to recover after a connection interruption. It is a recovery aid, not a guarantee that a stream will remain live. A successful reconnect also does not establish whether the destination platform will accept a long interruption or continue the broadcast.

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There is no universal bitrate, resolution, keyframe interval, stream-key behavior, or 24-hour eligibility rule to give here: those depend on the selected platform and account, and its current ingest instructions. Check that platform’s official guidance rather than copying settings from another service. OBS notes that 60 fps can be demanding on system resources, so test your chosen resolution and frame rate before relying on the setup.

Prepare the computer for an unattended stream

  • Prevent the computer from sleeping or hibernating while the broadcast is running; otherwise OBS may stop encoding or lose its connection.
  • Use dependable power and a wired network connection where practical. A brief home-network or power interruption can still interrupt the broadcast.
  • Make sure the recording files remain available for the whole session. Do not move, rename, disconnect, or delete them after setting up the sources.
  • Allow OBS and VLC through any firewall or security software that could block their network access.
  • Check that the computer has enough resources for the selected output resolution, frame rate, and scene composition. A long test is more useful than checking only that OBS opens successfully.
  • Plan to monitor the stream. Automatic reconnect does not replace checking that OBS and the destination are still broadcasting.

Test before leaving the stream running

  1. Start the media in OBS and watch at least one transition between episodes, or the end and restart of a single episode.
  2. Start a test broadcast using the destination platform’s recommended procedure. Confirm that viewers can see and hear the stream, not just that OBS shows an active output.
  3. Verify that the playlist proceeds in the intended order and loops when it reaches the end.
  4. Check the platform’s status or preview for warnings, dropped connection, muted audio, or unexpected output quality.
  5. Test recovery in a controlled way if you can do so without risking an important broadcast. Confirm OBS attempts to reconnect and check what the platform does after the interruption.
  6. Use OBS’s Stream Connection Troubleshooting guide if the connection fails. It suggests trying a different server when appropriate and checking for interference from security software or network equipment.

Common problems and fixes

Symptom Likely cause What to check
The episode ends and playback stops. Loop is off, or the source is not configured as expected. Open the Media Source properties and turn on Loop.
The last playlist item ends and nothing else plays. Loop Playlist is off or the VLC source has a playback issue. Check Loop Playlist, the playlist contents, and the VLC installation and architecture.
The playlist source is missing from the add-source menu. VLC is not installed or OBS cannot use the installed version. Install VLC matching OBS’s architecture; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
Playback pauses or restarts after a scene change. The source’s visibility or activation behavior is affecting playback. Review VLC’s continue-while-hidden behavior or Media Source’s restart-on-activation setting, then test scene changes.
OBS stops sending the stream after a network interruption. The connection, server, network equipment, or security software may be interfering. Check Automatic Reconnect and follow OBS’s connection troubleshooting steps; verify the destination is receiving the stream again.
The computer goes offline after a while. Sleep, hibernation, power loss, or an unstable connection. Adjust power settings, use reliable power and networking, and monitor the machine during a long test.
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