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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To play a playlist of video files through OBS on YouTube Live, install VLC with the same architecture as OBS, add an OBS VLC Video Source, load your local media, and connect OBS to the stream details provided by YouTube Studio. This documented workflow is for files available to the computer running OBS—not a guarantee that OBS can import an existing YouTube-hosted playlist URL.
What this setup does—and what it does not
OBS’s VLC Video Source is designed to play multiple media items as a playlist. OBS sends the resulting scene to YouTube Live. The files are played by VLC on the computer running OBS, so that computer and its connection must remain available while you broadcast.
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An existing playlist hosted on YouTube is a different input. The OBS documentation reviewed for this guide does not confirm that a YouTube playlist URL can be added to VLC Video Source and played as a playlist. Use local media for the documented workflow below, and do not assume that pasting a YouTube playlist link will work.
Before you begin
- Install OBS Studio and VLC on the computer that will run the broadcast.
- Match their architectures. OBS specifies that a 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC. If VLC Video Source is missing from OBS’s Add Source menu, check that VLC is installed and that the architectures match. OBS: Media Sources
- Have the video files you intend to play available to that computer.
- Be ready to create or select a YouTube Live broadcast and enter the connection details supplied by YouTube Studio.
Set up the VLC playlist in OBS
- Choose a scene. Open OBS and select the scene that should contain the video playlist.
- Add the source. In the Sources dock, click + and select VLC Video Source. Give it a recognizable name if OBS prompts you, then open its properties. OBS’s Sources Guide documents adding sources from the plus control. OBS: Sources Guide
- Add media items. In the source properties, use the playlist’s add control to select the video files you want. The VLC source is intended for multiple media items; the older OBS Studio reference manual describes items playing in insertion order. The current interface may differ from that 2022 manual. OBS: Media Sources University of Regina Open Textbooks: OBS Studio Reference Manual
- Choose loop and shuffle behavior. Leave Loop Playlist on if playback should restart at the end. Leave Shuffle Playlist off for a fixed sequence; turn it on if you want items randomized. OBS documents Loop Playlist as on and Shuffle Playlist as off by default.
- Set visibility behavior. Choose how the playlist should behave when its source is hidden. OBS documents the default as stopping while not visible and restarting when visible. The available behaviors also include pause/resume and always play. Pick the behavior that matches how you use scenes; if this is the only scene, the default may be suitable.
- Arrange the video in the scene. Select the source in the preview and drag its bounding box to position or resize it. For precise dimensions or placement, use Edit Transform. OBS: Sources Guide
- Check playback before going live. Preview the scene and confirm the video advances as expected and that its audio is present at a suitable level. If you use more than one scene, check the source’s visibility behavior when switching between them.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
Create or select a live broadcast in YouTube Studio, then configure OBS with the server and stream details that YouTube provides. The specific YouTube Studio labels and steps can change; follow the current instructions shown in your account rather than relying on a fixed button path. A current secondary how-to describes this general connection flow, but it is not official YouTube interface documentation. iTechGuides: How to Loop a Local Video Playlist on YouTube Live with OBS
#1 Best Overall
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- [TV Projector or Digital Signage] This 4K media player supports autoplay, loop playback, and shuffle playback, and supports both landscape and portrait display modes. HDMI media player can run continuously, making it ideal for TV projector or digital signage such as restaurant welcome videos, reception videos, and art and museum installations.
- [Extensive Compatibility] This media player for TV can play media files from USB hard drives up to 8TB in capacity or micro SD cards up to 1TB in capacity. Supported file systems include FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS. Supported formats include: H.265/HEVC (MKV, MOV, AVI), MPEG, FLV, RM, 3GP, MP4, WMV, RMVB, DAT, MPG, TS, M2TS, JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, MP3, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC, WMA, etc.
Before starting the broadcast, verify that the correct scene is selected, the playlist is playing, and audio is audible in OBS. Start the stream from OBS using the connection details for the intended YouTube broadcast.
Playlist options and practical limits
Looping and ordering
With Loop Playlist enabled, OBS restarts the sequence when it reaches the end. With Shuffle Playlist disabled, items follow their playlist order; enabling shuffle randomizes playback. If the order matters—for example, for a scheduled program—keep shuffle off and arrange the items accordingly.
Rank #2
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- VLC for Kindle has a media library for audio and video files, and allows to browse folders directly.
- VLC has support for multi-track audio and subtitles. It supports auto-rotation, aspect-ratio adjustments, hardware acceleration and gestures to control volume.
- It also includes a widget for audio control, supports audio headsets control, cover art and a complete audio media library.
Hidden-source behavior
The documented default stops the source when it is not visible and restarts it when visible. If your scene changes hide the source, playback may therefore restart rather than continue from the same point. Pause/resume and always-play behaviors are also available. Select the option that fits your scene transitions.
Network caching
OBS lists network caching at 400 ms by default. This setting concerns network media; it is not a universal recommended adjustment for local files. Avoid changing it without a specific playback problem and a reason to test a different value. OBS: Media Sources
Rank #3
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- 【1080P MP4 Player】-- Full HD 1080p@60Hz supports most video decoding formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, DIVX, MKV, MOV, HD MOV, MP4, M4V, PMP, AVC, FLV, VOB, MPG, DAT, MPEG, TS, TP, M2TS, WMV, (H.264,H.263,WMV9/VC-1,MPEG1/2/4),Not support VPR files. Note: Please use our 4K player to play some videos taken with smart phones, ASIN: B07WPY8VKL
- 【HDMI or AV Output】-- Supports 1080p HDMI output, allowing you to transmit crisp, clear video and audio in a pure digital format to an HDTV; it also supports composite AV output for use with analog TVs. An analog AV cable is included. While using HDMI video output, you can also connect external speakers via the AV output. However, video cannot be output via both AV and HDMI at the same time.
- 【USB 2.0/3.0 Compability】-- Drive external USB 2.0/3.0 storage devices such as USB flash(up to 512G)/SD card(up to 128G) and hard drive(partition should be MBR, up to 8TB), you can also delete or copy files in the USB drive(FAT or FA32) directly, Also plays subtitle files as well as loop videos
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Local media versus a URL
The older OBS Studio reference manual describes adding a directory or URL, but that does not establish that a YouTube-hosted playlist URL is supported as a playlist input. The verified path here is to add media items available to the OBS computer. Treat direct YouTube playlist URL playback as unconfirmed unless you have verified it with your current software versions. University of Regina Open Textbooks: OBS Studio Reference Manual
Troubleshooting
- VLC Video Source does not appear: Install VLC, then confirm its architecture matches OBS. In particular, 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. Reopen OBS after installing VLC if the source is still absent.
- The playlist does not start or a file is missing: Check that the item is present in the VLC source playlist and that the media file is available to the computer running OBS. Remove and add the item again if its location has changed.
- The sequence does not repeat: Open the source properties and confirm Loop Playlist is enabled.
- Items play in an unexpected order: Check the playlist order and whether Shuffle Playlist is enabled.
- Playback restarts after changing scenes: The source may be hidden, and its visibility behavior may be set to stop while hidden and restart when visible. Change the behavior to pause/resume or always play if that better suits the scene.
- A YouTube playlist link does not work: The reviewed OBS documentation does not verify direct playback of a YouTube-hosted playlist URL through VLC Video Source. Use media files available locally for the supported workflow.
- The video plays but viewers cannot hear it: Check that the source’s audio is present in the OBS mixer and that it is not muted. Confirm playback in the preview before starting the broadcast.
- YouTube does not receive the stream: Recheck the server and stream details against the broadcast selected in YouTube Studio. The exact interface can change, so use the current details shown for that broadcast.
Copyright and YouTube policy
Having a video file available to play does not establish that you have the rights to broadcast it. Use content you own or are authorized to stream, and check YouTube’s current copyright and monetization rules before running a playlist. Replaying content also does not by itself establish eligibility for monetization; decisions depend on YouTube’s applicable policies and review of the channel.
Rank #4
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- PLAYS 2K QUAD-HD VIDEOS - Works with TVs old and new! Smoothly plays videos up to 2560x1440@60fps, upscaled to UHD 4K/60Hz HDMI output. Sharp and clear video and audio in pure digital format, compatible with 4K and 1080p TVs, projectors, and monitor displays. Composite AV output for use with analog TVs or for sending sound to a stereo system.
- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 2560x1440, 60fps, 100mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is an always-on YouTube channel playing uploaded videos, StreamNeo is an alternative to keeping OBS and the VLC playlist running on a home computer. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud service loops the uploaded videos, so nothing has to stay on at home. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed, and streams to YouTube only.
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, once per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo or its plans. Start your free first day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MAKE YOUR TV SMARTER - Enhance any TV with the ability to play videos, music, and photo slideshows from a USB drive or MicroSD Card! It’s so simple and intuitive - anyone can use it. The Micca 4K is amazingly compact and affordable, get one for each TV in the house!
- PLAYS 4K ULTRA-HD VIDEOS - Works with TVs old and new! Smoothly plays videos up to 4096x2304@30fps over UHD 4K/60Hz HDMI output. Sharp and clear video and audio in pure digital format, compatible with 4K and 1080p TVs, projectors, and monitor displays. Composite AV output for use with analog TVs or for sending sound to a stereo system.
- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 4096x2304, 30fps, 200mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
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