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OBS’s VLC Video Source does not document an automatic sort-by-filename button. To make files play in filename order, arrange the playlist in the VLC Video Source properties, turn off Shuffle Playlist, and check the sequence shown in OBS before going live. Numbered filename prefixes such as 01_ and 02_ can help you arrange the list, but they are a practical aid—not an OBS auto-sort feature.
Set the order in OBS, not in VLC’s desktop playlist
The VLC Video Source in OBS uses a playlist of media items configured in that source. Its Shuffle Playlist setting controls whether OBS randomizes those items or plays them in the listed order; the documented default is Off. The OBS documentation describes ordering and shuffle, but not an automatic filename-sorting control.
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Sorting a queue in the VLC desktop player is a separate operation. VLC has playlist sorting controls, including sorting by name, but the available OBS and VLC documentation does not establish that sorting VLC’s queue updates the independent playlist configured in an OBS source. For a predictable OBS result, arrange the items in OBS and verify their displayed order there.
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Arrange files in filename order
- Check the VLC prerequisite. VLC must be installed for the VLC Video Source to be available. If you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
- Open the source playlist. In OBS, open the properties for the VLC Video Source you use for the videos. Inspect the displayed media-file list.
- Arrange the items. Add or reorder files until the list shown in the source properties matches the filename sequence you want. If bulk selection does not produce a sequence you can rely on, use clear numeric prefixes in filenames—such as
01_intro.mp4,02_main.mp4, and03_outro.mp4—then arrange the OBS list to match them. The prefixes make the intended sequence easier to see; they do not make OBS sort automatically. - Disable random playback. In the source properties, set Shuffle Playlist to Off. With shuffle off, the source follows its configured file-list order.
- Preview the sequence. Preview playback in OBS and check the first few transitions. Confirm that the first file is the intended one and that subsequent items follow the displayed order before starting the YouTube Live stream.
Choose the approach that fits your playlist
| Approach | Predictability | Effort and trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Arrange the files in the OBS source list | Direct: the configured list is the order to verify, with shuffle off. | Simple for a fixed playlist; edit the source list when the sequence changes. |
| Use numbered filename prefixes as an ordering aid | Makes the intended sequence easy to read and follow. | Low effort, but does not add an automatic sort function to OBS. |
| Use VLC’s own playlist sorting | Applies to VLC’s playlist controls; no documented link establishes that it changes OBS’s source list. | Useful within VLC, but not a dependable substitute for checking the OBS source properties. |
| Consider an alternative OBS playlist plugin | May suit a queue that needs editing or reordering without restarting video. | The OBS forum listing for Media Playlist Source identifies OBS 30.0.0 as its minimum version and Windows, macOS, and Linux support. Check current compatibility and availability before relying on it. |
Troubleshoot wrong order or unexpected playback
- Files play in a random sequence: Reopen the VLC Video Source properties and confirm Shuffle Playlist is Off.
- The first file is wrong: Inspect the list in the OBS source properties and move the intended first item into the correct position. Do not assume the order of a bulk selection is the order you want.
- VLC looks sorted, but OBS does not: Treat the VLC desktop queue and OBS’s configured source playlist as separate. Make the adjustment in OBS, then inspect the source list again.
- The VLC Video Source is unavailable: Install VLC, and match its architecture to OBS; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- You need to change a queue while video is playing: Assess the Media Playlist Source plugin listing, but verify its present compatibility with your OBS version and operating system before adopting it.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube channel playing uploaded videos, StreamNeo is an alternative to keeping an OBS computer running. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud. It does not stream from a camera.
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- Nothing has to stay on at home.
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- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
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See StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
Does the OBS VLC Video Source sort files alphabetically automatically?
The OBS documentation describes playlist order and shuffle, not an automatic filename-sort control.
Does this change YouTube Live copyright or encoder requirements?
No. The workflow here addresses playlist ordering; it does not establish YouTube’s current live-stream, copyright, or encoder requirements.
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